Statement on the Trump Administration’s May 2 Proposed Budget Cuts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2025

CONTACT: Jamie Levitt, jamie.levitt@aspeninstitute.org

Statement by Tracy Canard Goodluck – Executive Director of the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute – on the Trump Administration’s Proposed Budget Cuts

WASHINGTON – The Fiscal Year 2026 Discretionary Budget Request proposed by the Trump Administration (released 5/2/2025) includes significant cuts to programming that would dramatically impact the wellbeing of Native communities – especially youth – across the country. While the White House has indicated that funding will be shifted to better serve “core priorities for tribal communities,” it’s clear to the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) that these pending decisions were made without the consultation of Tribal leadership, continuing the systemic erasure of Indigeneity and Tribal sovereignty by the U.S. federal government.

The United States has a longstanding history of underfunding all Tribal communities, including the 574 tribes that are federally-recognized. Today, fewer than 400 receive social services and ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) funding appropriated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Any proposed funding cuts would only serve to widen this gap, limiting access to education, library and language programming, housing, family service programs, public health, culturally-competent care, technology and transportation.

Social services are not superfluous. They are necessary for self-determination, for our communities to survive and thrive. Cultural connectedness is an essential social determinant of health. Native youth who feel culturally educated are four times more likely to see themselves as capable of making a difference. By curtailing funding for social services, the Administration is failing to maintain its trust and treaty obligations to Tribal communities, weakening the relationship so many – myself included – have worked tirelessly to build over many decades.

The federal government has a duty to help set up the next generation for success. It is our hope that amendments are made before the budget is finalized, taking into consideration feedback from Tribal communities and those familiar with Indian Country. In the absence of U.S. support,  this responsibility will fall solely on Tribal governments. Where possible, we urge Tribes to prioritize cultural resources and intergenerational learning spaces to facilitate the passage of traditional knowledge. Intertribal collaborations and partnerships with likeminded organizations can also help maximize available resources. Lean into the resiliency of Indigenous Peoples, and focus on the health, wellness and spiritual wellbeing of our young people.

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About CNAY: The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute is a national organization that works alongside Native youth – ages 24 and under – on reservations, in rural villages and urban spaces across the country to improve their health, safety, and overall well- being. Rooted in culture, our vision is for all Native American youth to lead full and healthy lives, be honored for the leaders they are, and have the resources and agency to create the world Native youth are worthy of and deserve. Learn more: www.cnay.org