Native American Heritage Month is a time to honor the rich history and heritage of Native Americans and recognize their vast contributions to our country’s progress and our economy. Since day one, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Deputy Secretary Don Graves have believed that a healthy and successful Indian Country is at the heart of a prosperous American economy. Economic growth only matters if it's equally shared.

During Native American Heritage Month, President Biden recently acknowledged the collective injustices faced by Native peoples. The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes the struggles of the Native American community and continues to provide them with long-awaited investments, including critical infrastructure. The Commerce Department remains dedicated to economic equity and support for America’s Tribal communities because of President Biden’s leadership in addressing historic inequities.

Over the past four years, the Commerce Department has demonstrated a commitment to Tribal communities across America through record investments in high-speed internet, long-term and sustainable economic development, coastal resilience, climate adaptation, and workforce development.

Made possible by once-in-a-generation pieces of legislation such as the CHIPS and Science Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and ongoing elements of the America Rescue Plan, Commerce bureaus have been working on multiple fronts to connect Tribes to funding and grants opportunities that are transforming lives.

Tribal Connectivity and Digital Equity

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) remains the largest investment ever in high-speed Internet service on Tribal lands. NTIA’s first funding notice resulted in awards totaling $1.86 billion to 226 Tribal entities. These projects have already connected or lowered Internet costs for more than 4,500 Tribal homes, with many more to come. In 2023, NTIA launched a second funding notice, making up to $980 million available for Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities for the deployment of Internet infrastructure on Tribal Lands, affordability programs, telehealth and distance learning initiatives. Recently, $72 million to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands was announced as the first reward to expand high-speed Internet access and adoption in Native Hawaiian households.

Read more to learn how NTIA and Native communities are working together – and see the impacts of digital equity in these communities.

Tribal Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Growth

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has made transformational investments in the future of America’s Tribal communities. Over the past four years, EDA has made significant investments that are helping Indigenous communities chart their economic futures, ensuring they have full and equitable opportunities to participate in economic prosperity.

With 372 grants awarded to Indigenous communities, $785 million has been invested in tribal economies. This substantial financial commitment has encouraged an estimated $1.5 billion in private-sector investments creating pathways to approximately 17,600 jobs.

More than just financial support, EDA has approached Indigenous economic development with strategic intentionality. The $5 million additional funding to the Assistance to Indigenous Communities initiative represents a targeted effort. The funding will provide capacity building, planning support, and technical assistance to support the future implementation of foundational economic infrastructure. In addition to serving as a catalyst to utilize other EDA funding, the additional assistance will create meaningful economic opportunities for Native communities.

Read more to learn how EDA's investments are making a difference in the future of America’s Tribal communities.

Combating Climate Change and Protecting Native Homelands

The Inflation Reduction Act made the biggest investment in fighting climate change ever, providing funding to help Tribal communities manage waters, fisheries, and other resources of significance and value to Indian Tribes. 

Through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), over $375 million has been awarded across 34 projects benefiting Native American communities. These initiatives address critical issues like coastal resilience, climate adaptation, and workforce development. One of the most significant investments is the $56.6 million awarded to the United Houma Nation for a comprehensive approach to coastal resilience. This funding supports the upgrading of community resilience hubs, the strengthening of communication infrastructure, and the development of a community-led migration strategy.

Another $9.2 million has been allocated to the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges to cultivate a new generation of Tribal leaders and co-stewards skilled in natural resources management and climate resilience. Furthering its commitment to collaboration, NOAA has allocated $754,953 to three Tribal Nations – the Makah Indian, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians, and Penobscot Nation — to enhance participation in regional ocean partnerships.

In Alaska, NOAA has provided $2.3 million to the Tribal Government of St. Paul Island to expand Indigenous-led environmental monitoring programs and build a climate-resilient workforce. Additionally, funding had been directed toward marine debris cleanup in Alaska, including the Akiak Native Community’s project to remove debris caused by riverbank erosion and the Native Village of Afognak’s initiative to clean beaches with the help of Alaska Native youth.

NOAA’s investments also include $2.3 million to improve satellite-based flood monitoring in Alaska and $3.84 million to enhance Arctic research and data management, which will promote resilience in rural and Indigenous communities.

These strategic investments provided through the Inflation Reduction Act reflect a dedication to fostering equity, collaboration, and climate resilience while addressing the unique challenges faced by Tribal Nations.

The Department of Commerce recognizes that America’s diversity has always been its greatest strength and is committed to creating an economy that works for all Americans. Read more about the Commerce Department’s resources for Native American workers, entrepreneurs, and businesses.

For more information, see President Biden’s Proclamation on National Native American Heritage Month, 2024.