Tribes w ondering w here they fit into ‘America first’ policy
repeal and replace former President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act.
Despite the uncertainties, many tribal leaders say they’re still hopeful they can build on the strong relationships enjoyed under prior administrations.
They’ve found reason to cheer in Trump’s pick to lead the Department of the Interior, Ryan Zinke, a Republican congressman from Montana who’s pledged to “restore trust” between the agency, the states and Indian tribes.
“Yes, we are looking for ways to partner. Now, do we have assumptions because he’s been in battles with other tribes? Sure, and we’re looking to clarify those assumptions,” said Gary Batton, chief of the roughly 200,000-member Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. “Is he open to considering that each tribal government is its own separate entity and unique? That’s the way we’re approaching this.”
Russell Begaye, president of the Navajo Nation, says his members will be looking for greater control over water, land, criminal justice and taxation on their sovereign lands, which straddle parts of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.
“If Trump is about self-sufficiency and self-determination, let’s see if he really means that,” he said. “Give us full authority over our lands. If this land is ours, why are we asking the federal government for permission?”
Tribes with casino dreams, meanwhile, are optimistic that Trump’s experience in the industry, as well as his promises to ease businesses regulations, will work in their favor, said Jason Giles, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in Oklahoma and executive director of the National Indian Gaming Association.