NCUIH to Testify During American Indian and Alaska Native Public Witness Day

February 27, 2025 | 10:20 a.m. EST

Witness:

Robyn Sunday-Allen (Cherokee)
Chief Executive Officer, Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Board President-Elect, NCUIH

When: Thursday, February 27, 2025
Start Time: 10:20 a.m. EST
Watch live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1b0o7TaNJfI

On Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 10:20 a.m. EST, Robyn Sunday-Allen (Cherokee), CEO of the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic and Board President-Elect at NCUIH, will testify on before the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee as part of American Indian and Alaska Native Public Witness Days (February 25-27, 2025).

In her testimony, Ms. Sunday-Allen will advocate for sustained and increased funding for the Indian Health Service (IHS) and the importance of advance appropriations to ensure uninterrupted health care services for American Indian and Alaska Native populations. She will also address the need for funding protections, including a specific exemption for the entire Indian health system from any future funding restrictions, hiring freezes, and proposed agency reductions, to strengthen and maintain health care access for American Indian and Alaska Native communities, access to cancer prevention and treatment, which she relates to the diabetes crisis in Indian Country. Her remarks will highlight the impact of funding disruptions on Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) and the necessity of maintaining programs, like the Native American Cancer Outcomes Program, that ensure American Indian and Alaska Native patients receive the care they need without barriers.

This hearing is hosted by the House Appropriations Committee. NCUIH applauds Chairman Cole for his strong commitment to Indian Country. In his opening remarks, he said, “As an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, Tribal issues have always been at the forefront of the policy decisions I make as a member of Congress and as a member of this important Committee. I have been – and remain – committed to ensuring the federal government upholds its trust responsibility to Native Americans to provide basic services and resources throughout Indian Country. I have been in contact with the agencies and the White House to ensure our responsibilities to the Tribes are fully understood across all facets of the federal government.”