Tribal Policy Working Group

This working group will discuss the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 (S. 5653) and its potential impacts on Tribal Nations, with the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) joining the discussion to share insights and perspectives. The group will also provide legislative updates and discuss key federal developments, including Executive Order 14429,  U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance, and Continuing Resolutions (CRs). Discussions will focus on understanding how these developments may affect Tribal sovereignty, programs, funding, and priorities.

The Tribal Policy Working Group is a new working group of NAFWS. This group is a Tribal-only forum dedicated to informing NAFWS Members about policies related to the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish and wildlife resources across Tribal lands and communities. Meetings are held virtually, enabling broad participation and regular dialogue among Tribal natural resource professionals. Federal policies, legislation, and bills that impact topics below will be discussed, but are not limited to:

• Tribal Fish and Wildlife Programs

• Endangered and Threatened Species

• Tribal Funding

• Conservation Law Enforcement

• Tribal Sovereignty

• Federal Compliance and Consultation

Providing information on federal policies connected to Tribal conservation and fish and wildlife gives Tribes the knowledge to make decisions on the impact or protection these polices will have and knowledge to participate in the decision-making process.

Participation in the Tribal Policy Working Group is limited to current NAFWS Members. Not a Member yet? Join today!