When Republicans made yet another unsuccessful attempt to take away healthcare from millions of Americans last month, Native Americans, specifically Alaska Natives, worked to ensure that Sen. Lisa Murkowski voted against the plan, sealing its defeat. The United States has long guaranteed Native Americans access to healthcare, mostly through commitments the federal government made to Indian tribes in exchange for land. But healthcare is just one of many areas where the Trump administration wants to break our government’s promises to Indian Country. Trump’s advisors have repeatedly pushed for the privatization of Indian lands and resources. Every president since Nixon has embraced a policy of “self-determination without termination” — the idea that Native Americans are best equipped to govern themselves.

Source: Los Angeles Times August 07, 2017 11:02 UTC