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W. RON ALLEN, JAMESTOWN S'KLALLAM TRIBE, TRIBAL CHAIR: On behalf of the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, I want to thank you Mr. Chairman and the Senators of this Committee for the opportunity to provide testimony on this very important topic of Overcoming Barriers to Economic Development in Native Communities.
General observations regarding Economic Development in Indian Country
Economic Development in Indian Country trails significantly behind the rest of the nation and the acute economic conditions experienced by our Tribal citizens are even more pronounced than those of the current economic crisis. Tribal citizens are more vulnerable to the impacts of the current economic conditions because Tribal governmental revenues depend entirely on effective economic development to support nearly every aspect of reservation life and Tribal governance. However, chronic underfunding by the U.S. Government and the severe lack of private investment has left the economic potential of Indian Country unrealized.
Tribes are forced to rely on our own economic ventures to generate revenue to support citizen programs and maintain government services for our people. Yet, Tribes are expected to meet these economic challenges with fewer resources and greater restrictions placed on vital economic financing tools and incentives. It stands to reason that Tribes should be given all of the tools and incentives available to other governments to raise and attract capital.
When given the right tools to exercise our inherent right of self-government, Tribes can effectively lift our communities out of poverty and fully participate in the American economy. It is not just our Tribal citizens who benefit from federal investment in our communities, surrounding communities, and at times, entire regions, are also beneficiaries of Tribal success. The severe critical barriers to development that exist in Indian Country are the result of many factors, including, past federal policies that were imposed on Tribes. Congress has an opportunity to reverse these trends that are impeding the success of Tribal economies by providing appropriate financing tools and tax incentives and dismantling existing barriers for Tribes to fully utilize programs and services. These efforts will ultimately benefit Tribal communities and stimulate economic growth that, in turn, builds a stronger America and creates jobs.
Tribal Self-Determination and Self-Governance works, but more investments would achieve even greater successes. Economic Development has...