Interior Enters into Nation’s First-Ever Tribal Energy Agreement
Historic agreement advances Trump administration’s energy priorities, increases Southern Ute Tribe’s authority to manage energy development on tribal lands
May 11, 2026
WASHINGTON – The Department of the Interior approved the nation’s first-ever tribal energy resource agreement, increasing the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s sovereign authority to manage and develop energy resources on its lands while reducing federal bureaucracy. This step strengthens tribal self‑determination and supports broader efforts to advance American Energy Dominance by ensuring affordable, reliable and domestically produced energy in the United States, furthering the objectives of Executive Order 14154 “Unleashing American Energy.”
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MURKOWSKI WELCOMES FUNDING FOR EMERGENCY AND RESILIENCE NEEDS IN ALASKA NATIVE VILLAGES
May 7, 2026
Washington DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) announced $20 million in emergency funding to help 16 Alaska Native villages that were facing severe shortages of basic, necessary supplies. The funding includes $4 million for immediate relief, delivering essential resources such as heating fuel, water, and firewood to 16 villages, and $16 million for critical infrastructure and climate resilience efforts in the Native Village of Chefornak.
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Interior Transfers 1.4 Million Acres in Dalton Utility Corridor to State of Alaska
May 6, 2026
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Today, the Department of the Interior announced a major Alaska statehood land transfer to convey approximately 1.4 million acres of land along the Dalton Utility Corridor to the State of Alaska. With conveyance of these lands north of the Yukon River, the Bureau of Land Management has fulfilled more than 96% of the state’s entitlement under the Alaska Statehood Act, expanding Alaska’s opportunities for resource development, strengthening local economies, and enhancing the state’s control of its own economic destiny.
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Indian Affairs delivers $20 million in emergency funding for Alaska Native villages
Immediate support provided for 16 villages facing supply shortages due to severe winter weather
May 5, 2026
The Department of the Interior’s Indian Affairs today announced $4 million in emergency funding is being distributed to address severe shortages of heating fuel, diesel, gasoline, firewood, and potable water across 16 native communities in Alaska in response to severe winter weather delaying or preventing delivery of these essential supplies.
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Reclamation announces $6.3 million in technical assistance to tribes
April 16, 2026
WASHINGTON — The Bureau of Reclamation is investing $6.3 million in 10 tribal water projects, including several projects to ensure clean, reliable drinking water. “These projects speak to the needs that remain in these communities,” said Acting Commissioner Scott Cameron. “Many of the projects selected focus on the important work of ensuring communities have safe drinking water and sanitation.”
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Department of the Interior Completes Three-Day Probate Outreach Event at Gila River Indian Reservation
April 13, 2026
SACATON, Ariz. — The Department of the Interior completed a three-day probate outreach event this past week on the Gila River Indian Reservation in Arizona, where staff met with community members in two locations to offer direct support and trust services. The event, hosted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, reached 333 families and provided hands-on help with probate cases, realty needs and trust fund account management.
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FBI Surges Personnel to Support Operation Not Forgotten 2026, Expanding Investigative Resources Across Indian Country
April 3, 2026
The FBI on April 2 announced a personnel surge in support of Operation Not Forgotten 2026, the latest deployment under Operation Steadfast Promise demonstrating the Bureau's sustained commitment to addressing violent crime and improving public safety in Indian Country.
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MURKOWSKI, SCHATZ REINTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO EXPAND AND MODERNIZE NATIVE HOUSING PROGRAMS
Senators Push to Advance Housing Policy in NAHASDA’s 30TH Anniversary Year
March 27, 2026
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaiʻi), Vice Chairman, introduced the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act of 2026 (NAHASDA Modernization Act), comprehensive legislation to reauthorize and modernize federal housing programs serving American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. Original co-sponsors of the legislation include U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Mike Crapo (D-ID).
The bipartisan legislation updates and reauthorizes the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA), the primary federal law providing funding to support affordable housing activities in Indian Country, through 2033. It includes key reforms that will increase flexibility for Tribes and Native Hawaiians, streamline federal requirements, and expand access to safe, affordable housing.
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Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s Nomination for DHS Secretary Draws Bipartisan Acclaim
March 16, 2026
National Congress of American Indians: “The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) applauds the nomination of Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This role carries significant responsibility for the safety and security of communities across the country, including Tribal Nations. The nomination of Senator Mullin (Cherokee Nation) to a cabinet-level position reflects the increasing presence of Native voices in national leadership. Representation matters, and the nomination of a Tribal citizen to such a prominent federal position is significant for Indian Country. During his time in Congress, Senator Mullin has been a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA) and engaged with issues affecting Tribal communities. He has supported efforts to strengthen economic development, infrastructure, and opportunity in Indian Country. Tribal leaders have long emphasized the importance of federal officials understanding the government-to-government relationship between Tribal Nations and the United States, as well as the unique public safety and homeland security challenges that many Tribal communities face.”
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Interior Department, Alaska Department of Health Announce New Agreement to Enhance Bureau of Indian Affairs Probate Process
Collaboration will provide improved access to vital records
March 5, 2026
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The Department of the Interior and the Alaska Department of Health announced a new agreement that strengthens coordination to support timely and accurate probate services for Alaska Native communities.
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