Video & Transcript Research : 'Native American'
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ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 1603 is a companion bill to the Historical Society budget that deals with NAGPRA, the Native
- American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
- NAGPRA was enacted in 1990 to ensure Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects,
Bills:
HB1603
Keywords:
Native American, grave protection, repatriation, cultural heritage, tribal compliance, 908, all
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum and announced it would begin meeting at 8 a.m. for the rest of the week to work through a growing bill list. The committee first approved House Bill 1603, a companion to the Historical Society budget dealing with NAGPRA, including a $500,000 matching grant to be divided among North Dakota’s five tribes and a committee to address repatriation of human remains and cultural items. The vote was unanimous, 15-0.
The committee then considered House Bill 1225, which would increase penalties for reckless endangerment involving a firearm and create a mandatory prison term. After debate over public safety concerns versus the bill’s fiscal note and prison costs, the committee adopted a do not pass recommendation by a 9-6-1 vote. Members also discussed House Bill 1018, the State Historical Society budget, and approved an amendment that adjusted one-time funding items, including NAGPRA compliance, museum exhibits, military gallery funding, local historic grants, and line-of-credit repayment. The amended bill then received a due pass recommendation by a 14-2 vote.
The committee next approved House Bill 1468, a behavioral health facility grant for St. Hayes, which supporters said would expand in-state access to acute and adolescent behavioral health care and reduce the need to send patients out of state. The bill passed 14-1. It then amended and passed House Bill 1485, increasing the personal needs allowance for certain Medicaid recipients by $15 and indexing it to inflation; the amendment and the bill as amended both passed 14-2. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 1016, the Adjutant General/National Guard budget, after adopting an amendment that funded disaster relief, response equipment, IT and website costs, and staffing changes for the watch center; the amended bill passed 14-2. The committee adjourned after completing six bills and planned to resume the next morning at 8 a.m.
NV
Transcript Highlights:
- The one waiver that we have not made some of those changes to is the Native American fee waiver.
- There were some other proposals to make modifications to the Native American fee waiver that were a cause
- For the Native Americans. Okay. And that would probably be the only program then if I... Okay.
- I've been concerned about this ever since being a regent when I saw... for the Native Americans.
- In particular, in regards to the Native American students, we continue to be supportive and making sure
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Indian, Rural and Cultural Affairs Feb 12th, 2026 at 10:36 am
Senate Indian, Rural & Cultural Affairs
ND
Bills:
HB1455
Keywords:
tribal consultation, Indian Affairs Commission, tribal governments, tribal sovereignty, state-tribal relations, Native American, tribal nations, consultation requirement, legislative process, jurisdiction, sovereignty, North Dakota tribes, government-to-government consultation, tribal chairpersons, 908, all
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee took up House Bill 1489, and Victoria Christian from Legislative Council reviewed the latest 3003 version. She explained that the bill was revised to clarify language about individuals who are or were in a dating relationship, to incorporate provisions from related Senate bills, and to narrow confidentiality and hearing provisions to domestic violence and sexual assault protection order cases. She also noted a clarification on page 12 regarding certification of certain individuals under Supreme Court rules rather than by the Supreme Court itself.
Members discussed the consolidation of multiple related bills into one measure. Senator Myrdal moved Amendment 3.03 to engross House Bill 1489, and the motion passed. Senator Myrdal then moved a do pass recommendation on House Bill 1489 as amended, seconded by Senator Luick.
The committee voted in favor of the amended bill by roll call, with all members present voting yes, and the motion carried. Chair Larson then asked for a member to carry the bill to the floor, and it was agreed that the bill would be carried. The committee also discussed its remaining workload and planned to clear the rest of its calendar the following week.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- And I understand the Native Affairs Commission obviously represents these nations, sovereign nations.
- I'm a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, the third vice commander of the American Legion Post
Bills:
HB1455
Keywords:
tribal consultation, Indian Affairs Commission, tribal governments, tribal sovereignty, state-tribal relations, Native American, tribal nations, consultation requirement, legislative process, jurisdiction, sovereignty, North Dakota tribes, government-to-government consultation, tribal chairpersons, 908, all
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee first heard House Bill 1455, which would require the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission to review introduced legislation for tribal implications and conduct consultation with affected tribes. Rep. Collette Brown said the bill was intended to formalize and strengthen tribal consultation, and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe representative Ross Bell testified in support. Brad Hawk, executive director of the Indian Affairs Commission, testified neutrally, saying the office already does much of this work but that the bill would add structure; several senators raised concerns about duplication, possible future staffing costs, and whether the bill was necessary. The committee amended the bill to replace “each measure” with “all legislation,” then passed a do-not-pass recommendation on HB 1455 by recorded vote, with Sen. Luick designated as carrier.
The committee then took up House Bill 1032, dealing with municipal courts, appeals, and judge qualifications. Legislative Council and court staff walked through proposed amendments, including making municipal courts courts of record on a delayed effective date, clarifying appeal procedures, and adding standards for municipal judges. Members discussed whether to use the term “ethical standards” or “judicial conduct”; after questions about definitions and enforcement, the committee settled on replacing the language with “judicial conduct” in the amended bill. The committee adopted the amendments and then passed HB 1032 as amended on a do-pass vote, with Sen. Cory to carry.
Later, the committee heard House Bill 1263, which would make it easier for people with criminal records to seek sealing after a denial by allowing an appeal and reducing the waiting period for a new petition from three years to one year. Rep. Nels Christensen, Christopher Davis, Travis Fink, and Brad Peterson all supported the bill’s goal of giving people a better path to rehabilitation and employment. The main point of disagreement was whether to keep the statutory presumption that the benefit to the petitioner must outweigh the presumption of openness of criminal records; several witnesses urged removing that language, while others said it was part of the compromise that created the current law. The committee closed the hearing without taking final action and said it would review the House discussion before deciding later.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Indian, Rural and Cultural Affairs Feb 3rd, 2026 at 10:04 am
Senate Indian, Rural & Cultural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Native American women, all of whom were of childbearing age, including several procedures performed on
- Yanni Pinkerton had sat down with a number of Native American women, and she had found that in her research
- Sterilization is a reality for thousands of Native American women in the 1960s and 70s.
- Forced sterilization impacts Native families and Native communities within the United States of America
- It's still happening, you know, not just among Native American or indigenous communities around the world
Bills:
SM14
Keywords:
forced sterilization, coerced sterilization, Indigenous women, Native American women, women of color, reproductive justice, reproductive sovereignty, truth and reconciliation commission, memorial, trauma-informed care, reparative justice, human rights, bodily autonomy, Indian Health Service, Indian affairs, Commission on the Status of Women, survivor testimony, reproductive health access, genocide, transitional justice
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- American led Reproductive Justice and Reproductive Sovereignty Program.
- American women but also of women of color, particularly across the South.
- Sterilization was a reality to thousands of Native women during the 1960s and 1970s.
- First forced civilization impact Native families and Native Community within the United States, which
- caused many Native women to bear the heaviest burden and shame of this historical trauma.
Keywords:
land grant, Las Vegas, governance, self-governance, judicial management, forced sterilization, coerced sterilization, Indigenous women, Native American women, women of color, reproductive justice, reproductive sovereignty, truth and reconciliation commission, memorial, trauma-informed care, reparative justice, human rights, bodily autonomy, Indian Health Service, Indian affairs
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- where you're talking about impacted communities of color, when you look at it, it says faster among Native
- American and Black and Mexican residents.
- Hispanic is number two behind Black, the Black community, African American community here in New Mexico
- Not only was it the coalition of stop violence against Native women, but the Pueblo Zuni and Nambé, in
Keywords:
Governor's Residence, management committee, government administration, New Mexico, advisory, commission, general services, nominating committees, boards of regents, student representation, political party registration, New Mexico constitution, overdose prevention centers, harm reduction, drug overdose, opioid crisis, substance use disorder, public health, addiction treatment, naloxone
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- The Black Barons and the other teams of the Negro League gave African Americans an opportunity to play
- The Black Barons played for the national league title, losing to the Chicago American Giants due to..
- His players won 66 All-American honors by 58 different individuals.
- is referred to... native state of Alabama is referred to the Committee on Rules.
- And God knows all of us as Americans owe our lives to them who gave theirs in some...
Bills:
SJR 1, SB 9, SB 40, SJR 36, SJR 1, SJR 5, SB 9, SB 40, SR 61, SR 91, SR 97, SR 103, SR 104, SR 112, SR 115, SR 116, SCR 16, SB 26, SB 26
Keywords:
bail denial, illegal aliens, felony offenses, constitutional amendment, law enforcement, bail reform, defendants, pretrial detention, public safety, criminal justice, charitable bail organizations, bail bonds, public funds, political subdivision, injunctive relief, taxpayer rights, bail, criminal justice reform, Texas Music Advocacy Day, music industry
VA
Virginia 2026 1st Special Session
American Revolution 250 Commission Apr 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Americans and African Americans.
- It is an examination not only of the contribution of Native Americans to our nation and to our founding
- at first landing, and the Native Americans, where we are.
- at first landing, and the Native Americans, where we are.
- And I, landing and the Native Americans where we are. And I hope we've done Virginia proud.
Summary:
The Virginia 250 Commission met to review progress on the Commonwealth’s semiquincentennial planning and related business. Members approved the January 8, 2026 minutes, adopted the annual electronic/virtual meeting policy, and received updates on fundraising, advisory councils, partner institutions, and upcoming signature events. Reports highlighted strong donor support for Virginia Commemoration, Inc., with total gifts, pledges, and in-kind support reaching about $8.7 million and more than $2 million in pending requests.
A major portion of the meeting focused on 2026 signature programming, including the Tribal Nations Leadership Advisory Council’s event at the Williamsburg Lodge, African-American Advisory Council initiatives such as African Landing Day, the African Landing Memorial opening at Fort Monroe, Juneteenth programming, and nationally broadcast July 4th events in Williamsburg. Other partners reported on exhibits and programming at Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Mount Vernon, and other historic sites. Carly Fiorina also announced that Virginia 250 and PBS will partner on a live national broadcast of the July 4th celebration, branded “America Made in Virginia.”
The commission reviewed and approved the VA 250 and VCI budgets and the reopening of the grant-making process through Virginia Tourism and Virginia Humanities. Members discussed transparency, projected surpluses, and the possibility of later evaluating the economic return on the commission’s work. The body also adopted a resolution naming Carly Fiorina principal executive and Frank Sadler acting executive director, effective January 30, 2026, and ratifying their prior actions on behalf of the commission.
Before adjournment, members discussed the Powhatan Mantle and ongoing conversations about its possible exhibition or custodial care involving Virginia tribes and the Ashmolean Museum. The meeting ended with comments reflecting on the commission’s inclusive approach to commemoration and a motion to adjourn in honor of Thomas Jefferson, which was approved.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Mon Apr 6, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 39
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Keywords:
Hawaiian Council, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Native Hawaiian, Native Hawaiian community, Native Hawaiian advocacy, recognition resolution, ceremonial resolution, nonprofit, community development, economic development, cultural preservation, self-sufficiency, housing counseling, community development financial institution, CDFI, small business accelerator, trades academy, tourism, regenerative tourism, iwi kūpuna
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC-CPN Joint Info Briefing - Mon Apr 6, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Keywords:
Hawaiian Council, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Native Hawaiian, Native Hawaiian community, Native Hawaiian advocacy, recognition resolution, ceremonial resolution, nonprofit, community development, economic development, cultural preservation, self-sufficiency, housing counseling, community development financial institution, CDFI, small business accelerator, trades academy, tourism, regenerative tourism, iwi kūpuna
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Health and Public Affairs Feb 13th, 2026 at 04:01 pm
Senate Health & Public Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I’m the president and board chairman of Americans for Autism Advocacy.
- Again, New Mexico public policy is generally the American rule, which is everybody pays their own lawyer
- Madam Chair, members of the committee, Kyle Mikely, President of Americans for Autism Advocacy, on behalf
- American communities, which play a vital role in New Mexico's population.
- I'm a policy advocate at the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, and I won't burden your time
Keywords:
physician assistants, interstate compact, medical services, licensure, cross-state practice, military families, regulatory authority, physical therapy, licensure compact, interstate practice, healthcare, military spouses, criminal background check, HB34, school nurse, school nurses, nurse licensure, charter school, charter schools, school district
WY
Bills:
SF0052
WY
Bills:
SF0052
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Finally, we get something that probably native wines could get into.
- get something that probably that native get something that probably that native wines<00:03:14.319
- organizations as opposed to non-Native Hawaiian organizations?
- licensing to come in from Native licensing to come in from Native Hawaiian<00:15:55.680>
organizations - <00:27:23.039>
WC Kan, co-manager Manopono LLC, Native WC Kan, co-manager Manopono LLC, Native
Bills:
SB2178
Keywords:
industrial hemp, Hawaii, agriculture, sustainability, Native Hawaiian practices, regulation, cultural stewardship, economic development, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SP 2178, which would create an industrial hemp program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, establish an advisory board, support research through the University of Hawaii, and promote hemp-based materials and partnerships with Native Hawaiian practitioners and cooperatives. Testimony was generally supportive from industry, Native Hawaiian advocates, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and the department, with supporters emphasizing economic opportunity, community-based development, and potential uses such as hempcrete and fiber products. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity also said it supported the intent, but its representative explained that the bill would require additional staffing and resources for education, monitoring, testing, and enforcement. Members raised concerns about overlapping regulation with USDA hemp licensing and the cost of new positions; the department estimated three additional positions at about $80,000 each and noted current federal licensing does not charge fees. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including removing state licensing requirements to avoid duplication with USDA authority, making technical changes, and blanking the appropriation amount for later consideration, and the recommendation was adopted unanimously.
The committee also heard and later took action on several other measures. SB 2702, relating to Hawaiian Homes and an irrigation system inventory, drew support but was postponed for decision-making until February 5 so additional amendments could be prepared. SB 2785, relating to economic development, received mixed testimony but was recommended and adopted for passage without amendments. SB 2790, relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Mākai irrigation system, received strong support and was also passed unamended. SB 2314, relating to the Hawaiian language and the legal effect of Hawaiian versions of laws, drew support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and others, while the Attorney General’s office raised concerns about the wording; the committee adopted amendments incorporating language from the judiciary, clarifying that English and Hawaiian are official languages and that priority goes to the version consistent with legislative intent when there is a material difference, and then passed the bill with amendments. All final votes reported were in favor, with no recorded opposition.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
An oversight hearing to examine Native American education, focusing on Federal programs at the U.S. Department of Education. Apr 2nd, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Indian Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Programs like the Native American Language Grants or the Alaska Native Education Program, which we call
- In fact, well over 90% of Native American students are educated in traditional public schools.
- I urge Congress to prioritize and protect Impact Aid, the education of Native American students, the
- Act, the Tribally Controlled College and University Assistance Act, and the Native American Language
- and Native Hawaiian serving institutions, or Native American serving institutions. non-tribal institutions
Keywords:
Native education, Department of Education, federal funding, testimony, treaty obligations, public schools, educational policies, Indigenous students
Summary:
The meeting focused on the responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Education towards Native students, highlighting the importance of federal education programs that satisfy treaty obligations to Native communities. Various witnesses testified about the impact of educational policies designed to support Native students who primarily attend public schools. Concerns were voiced over recent proposals that could potentially undermine these programs, citing the role of federal funding in ensuring successful educational outcomes for Native youth. The chair of the committee emphasized the need for continued federal support and attention to the unique educational challenges faced by Indigenous populations.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Native Hawaiian ter terminology and Native Hawaiian ter terminology and concepts<01:24:12.639>
like - Testimony with comments from Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation.
- American Bar Association, the National Academy of Sciences.
- American Bar Association, and the National Academy of Sciences.
- American Bar Association, and the National Academy of Sciences.
Bills:
HB1531
Keywords:
emergency announcements, American Sign Language, accessibility, public safety, broadcast media, 910, house, all
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1913, which would create a mental health coordinator position within the Office of Veteran Services for the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home and appropriate funds for it. Supporters said veterans, especially on the neighbor islands, need more mental health access and coordination. Several witnesses, including Sean Sonatada and Tom Driscoll, supported the intent but urged amendments to broaden the position beyond one facility and make it a statewide resource. Committee members questioned whether the bill would duplicate existing services at the veterans home and whether the position would be reimbursable through federal VA funding; testimony indicated the state would appropriate the money, while existing home services are already covered through current staff and federal reimbursement structures. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 9, which would designate Hawaii as a Purple Heart state. Testifiers generally supported the measure as a way to honor wounded veterans and their families, though one member asked what benefits the designation would confer. Witnesses clarified that the bill was mainly symbolic and did not appear to create new benefits, and one testifier noted Honolulu County had already adopted a similar Purple Heart designation.
The committee then took up House Bill 1628, which would establish a compassionate release protocol for certain seriously ill or debilitated incarcerated persons. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Hawaii Paroling Authority opposed the bill, arguing that an existing administrative process already works, that the bill could improperly extend eligibility to people serving life without parole or mandatory minimum sentences, and that it lacked victim and family input and sufficient resources. In contrast, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission strongly supported the bill, saying it would reduce the high cost of incarcerating people with complex medical needs, ease burdens on staff and the prison population, and better reflect human dignity. The commission described having seen severe suffering and deaths in custody and said compassionate release is warranted in some cases. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP-WAL Joint Public Hearing - Wed Feb 18, 2026 @ 8:45 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- >> And we will move on to uh Native >> And we will move on to uh Native Hawaiian<00:
- that we've lost a lot of these native that we've lost a lot of these native fishes<00:25:37.279>
- <00:26:17.120>
Rights the Native Hawaiian Gathering Rights the Native Hawaiian Gathering Rights - <00:31:50.320>
Hawaiian very humbly um as a Native Hawaiian very humbly um as a Native Hawaiian - MOKU within the state. 66 au pua native MOKU within the state. 66 au pua native Hawaiian<00:36:35.040
Bills:
HB2101
Keywords:
aquatic life, commercial aquarium purposes, Hawaii, environmental protection, sustainability, Native Hawaiian values, marine resources, 910, house, all
Summary:
The joint committees on Energy and Environmental Protection and Water and Land heard testimony on House Bill 21101, which would ban or otherwise end commercial aquarium collection. Chairs opened the hearing with a short time limit for testimony and noted they would move to decision-making before the next committee meeting. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it appreciated the bill’s intent and stood on written testimony, while the Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported the measure as part of its legislative package, citing community calls to ban the practice. Many other organizations and individuals also testified in support, including environmental, Native Hawaiian, and community groups, with arguments focused on reef protection, public trust, cultural concerns, and the view that the trade is extractive and not sustainable.
Supporters repeatedly cited declines in yellow tang and other reef fish, especially on West Hawaii and Oahu, and argued that reef recovery has not occurred where collection pressure existed. Several testified that legal aquarium collection has not occurred in West Hawaii since 2017 or on Oahu since 2021, and that the state should not reopen an industry that has been effectively shut down for years. Others said the program is fiscally inefficient because permits generate little revenue compared with the cost of administering and enforcing the program, and that aquaculture or other alternatives could provide jobs without removing wild fish. Native Hawaiian speakers and civic club representatives emphasized traditional and customary practices, community stewardship, and the need to protect resources for future generations.
Opposition testimony came from aquarium fishers and related advocates who argued the fishery has been shown sustainable, that the EIS process was completed, and that the bill would unfairly target one user group over another. They said the trade provides livelihoods for local families, that management is solid, and that the legislature should not ban a fishery after requiring compliance with environmental review. Some opponents also argued that fish populations have increased in recent years and that the issue reflects broader user conflict rather than science. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the chair continued taking testimony, including on Zoom, as time allowed.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- American language course and that the SBE may establish criteria for evaluating the Native American
- This bill is about the cultural significance of Native American languages and the importance of making
- sure that studying Native American language is rewarded by public schools that offer the course. ...
- While Native American languages do currently account for high school graduation credit, it would be meaningful
- And so these are very remote, very rural schools, serving predominantly Hispanic and Native American
Bills:
HB2093, HB2370, HB2376, HB2380, HB2381, HB2383, HB2423, HB2481, HB2621, HB2895, HB4005, HB4043, HB4109
Keywords:
mental health, school curriculum, education policy, instruction requirements, statute repeal, charter schools, education, weapons detection, public safety, school administration, school districts, real estate transactions, school property, bond issuance, land use approval, capital improvements, school governance, board meetings, education funding, parental notification
Summary:
The committee first approved the March 18, 2026 minutes and then considered the nomination of John Snyder to the State Board for Charter Schools. Snyder described his background in municipal finance, charter school financings, and prior service with Arizona charter school organizations and the Arizona School for the Arts. Members asked about how his finance experience would help the board’s oversight role, and the committee voted 6-0 with one not voting to recommend his confirmation to the full Senate.
The committee then heard HB 2093, which would remove the statutory requirement that health education include mental health instruction tied to multiple dimensions of health and would repeal related consultation requirements in 2037. The sponsor argued the bill would remove social-emotional learning from schools and return mental health matters to parents, while opponents, including students, a suicide-loss parent, and youth mental health advocates, said school-based mental health education saves lives and should remain available with parental opt-out. After debate, the committee voted 4-3 to give the bill a do pass recommendation.
Several school safety and education bills followed. HB 4043, requiring at least one campus employee trained in CPR, first aid, and AED use where applicable, passed unanimously after testimony from the sponsor and school administrators. HB 4005, requiring instruction on ethical and educational uses of artificial intelligence in school districts beginning in 2027-28, passed 4-3 despite opposition from the Arizona Education Association over unfunded mandate concerns. HB 2895, allowing Native American language proficiency to satisfy a world language requirement and adding language clarifying districts are not required to offer such courses, passed unanimously as amended. HB 2383, renaming trampoline court safety legislation as Ty’s Law, also passed unanimously as amended.
The committee also advanced HB 4109, a school public safety and notification bill requiring district safety policies, parent and law enforcement notification after life-threatening violence or weapon incidents, annual public safety reporting, and misdemeanor penalties for noncompliance. Testimony was sharply divided: supporters cited delayed or inadequate notification in serious incidents, while opponents argued the bill was too broad and criminalized administrators. The bill passed 4-3. The committee then approved HB 2376, appropriating $40 million for the school safety program and prioritizing school resource officers and school safety officers, and HB 2380, requiring greater public access to governing board meetings, materials, video, and out-of-state travel approvals; both passed 4-3. Finally, the committee began considering HB 2381, a major strike-everything amendment on career technical education district governance and funding, along with a follow-up amendment, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.