WASHINGTON — In addition to articles already covered by Native News Online, here is a roundup of other news released from Washington, D.C. that impacts Indian Country recently.
HHS Proposes Ending ANA’s SEDS Program, Replacing It with New EAGLE and AI3 Initiatives
The administration has unveiled a plan to eliminate the Administration for Native Americans’ (ANA) Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS) program, according to a Federal Register Notice issued last Friday by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The notice opens a public comment period on the proposal to discontinue the long-standing grant program.
Under the plan, the SEDS and SEDS–Alaska (SEDS–AK) programs would be replaced with two new ANA initiatives: “EAGLE” and the “AI3 Action Institute.” The agency notes that current SEDS and SEDS–AK grants will not be affected, including an existing award administered by the Native CDFI Network.
HHS says the EAGLE program is intended to align with the administration’s pro-growth agenda, emphasizing economic development while supporting both cultural and socioeconomic outcomes. The agency describes it as a bridge between ANA’s past work and new strategies designed to promote self-determination in Native communities. However, unlike the broader SEDS program—which has historically funded a wide range of community-driven development efforts—EAGLE would focus more narrowly on specific areas, including greenhouse and microgrid projects, welding workforce development, services for Native elders, and initiatives described as “Indigenous Designs to Empower and Advance Self-Determination.”
The AI3 Action Institute, meanwhile, would concentrate on expanding access to advanced technologies in Native communities, with funding directed to a single grant recipient tasked with facilitating that effort.
The public comment period on the proposal remains open until April 20, 2026. The Native CDFI Network is currently reviewing the notice and plans to submit formal comments, along with guidance for Native CDFIs and their partners on how to respond.
President Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting DEI Practices Among Federal Contractors
President Trump on Thursday issued an executive order titled “Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors,” a move expected to carry significant implications for Tribal and individually owned Native businesses that contract with the federal government, including participants in the SBA 8(a) program.
The order directs federal agencies to take action within 30 days to ensure that government contracts—and contract-like agreements at all levels, including subcontracts—include a clause prohibiting contractors from engaging in what the administration defines as “racially discriminatory” diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities.
It further states that failure to comply with the requirement could result in serious consequences, including the cancellation, termination, or suspension of contracts, as well as potential disqualification from future federal contracting opportunities.
The Native CDFI Network (NCN) said it will work in coordination with the Native American Contractors Association and other Indian Country partners to evaluate the order’s impact and develop a coordinated response.
