To the President of the United States, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate:
Pursuant to the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children authorizing legislation (Public Law 114-244), October 14, 2016, as amended, I respectfully submit a Minority Report of the Commission on Native Children.
This report attempts to include the perspective of those Native Americans who live outside of the reservation system and do not use any form of tribal benefit or program. Indeed, about 75% of Native Americans do not live on reservation land or participate in reservation politics. As a result, countless families of Native American heritage are not heard through methods normally employed by those assessing the needs of the United States’ native population.
This is significant as legislation and administrative rules often include them and their children, whether they have chosen to be involved with the reservation system or not.
With their voices in mind, this report presents additional recommendations, several of which were presented to the Commission but were not put forward for discussion or vote.
Due to the strength of an ‘iron triangle’ encompassing federal Indian policy, it is necessary to submit this minority report.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Morris
Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children
