Support of Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indian’s Representation at the National Congress of American Indians Food Sovereignty Advance Initiative Policy Symposiums

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Res #:Committee:Submitted by:Title:                                 Pass →YesNoAmended/TabledTo NCAI
2020-15Natural Resources/LandsTaylor AalvikSupport of Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indian’s Representation at the National Congress of American Indians Food Sovereignty Advance Initiative Policy Symposiums



 2020 Winter Convention 

Portland, Oregon 

RESOLUTION #2020 – 15 

“SUPPORT OF AFFILIATED TRIBES OF NORTHWEST INDIAN’S REPRESENTATION AT THE NATIONAL CONGRESS OF AMERICAN INDIANS FOOD SOVEREIGNTY ADVANCEMENT INITIATIVE POLICY SYMPOSIUMS” 

PREAMBLE 

We, the members of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest 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 rights secured under Indian Treaties, Executive Orders, and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and constitution of the United States and several states, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise to promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution: 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) are representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and specific tribal concerns; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI is a regional organization comprised of American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and tribes in the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and Alaska; and 

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

WHEREAS, misguided federal policies have stripped tribal nations of land and access to healthy traditional foods; and

WHEREAS, as a result of these federal policies AI/AN face significant health disparities including higher rates of chronic diseases such as Type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease compared to other populations; and 

WHEREAS, there is an urgent need for Northwest Tribes to devise strategies and policy on food sovereignty; and 

WHEREAS, food sovereignty strengthens agriculture, localizes food systems, improves economies, and improves the health and well-being of Native children, family and cultures; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI’s primary goals and objectives are focused on health safety, welfare, education, economic and employment opportunity, and preservation of cultural and natural resources; and 

WHEREAS, the ATNI Food Sovereignty Sub-Committee was formed to increase the support for dissemination of information, and policy development including protocols and laws impacting the tribal food system; and 

WHEREAS, the ATNI Food Sovereignty Sub-Committee provides an opportunity for Northwest Tribal leaders to engage in dialogue with other tribes, organizations and decision makers to share information, discuss needs and issues, strategize, and develop regional and national policy; and 

WHEREAS, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has developed a National Food Sovereignty Advancement Initiative; and 

WHEREAS, the NCAI Food Sovereignty Advancement Initiative will hold four food sovereignty policy symposiums in the areas of agriculture, water, land, and climate action policy; and 

WHEREAS, these food sovereignty symposiums will gather information on how the federal government can alter the policies to empower food production efforts of tribal nations; and 

WHEREAS, the information gathered will be synthesized into a series of policy reports to be released by NCAI next year; and 

WHEREAS, it is imperative that Northwest Tribes provide input at these NCAI food sovereignty policy symposiums to ensure Northwest Tribal priorities are included; now 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that ATNI supports the attendance of representatives from the Food Sovereignty Sub-Committee at the NCAI Food Sovereignty Advancement Initiatives policy symposiums to communicate the needs of ATNI tribes.

CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2020 Winter Convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Portland, Oregon, on January 27-30, 2020, with a quorum present. 

______________________________ ______________________________ 

Calling on the Washington State Governor and Legislature to Reform Water Rights for New Industrial and Commercial Users

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Res #:Committee:Submitted by:Title:                                 Pass →YesNoAmended/TabledTo NCAI
2020-14Natural Resources/LandsTaylor AalvikCalling on the Washington State Governor and Legislature to Reform Water Rights for New Industrial and Commercial Users



 2020 Winter Convention 

Portland, Oregon 

RESOLUTION #2020 – 14 

“CALLING ON THE WASHINGTON STATE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE TO REFORM WATER RIGHTS FOR NEW INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL USERS” 

PREAMBLE 

We, the members of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest 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 rights secured under Indian Treaties, Executive Orders, and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and constitution of the United States and several states, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise to promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution: 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) are representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and specific tribal concerns; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI is a regional organization comprised of American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and tribes in the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and Alaska; and 

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

WHEREAS, 90.44 Revised Code of Washington (RCW) describes the State of Washington’s process for the management of public groundwater; and 

WHEREAS, Washington State provides for a permitting process for industrial or commercial purposes exceeding a specific use or quantity; and

WHEREAS, the State of Washington does not charge a market-rate fee to obtain public groundwater; and 

WHEREAS, the State of Washington Senate passed SB 6091 in January 2018; and 

WHEREAS, SB 6091 requires a $500 fee on wells and, in some places will limit withdrawals to an annual average of 950 gallons a day, as well as private well meters in some communities; and 

WHEREAS, although SB 6091 represents a step forward for Washington water conservation, it does not address significant water withdrawals by industrial and commercial interests; and 

WHEREAS, SB 6091 established RCW 90.44, “Streamflow Restoration,” which establishes methods for restoring streamflow in watersheds where water scarcity is a concern; and 

WHEREAS, water ‘buy-backs’ have been occurring at a rate which establishes that there is a market and a value for public water resources; and 

WHEREAS, the State of Washington does not establish a value or charge private commercial or industrial water developers a market rate for their withdrawals; now 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that ATNI does hereby call upon the Washington State Governor and the Washington State Legislature to reform water rights for new industrial and commercial water users; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ATNI calls upon the Washington State Governor and the Washington State Legislature to value public water resources appropriately to market rates; and 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that ATNI requests the Washington State Governor and the Washington State Legislature to cease the practice of giving away public resources to private companies while charging private citizens for water use. 

CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2020 Winter Convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Portland, Oregon, on January 27-30, 2020, with a quorum present. 

______________________________ ______________________________ 

Supporting the Washington State Legislature to Adopt the Wildfire Prevention and Preparedness Act

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Res #:Committee:Submitted by:Title:                                 Pass →YesNoAmended/TabledTo NCAI
2020-13Natural Resources/LandsTaylor AalvikSupporting the Washington State Legislature to Adopt the Wildfire Prevention and Preparedness Act



 2020 Winter Convention 

Portland, Oregon 

RESOLUTION #2020 – 13 

“SUPPORTING THE WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE TO ADOPT THE WILDFIRE PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS ACT” 

PREAMBLE 

We, the members of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest 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 rights secured under Indian Treaties, Executive Orders, and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and constitution of the United States and several states, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise to promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution: 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) are representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and specific tribal concerns; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI is a regional organization comprised of American Indians/Alaska Natives and tribes in the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and Alaska; and 

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

WHEREAS, Washington State has experienced catastrophic wildfires in recent years; and 

WHEREAS, such fires have destroyed life, property, and culturally significant resources; and

WHEREAS, Washington tribal trust resources and tribal rights are threatened by increased wildfire risks associated with forest disease and climate change; and 

WHEREAS, Washington tribal leaders have expressed concerns that wildfire extent and severity is destroying trust resources and impacting air and water quality for all species; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI Tribes have actively managed forests since time immemorial which has provided the knowledge base to restore current forest health; and 

WHEREAS, the Washington State legislature has drafted legislation which may be known as the “Wildfire Prevention and Preparedness Act;” and 

WHEREAS, forest health conditions will require sustained and long-term investments in order to reverse our forest health and wildlife crisis; and 

WHEREAS, the proposed act would dedicate funding to improve the health and resiliency of Washington’s forests; now 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that ATNI supports state-wide forest health and fire protection activities on all Tribal, Federal, State, and private forests with the knowledge that these activities will be conducted in part with tribal governments and protect tribal resources from catastrophic fire loss; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ATNI supports and encourages the Washington State Legislature to adopt a “Wildfire Prevention and Preparedness Act.” 

CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2020 Winter Convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Portland, Oregon, on January 27-30, 2020, with a quorum present. 

______________________________ ______________________________ 

Calling on the Council on Environmental Quality for Consultation on Proposed Regulation Changes Under the National Environmental Policy Act

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Res #:Committee:Submitted by:Title:                                 Pass →YesNoAmended/TabledTo NCAI
2020-12Natural Resources/LandsTaylor AalvikCalling on the Council on Environmental Quality for Consultation on Proposed Regulation Changes Under the National Environmental Policy Act


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 2020 Winter Convention 

Portland, Oregon 

RESOLUTION #2020 – 12 

“CALLING ON THE COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY FOR CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED REGULATION CHANGES UNDER THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (NEPA)” 

PREAMBLE 

We, the members of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest 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 rights secured under Indian Treaties, Executive Orders, and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and constitution of the United States and several states, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise to promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution: 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) are representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and specific tribal concerns; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI is a regional organization comprised of American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and tribes in the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and Alaska; and 

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

WHEREAS, the Council on Environmental Quality proposed major regulatory changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) on January 10, 2020; and

WHEREAS, tribal trust resources and tribal rights could be threatened by the proposed changes to environmental review by the January 10, 2020 rule changes; and 

WHEREAS, the Council for Environmental Quality cites a need to facilitate more efficient, effective, and timely NEPA reviews; and 

WHEREAS, NEPA regulations and guidance have in fact been frequently updated with focus on clarification, timeliness, and brevity; and 

WHEREAS, the Council on Environmental Quality proposal shows an attempt to significantly restrict reviews spatially and temporally; and 

WHEREAS, the proposed changes are likely to substantially restrict environmental review and consideration of related impacts; and 

WHEREAS, the Council on Environmental Quality proposal can likely be contrary to the meaning and intent of NEPA; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI would like to understand how the Council on Environmental Quality has established its legal burden to make substantive changes to the meaning and intent of lawfully approved Congressional legislation; now 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, pursuant to Executive Order 13175, ATNI does hereby respectfully call upon the Council on Environmental Quality to consult with tribes on its regulatory proposal to change regulations under NEPA; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ATNI wants to know how the proposed NEPA regulatory changes may impact treaty and/or trust resources of the tribes; and 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that ATNI is opposed to NEPA regulatory changes that would diminish protections for culturally significant resources of the Tribes. 

CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2020 Winter Convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Portland, Oregon, on January 27-30, 2020, with a quorum present. 

______________________________ ______________________________ 

Reaffirmation of Prior Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indian’s Emergency Services Assistance Requests to the Washington State Military Department

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Res #:Committee:Submitted by:Title:                                 Pass →YesNoAmended/TabledTo NCAI
2020-11Law & JusticeTimothy D. ReynonReaffirmation of Prior Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indian’s Emergency Services Assistance Requests to the Washington State Military Department



 2020 Winter Convention 

Portland, Oregon 

RESOLUTION # 2020 – 11 

“REAFFIRMATION OF PRIOR AFFILIATED TRIBES OF NORTHWEST INDIAN’S EMERGENCY SERVICES ASSISTANCE REQUESTS TO THE WASHINGTON STATE MILITARY DEPARTMENT” 

PREAMBLE 

We, the members of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest 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 rights secured under Indian Treaties, Executive Orders, and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and constitution of the United States and several states, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise to promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution: 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) are representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and specific tribal concerns; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI is a regional organization comprised of American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and tribes in the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and Alaska; and 

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

WHEREAS, there are concerns as to tribal/state/federal interoperability, and the lack of planning relating to Natural and other disasters that have affected, and will affect Tribal governments, tribal members, property, resources, and cultural sites during large scale emergency situations; and 

WHEREAS, there continues to be an operational lack of understanding regarding tribal/state/federal/ and local emergency service responsibilities and coordination efforts, especially as it relates to the individually unique sovereignty and jurisdiction(s) that apply to all the Tribes in Washington, and addressing the needs of tribal communities in declared emergencies; and 

WHEREAS, in the planning for a possible catastrophic seismic event, and ensuing tsunami, the Tribes in the State of Washington need to be brought into the planning process in a manner consistent with the maintenance of tribal sovereignty, in order to ensure Tribal interests will be addressed, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are in place on how the Washington State Military Department (WSMD) interfaces with Tribal Emergency Management Departments, and a methodology is in place to assist in coordinating Tribal Emergency Services needs with Tribal, State, and Federal partners; now 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that ATNI, due to reoccurring catastrophic natural disasters which have, and will continue to affect tribal governments, property, communities, and tribal members in the State of Washington, reaffirms its support for ATNI Resolution #14-59 (requesting the development of a Washington National Guard Tribal Liaison) and the 2016 letter from ATNI President Fawn Sharp to Governor Inslee requesting increased Emergency Management coordination and assistance from the Washington State Military Department (both documents attached). 

CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2020 Winter Convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Portland, Oregon, on January 27-30, 2020, with a quorum present. 

______________________________ ______________________________ 

Support for Ending the HIV Epidemic in Indian Country

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2020-10HealthNick LewisSupport for Ending the HIV Epidemic in Indian Country


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 2020 Winter Convention 

Portland, Oregon 

RESOLUTION #2020 – 10 

“SUPPORT FOR ENDING THE HIV EPIDEMIC IN INDIAN COUNTRY” 

PREAMBLE 

We, the members of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest 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 rights secured under Indian Treaties, Executive Orders, and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and constitution of the United States and several states, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise to promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution: 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) are representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and specific tribal concerns; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI is a regional organization comprised of American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and tribes in the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and Alaska; and 

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

WHEREAS, more than 700,000 lives, and at least 2,019 American Indian and Alaska Native lives, have been lost to HIV in the United States since 1981; and 

WHEREAS, more than 1.1 million Americans, and at least 3,035 AI/AN people, are currently living with HIV; and

WHEREAS, from 2013 through 2017 rates of new diagnosis of HIV for AI/AN people increased to 7.8 per 100,000 – although rates of new HIV diagnosis decreased or stayed stable for all other racial and ethnic groups; and 

WHEREAS, without intervention many more AI/AN people will be newly diagnosed over the next 10 years – despite the available tools to prevent infections; and 

WHEREAS, the United States has trust and treaty obligations to provide healthcare to AI/AN people; and 

WHEREAS, on February 5, 2019, President Donald J. Trump in his State of the Union announced his Administration’s goal to end the HIV epidemic in the United States within 10 years; and 

WHEREAS, to achieve the goal and address the ongoing public health crisis of HIV, the proposed Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America will leverage the powerful data and tools now available to reduce new HIV infections in the United States by 75 percent in five years and by 90 percent by 2030; and 

WHEREAS, in order for tribes and AI/AN people to be included in the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America funding must be allocated to tribes and the Indian Health Service, Tribal and Urban Indian Programs to develop infrastructure and systems to diagnose, treat, prevent and respond to the HIV Epidemic; and 

WHEREAS, $25 million was proposed in the President’s Indian Health Service budget for FY 2020 for HIV and viral hepatitis C (HCV) as part of the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America and final appropriations for the Indian Health Service for FY 2020 did not include HIV and HCV funding; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI is deeply concerned that lack of funding for Ending the HIV Epidemic in Indian Country will likely lead to continued HIV and HCV health disparities and health outcomes for AI/AN people; and 

WHEREAS, the Department of Health and Human Services is subject to trust and treaty obligations and must ensure funding is available to tribes and the Indian Health Service, Tribal and Urban Indian Programs; now 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that ATNI fully supports HIV and viral hepatitis C (HCV) funding as part of the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America in Indian Country; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ATNI calls on the Department of Health and Human Services, including the Indian Health Service and its other agencies, for inclusion of tribes and the Indian Health Service, Tribal and Urban Indian Programs in future budgets and national initiatives; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that ATNI calls upon Congress to fully fund tribes and the Indian Health Service, Tribal and Urban Indian Programs to develop infrastructure and systems to diagnose, treat, prevent and respond to HIV and HCV as part of the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America. 

CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2020 Winter Convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Portland, Oregon, on January 27-30, 2020, with a quorum present. 

______________________________ ______________________________ 

Support for Quality Care and Improved Health Outcomes for Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ People

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2020-09HealthNick LewisSupport for Quality Care and Improved Health Outcomes for Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ People


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 2020 Winter Convention 

Portland, Oregon 

RESOLUTION #2020 – 09 

“SUPPORT FOR QUALITY CARE AND IMPROVED HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR TWO SPIRIT AND LGBTQ+ PEOPLE” 

PREAMBLE 

We, the members of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest 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 rights secured under Indian Treaties, Executive Orders and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and constitution of the United States and several 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: 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) are representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and specific tribal concerns; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI is a regional organization comprised of American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and tribes in the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and Alaska; and 

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

WHEREAS, ATNI supports the health and wellbeing of all Native people, including those who are Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or another identity (LGBTQ+), and 

WHEREAS, prior to contact with settlers, many tribal nations across the country and continent had long histories of respect and inclusion of those in their communities who might today identify as Two Spirit or LGBTQ+; and

WHEREAS, Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals disproportionately experience refusal of care, discrimination, and insufficient provider knowledge in healthcare settings; and 

WHEREAS, Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals who fear discrimination or harassment in healthcare settings are more likely to postpone necessary treatment and report lack of access to care; and 

WHEREAS, Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals disproportionately experience discrimination and harassment in many communities, including healthcare settings; and 

WHEREAS, Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals are important members of their communities who desire to participate in community gatherings and ceremonies without fear of discrimination or harassment; and 

WHEREAS, Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals experience health disparities including increased risk of anxiety, depression, HIV, exposure to violence, and suicidality; and 

WHEREAS, access to gender-affirming healthcare is critical and lifesaving for transgender individuals; and 

WHEREAS, healthcare settings are uniquely positioned to affirm Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ identities; and 

WHEREAS, Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals thrive in settings which demonstrate respect and inclusion of their identities; now 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that ATNI supports initiatives that promote quality care and improved health outcomes for Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ people, including but not limited to: 

  • • Creating gender-affirming clinical and community spaces, 
  • • Working to destigmatize minority sexual orientations and gender identities, 
  • • Ensuring healthcare providers and community members respect all individuals their identities; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ATNI supports advocacy for the continued dissemination and implementation of this work within the Northwest and throughout Indian Country to ensure that our healthcare facilities and communities affirm all sexual orientations and gender identities and adopt non-discrimination policies; and 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that ATNI calls on Congress and the Administration to fund initiatives that support and protect Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ people.

CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2020 Winter Convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Portland, Oregon, on January 27-30, 2020, with a quorum present. 

______________________________ ______________________________ 

Urge the University of Washington to be Accountable for the Annual First Nations at UW Spring Pow Wow

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Res #:Committee:Submitted by:Title:                                 Pass →YesNoAmended/TabledTo NCAI
2020-08EducationPatricia WhitefootUrge the University of Washington to be Accountable for the Annual First Nations at UW Spring Pow Wow



 2020 Winter Convention 

Portland, Oregon 

RESOLUTION #2020 – 08 

“URGE THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON TO BE 

ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE ANNUAL FIRST NATIONS AT UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON SPRING POWWOW” 

PREAMBLE 

We, the members of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest 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 rights secured under Indian Treaties, Executive Orders, and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and constitution of the United States and several states, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise to promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution: 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) are representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and specific tribal concerns; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI is a regional organization comprised of American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and tribes in the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and Alaska; and 

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

WHEREAS, the University of Washington (UW) sits on the occupied land of the Coast Salish peoples; and

WHEREAS, the land on which the UW sits has been the site of potlatches, powwows, coastal jams and many cultural celebrations for millennia; and 

WHEREAS, the United States educational system have continued histories of institutional erasure and cultural genocide; and 

WHEREAS, the increasing inability to engage and practice American Indian/Alaskan Native cultural traditions as a result of the increase of on-campus venue costs and recent decrease of support to host these events is a covert display of institutional erasure; and 

WHEREAS, the First Nations (FN) @ UW Registered Student Organization (RSO) had a now fifty-year tradition of expressing and practicing their cultural identities through powwow at the UW; and 

WHEREAS, the FN@UW Spring Powwow is consistently cited and displayed by the UW for advertising its diversity without acknowledgement or compensation of the students who host this event; and 

WHEREAS, the cost of the annual Spring Powwow has become too great for students to afford; and 

WHEREAS, First Nations students are expected to fundraise without the University Advancement support of $50,000+ currently, and continues to increase annually; now 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that ATNI urges the UW to be responsible for securing and supporting a venue space in perpetuity on campus for the second weekend of April for American Indian/Alaskan Native students, faculty, staff, community and Indigenous allies to express, practice, and uphold their identity and traditional ways of life; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ATNI urges higher education institutions to be responsible for understanding and respecting the importance of cultural connection for American Indian/Alaskan Native students on campus; and 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that ATNI urges the UW to be responsible for guaranteeing First Nations @ UW a date and venue for all future FN@UW Spring Powwows as reconciliation for their past negligence. 

CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2020 Annual Convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, held at DoubleTree by Hilton, Portland, Oregon, on January 27-30, 2020, with a quorum present. 

______________________________ ______________________________ 

Urge Support of Washington SB 6425, American Indian Cultural Study Grant

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2020-07EducationPatricia WhitefootUrge Support of Washington SB 6425, American Indian Cultural Study Grant



 2020 Winter Convention 

Portland, Oregon 

RESOLUTION #2020 – 07 

“URGE SUPPORT OF WASHINGTON SB 6425, 

AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURAL STUDY GRANT” 

PREAMBLE 

We, the members of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest 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 rights secured under Indian Treaties and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and constitution of the United States and several 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: 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest Indians (ATNI) are representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and specific tribal concerns; and 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians is a regional organization comprised of American Indians in the States of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and Alaska; and 

WHEREAS, the health, safety, welfare, education, economic and employment opportunity, and preservation of cultural and natural resources are primary goals and objectives of Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest Indians; and 

WHEREAS, on January 16, 2020 legislation was introduced as HB 6425, American Indian Cultural Study Grant “finds that creating a grant program giving American Indian students the means and incentive to obtain a postsecondary credential in specialized areas of knowledge will help to rectify past discrimination and that the state will benefit from contributions made by American Indian students who pursue specialized fields of study.;” and 

WHEREAS, the legislation will be considered through the Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee to create the American Indian Cultural Study Grant as a step toward increased higher educational achievement in Washington among the diverse tribal citizens in the state; and

WHEREAS, the Washington Student Achievement Council will have oversight of the grant, with an advisory committee, for the program at the state’s two and four-year public higher education institutions and private higher education institutions; now 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that ATNI does hereby support SB 6425 to establish the American Indian Cultural Study Grant in the State of Washington to close the higher educational attainment gap for American Indian students in institutions of higher education; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ATNI urges tribal leaders to contact and write letters of support to the Washington State Legislature in the passage of SB 6425 during the 2020 Legislative Session. 

CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2020 Winter Convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Portland, Oregon, on January 27-30, 2020, with a quorum present. 

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Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi International Indigenous Doctoral Programme

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2020-06EducationPatricia WhitefootTe Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi International Indigenous Doctoral Programme



 2020 Winter Convention 

Portland, Oregon 

RESOLUTION #2020 – 06 

“TE WHARE WĀNANGA O AWANUIĀRANGI INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS DOCTORAL PROGRAMME” 

PREAMBLE 

We, the members of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest 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 rights secured under Indian Treaties and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and constitution of the United States and several 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: 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest Indians (ATNI) are representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and specific tribal concerns; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI is a regional organization comprised of American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and tribes in the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and Alaska; and 

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

WHEREAS, Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi is a fully accredited Aotearoa (New Zealand) tertiary education institution with internationally recognised degrees from under graduate through to the highest level of doctoral study; and

WHEREAS, Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi has an international Indigenous doctoral programme comprising 5 cohorts with a total of 28 doctoral scholars across Washington State, Hawai’i and Waikato-Tainui (Aotearoa); and 

WHEREAS, Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi has 2 successful graduates from the Chehalis nation, and 2 further scholars (Lummi & Tulalip) currently in examination with graduation pending and 10 doctoral scholars currently enrolled in the Tacoma, Washington State based cohorts; and 

WHEREAS, research concludes that Native and Indigenous students are more likely to succeed in education programmes that recognise and uphold Native and Indigenous pedogogies, and positive transformative research outcomes for communities are most likely to arise from Native and Indigenous research approaches; now 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that ATNI does hereby support a partnership, in collaboration with the established Education Northwest Memorandum of Understanding, with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi to endorse their Indigenous doctoral programme for Native scholars in the tribal nations of the Northwest; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ATNI work closely with tribal nations to provide support for tribal members to enrol in the programme and successfully attain the doctoral degree as offered by Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi within the international Indigenous doctoral programme. 

CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2020 Winter Convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Portland, Oregon, on January 27-30, 2020, with a quorum present. 

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