U.S. Dept. of Commerce (DOC) Sec. Gina Raimondo spoke of the DOC's commitment to supporting economic growth in Tribal Nations in a virtual address to a summit of Tribal leaders.
Raimondo highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the DOC to advance economic opportunity and equity in Tribal communities in remarks to the second White House Tribal Nations Summit, the DOC reported Dec. 2. DOC actions include appointing a director for business development, improving access to high-speed internet and joining an inter-agency order to safeguard land and water, according to the report.
Raimondo said she was "thrilled" that the DOC has named Shaun Deschene as director of the Office of Native American Business Development, "a position that had been vacant for more than a decade.
“The office is elevating our department’s work in Indian Country," Raimondo said of appointment, according to the report, "and aligning our efforts with President Biden’s strong agenda for Tribal nations.”
The DOC is also formally joining the Joint Secretarial Order on Fulfilling the Trust Responsibility to Indian Tribes in the Stewardship of Federal Lands and Waters, Raimondo announced in her remarks. The order promotes "an all-of-government approach" to inter-agency co-stewardship "in their management of waters, fisheries, and other resources of significance and value to Tribes," the DOC states.
Raimondo also emphasized the DOC's commitment to ensuring Tribal communities have high-speed internet (HSI) access, including a $1.5 billion investment to expand HSI networks and digital-skills training.
“For too long, Tribal communities have been cut off from the benefits of reliable, affordable internet connections," Raimondo said in the address. “These grants – made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – underscore the Biden Administration’s unprecedented commitment to closing the digital divide in Native communities.”
Nearly $500 million, allotted through the American Rescue Plan, will support "a range of needs" in Indigenous communities, "from wastewater infrastructure to job training," according to the DOC.
“As you can see today, our bureaus are working on multiple fronts to connect Tribes to funding for long-term, sustainable economic development," Raimondo said in her remarks. “Together, we can bring opportunity to our Tribal communities and ensure that Tribal businesses and workers are equipped for success.”
