Proposed BIA reorganization raises concerns over staffing cuts
A reported Bureau of Indian Affairs reorganization may reduce staff and slow funding delivery, tribal leaders told Congress, citing past delays
High Country News reports the Bureau of Indian Affairs could undergo a reorganization that includes additional staff cuts, citing testimony from tribal leaders during a congressional hearing on federal funding for Indigenous communities. Mark Macarro, president of the National Congress of American Indians, said the plan would reduce staff responsible for administering programs and distributing funding and was developed without consultation with tribal nations.
The proposed changes follow earlier workforce reductions within the Department of the Interior. Macarro said prior cuts have caused delays and left agencies with critical gaps, citing findings from the Government Accountability Office. Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland said in a statement that the agency aims to improve efficiency and strengthen services, though details of the reorganization have not been released, according to High Country News.
- 1.Anna V. Smith. High Country News, .
We provide the independent reporting that non-Native, extractive outlets often overlook. We give our communities the context and the facts they need to make informed decisions.
