Written Testimony of Georgiana Ignace, President of the National Council of Urban Indian Health for the 10th Annual National Health and Human Services (HHS) Tribal Budget and Policy Consultation Session 02-22-08
Authors: Ignace G,
Publication Year: 2008
Last Updated: 2010-10-05 12:38:17
Journal: NCUIH
Keywords: Testimony, NCUIH, UIHP, Urban Indian Health Program, president's budget, elimination, appropriations, budget, National Council of Urban Indian Health, zero-ing out
Short Abstract:
In the strongest possible terms, NCUIH opposes the third zeroing out of funding for the Urban Indian Health Program in the FY 2009 President’s budget, which goes against express Congressional support for the Urban Indian Health Program as demonstrated by Congress’ restoration of the UIHP in FY2007 and FY2008. Once again the Administration has proposed to eliminate funding for the Urban Indian Health Program under the erroneous reasoning that urban Native Americans can seek care from practically any other local, state, or Federal health care provider. The Administration’s view that these individuals will simply be absorbed by other health care providers ignores the enormous health disparities and obstacles to care faced by American Indians and Alaska Natives. Furthermore, this view ignores the fact that the trust responsibility to Native Americans by the Federal government is not tied to a piece of land, but to the individual people and it follows them no matter where they may reside. By attempting to eliminate this program the Administration is effectively stating that the trust responsibility vanishes as soon as American Indians and Alaska Natives leave their lands, regardless of the reason.
Abstract:
In the strongest possible terms, NCUIH opposes the third zeroing out of funding for the Urban Indian Health Program in the FY 2009 President’s budget, which goes against express Congressional support for the Urban Indian Health Program as demonstrated by Congress’ restoration of the UIHP in FY2007 and FY2008. Once again the Administration has proposed to eliminate funding for the Urban Indian Health Program under the erroneous reasoning that urban Native Americans can seek care from practically any other local, state, or Federal health care provider. The Administration’s view that these individuals will simply be absorbed by other health care providers ignores the enormous health disparities and obstacles to care faced by American Indians and Alaska Natives. Furthermore, this view ignores the fact that the trust responsibility to Native Americans by the Federal government is not tied to a piece of land, but to the individual people and it follows them no matter where they may reside. By attempting to eliminate this program the Administration is effectively stating that the trust responsibility vanishes as soon as American Indians and Alaska Natives leave their lands, regardless of the reason.
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