WHEREAS, we, the members of the National Congress of American Indians of the United States, invoking the divine blessing of the Creator upon our efforts and purposes, in order to preserve for ourselves and our descendants the inherent sovereign rights of our Indian nations, rights secured under Indian treaties and agreements with the United States, and all other rights and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and Constitution of the United States to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution; and

WHEREAS, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is the oldest and largest national organization established in 1944 and comprised of representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and local Tribal concerns; and

WHEREAS, the health, safety, welfare, education, economic, housing, and employment opportunity, and preservation of cultural and natural resources are primary goals and objectives of NCAI; and

WHEREAS, the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 was passed by the United States Congress to provide low income housing for Indian families and recognized the right of tribal self-determination; and

WHEREAS, the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Program is a key element for funding tribal housing programs under NAHASDA, and

WHEREAS, HUD reports that many of Nation’s worst case housing needs are being experienced in Indian Country and current IHBG funding levels are insufficient to make any worthwhile progress, and, in fact, needs are increasing rather than decreasing at current funding levels; and

WHEREAS, a recent NAIHC study concluded that the minimum funding necessary in order for Indian country to make progress in housing its people has risen to $1.1 billion;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that NCAI supports the request for additional congressional funding for the Indian Housing Block Grant Program in the amount of $1.1 billion for FY 2001.

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2000 Mid-Year Session of the National Congress of American Indians, held at the Centennial Hall in Juneau, Alaska on June 25-28, 2000 with a quorum present.

_____________________________

Susan Masten, President

Juana Majel, Recording Secretary

Adopted by the General Assembly during the 2000 Mid-Year Session of the National Congress of American Indians, held at the Centennial Hall in Juneau, Alaska on June 25-28, 2000.