Native News
Native News Weekly (July 12, 2026): D.C. Briefs
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.
Proposed Federal Grant Rule Raises Concerns for Tribes as July 13 Deadline Nears
A federal proposal to significantly rework grant rules could change how tribes compete for, manage and retain federal funding. Tribal finance experts say governments should prepare now to avoid potential disruptions.
The Office of Management and Budget released proposed revisions to its “Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance” in late May, giving tribes and other grant recipients until July 13 to submit comments. OMB framed the proposal as an effort to tighten oversight, simplify requirements and bring federal programs back into alignment with statutory authority. The agency did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
The proposal would convert the government-wide grants framework laid out in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR) from guidance into binding regulation — a shift OMB says will create more consistent standards across agencies and reduce duplication in how programs are administered.
DOJ Schedules Tribal Consultation on New Bureau of Justice Grants
The U.S. Department of Justice is inviting Tribal leaders to participate in a government-to-government consultation on its proposal to consolidate several DOJ offices into a new Bureau of Justice Grants. The virtual consultation will be held on August 5–6, 2026, and is open only to Tribal leaders; members of the press will not be admitted. Tribal leaders are encouraged to register by August 3, with written comments accepted through September 4, 2026. Comments may be submitted to the DOJ’s Office of Tribal Justice by email at OTJ@usdoj.gov or by mail to the Office of Tribal Justice, U.S. Department of Justice, 950 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20530-0001.
To read more information: USDOJ Consultation Invitation.Bureau of Justice Grants.pdf
Indian Affairs Announces $2.4 Million in Tribal Tourism Grants
The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs is accepting applications for $2.4 million in Tribal Tourism Grants to help federally recognized tribes expand existing tourism operations and attract more visitors.
Administered through the Office of Indian Economic Development under the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act, the program will award 10 grants ranging from $200,000 to $300,000 to support tourism promotion, destination marketing, and economic development. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by August 7, 2026. Assistant Secretary Billy Kirkland said the funding is intended to help tribes strengthen tourism initiatives that create jobs, support local economies, and showcase Tribal cultures and traditions.
USDA to Host Tribal Webinar on New World Screwworm Threat
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is inviting Tribal Nations to participate in a Tribal-exclusive webinar on the growing threat posed by the New World screwworm (NWS), a destructive pest that affects livestock, pets, and wildlife.
Hosted by the APHIS Office of National Tribal Liaison, the webinar will provide updates on USDA’s coordinated One Health response to prevent the spread of the pest and keep Tribal leaders informed about ongoing response efforts. APHIS said the webinar is part of its commitment to maintaining strong partnerships with Tribal Nations and communities.
Webinar Information – Monday July 20th, 2026 at 1:00 PM (ET)
Join Via Web: Teams Webinar Link
USDA APHIS and federal partners will provide an overview of NWS, including:
- Biology and life cycle
- How to recognize clinical signs of myiasis (infection)
- Historical distribution and current outbreak
- Eradication tools and techniques, including surveillance, movement controls, sterile fly production, and dispersal
- How to report suspect cases
- USDA preparedness and NWS Response Playbook
- How to request outreach materials and information