We need true, true investment into Indian Country. And without this confer policy, it is not going to happen.

Thank you, Madam Chair. And I just want to associate with some of your comments and the Ranking Member's comments, where you said that this Subcommittee does have a history and a tradition, and we are not just talking about bipartisanship…

No policy about us without us.

Of course, we want to be at the table because right now we are just the menu.

We must do better for our tribal members, for our citizens, and for our country.

It is time to act so Native lives are no longer jeopardized by the lack of communication between HHS agencies.

Our suicide rate has increased 20 percent. We need this policy and full funding to support Indian Country's public health emergency.

This is an important step in the histories of the United States and the Oceti Sakowin.

Can you speak to how the Department has worked with tribes in restoring these lands, identifying these lands, and responding to those urgencies that are coming from Indian Country relative to those two issues?

This is an important step for the healing of the people of our Oceti Sakowin.

Our people have grieved for well over a century the loss of life and the genocidal attack on our people and our way of life that took place at Wounded Knee.