Michigan’s 1st Congressional District is home to several Native American tribes, each with a unique history, culture, and vital contribution to the fabric of our community. As a proud representative of this region, I recognize that the tribal communities in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula have faced centuries of systemic injustice, including displacement, denial of rights, and a lack of recognition. It is time we ensure that Native American tribes are treated with the respect, dignity, and fairness they deserve, and that their rights and sovereignty are fully recognized and protected.

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Tribal sovereignty is the foundation of Native American rights. These communities have the inherent right to govern themselves, manage their lands, and preserve their cultures. As your representative, I am committed to ensuring that our tribal nations are treated as equals at the federal level and that their voices are heard in policy decisions that affect their communities.

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Here’s my plan to support tribal rights and recognition in Michigan’s 1st District:

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• Strengthening Tribal Sovereignty: I will fight to protect and enhance tribal sovereignty, ensuring that Native American tribes have the freedom to govern their own communities, manage their resources, and make decisions based on their traditional knowledge and cultural values. The federal government must honor the commitments made in treaties and work in partnership with tribal nations, not in a way that undermines their rights.

• Improving Access to Federal Programs: Native American tribes in Michigan’s 1st District face significant barriers when it comes to accessing federal funding and programs that support healthcare, education, and infrastructure. I will work to ensure that tribal governments have access to the resources they need to improve the lives of their citizens, including healthcare services, job training, and economic development programs. This means expanding access to federal assistance that directly supports tribal communities.

• Addressing Environmental Justice: Many of Michigan’s Native American tribes are located in areas with valuable natural resources that are at risk of environmental harm. I will work with tribal communities to protect sacred lands, preserve natural resources, and address issues such as water quality, land conservation, and climate change. This includes ensuring that tribes are part of discussions on environmental policy and that their voices are heard in decisions related to land use and natural resource management.

• Economic Empowerment: For too long, Native American tribes have faced barriers to economic independence. I will push for policies that support tribal economic development, including job creation, tribal-owned businesses, and tourism opportunities that respect and reflect Native American culture. This will involve reducing barriers to economic growth and promoting policies that allow tribes to expand their economies on their terms.

• Protecting Tribal Land Rights: Native American tribes in Michigan’s 1st District continue to fight for their rights to tribal lands and the resources on those lands. I will work to ensure that tribal land rights are respected and protected, including land restoration efforts for tribes seeking to reclaim historically significant lands. I will also push for the full implementation of land trust programs that protect tribal lands for future generations.

• Addressing Health Disparities: Native American communities face significant health disparities, including higher rates of chronic illness, mental health issues, and lower access to quality healthcare. I will advocate for expanded healthcare access and work to ensure that tribal communities are fully included in efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural and remote areas. This includes increasing funding for tribal health programs and addressing gaps in health services for Native American communities.

• Fostering Strong Relationships Between Tribes and the Federal Government: I am committed to being a strong advocate for tribal nations in Washington, ensuring that the federal government is a true partner in addressing the needs of Native American communities. This means engaging directly with tribal leaders, working on collaborative solutions, and ensuring that tribes have a voice in federal policymaking that impacts them directly.

• Supporting Native American Education: Education is key to empowering Native American communities, and I will fight for policies that ensure tribal schools and Native American students have access to quality education. This includes expanding educational opportunities, providing access to higher education through Pell Grants and scholarships, and ensuring that tribal students are supported in their academic and career goals.

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The Native American tribes in Michigan’s 1st District have a long history of resilience, and I am committed to ensuring that they are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve. Tribal sovereignty must be upheld, and tribal communities must have the support they need to thrive. I’ll work every day to ensure that our tribal nations have the resources, recognition, and protection they need to build a strong, sustainable future for their people. Together, we can honor tribal rights, preserve Native American culture, and empower these communities to take control of their own futures.