Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) is closely monitoring the recent Executive Orders issued by President Donald Trump, which may influence federal programs and policies affecting Alaska Native communities and the TCC region. Every new Administration implements executive orders to set its priorities and policy direction. Each day brings new directives, including the recent announcement of an order freezing funding from federal grants and loans. The Trump Administration is also in the process of hiring its cabinet and executive staff to carry out its priorities, which will further shape the implementation of these policies.
We hear and understand the concerns of our Tribes and Tribal Members regarding these announcements and want to assure everyone that TCC is taking these matters seriously. Indian Health Services (IHS) is forward funded, so the operation of our clinics is not in jeopardy due to these delays. For Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) funding that flows through TCC, we forward fund our Tribes to ensure they have the necessary resources to remain operational and continue providing critical programs and services.
To assist Tribes in navigating these directives, we recommend the following immediate actions:
- Contact your regional federal agency contacts if your Tribe has been waiting to receive or execute new awards or disbursements.
- Drawdown any funds available under a 638 or Self-Governance agreement from federal payment systems (e.g., ASAP, PMS, and/or ELOCCS).
- Review discretionary award agreements to ensure there is a claw-back clause for any contract or major obligation.
- The memorandum indicated that the freeze will take effect at 1:00 PM. We recommend taking action by 1:00 PM Alaska Time today to ensure your Tribe’s interests are protected.
This proactive approach ensures that Tribal operations will not suffer due to federal delays. TCC will continue to closely monitor the directives coming from the Administration and assess their potential impacts on our region and communities.
Below is a summary of the Executive Orders and their potential impact on the TCC region:
Unleashing American Energy
This order directs all agencies to pause the disbursement of money that was appropriated under the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure and Jobs Act that are part of the “Green New Deal” and inconsistent with the development of oil, gas, and mineral resources. A recent memorandum, citing this order, has temporarily paused all financial assistance from the federal government.
Impact to TCC Region: This pause may delay or cease funding for certain energy and infrastructure projects. The pause to financial assistance is temporary, however Tribes should prepare for an extended freeze. TCC will continue to monitor developments and assess how they may affect projects benefiting our region.
Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing
This Executive Order eliminates Executive Order 13985, “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.” It discontinues DEI-related programs, grants, contracts, and initiatives. Under the previous order, the Department of the Interior (DOI) focused on improving Tribal access to grants, infrastructure, education, job training, and other services.
Impact to TCC Region: TCC will monitor how this change affects funding opportunities and programs aimed at supporting Alaska Native communities. We remain committed to advocating for resources that benefit Tribal infrastructure and development.
Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential
This Executive Order places a temporary moratorium on the Ambler Road Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement Record of Decision. It also requires the Department of the Interior to review guidance related to Alaska Native lands, including trust land policies and land withdrawals for selection by Alaska Native Corporations.
Impact to TCC Region: TCC continues to honor Tribal resolutions opposing the Ambler Road Access Project and advocating for the protection of subsistence resources. We will engage in discussions regarding the review of land policies to ensure Alaska Native rights are respected.
Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity
This order directs the government to terminate all discriminatory and illegal preferences, mandates, policies, programs, activities, guidance, regulations, enforcement actions, consent orders, and requirements. It directs the head of each agency to include in every contract or grant award terms requiring awardees to agree that it complies with Federal anti-discrimination laws and certify it does not operate programs promoting DEI.
Impact to TCC Region: While this Executive Order does not directly impact Tribes, organizations with federal contracts may need to review how these requirements affect operations, particularly if Native hire preferences are involved. It is important to note that Native Preference is not a racial preference but a government-to-government preference rooted in federal laws, treaties, and the unique trust relationship between the United States and Tribal Nations. TCC will continue to advocate for the protection of Native Preference policies to ensure Tribal sovereignty and self-determination are upheld.
Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness
This order directs the Secretary of the Interior to revert the name of North America’s highest peak, Denali, to the previous name of “Mount McKinley.” The National Park area surrounding Mount McKinley shall retain the name Denali National Park and Preserve.
Impact to TCC Region: Since 1975, TCC and the State has supported the recognition of the mountain as Denali, honoring its Koyukon Athabascan name meaning “The Great One.” TCC will work with the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and Tribal communities to advocate for retaining the name Denali. We also recognize and appreciate the Alaska State Legislature’s bipartisan resolution urging President Trump to retain the name Denali, highlighting the cultural and historical importance of the name to Alaska Native people and the state.