NAN A. S. HAYWORTH: “With Native economies commonly reliant on Federal transfer payments to create employment opportunities, American Indians…”

“With Native economies commonly reliant on Federal transfer payments to create employment opportunities, American Indians and Alaska Natives suffer an average unemployment rate at or near 50 percent, stagnant incomes, poor health, substandard housing and education, and associated social ills. American Indian and Alaska Native tribes own a large share of the Nation's untapped energy resources and proper development of products and energy by-products would result in significant socioeconomic benefits both to tribal members and to the rest of our Nation. The United States and tribal governments share the obligation to preserve and protect tribal land, assets, and resources, including efforts to assure that renewable and nonrenewable resources are used to the maximum advantage of tribal owners. Economic development is an essential tool in achieving self-sufficiency by American Indians and Alaska Native tribes. Increased employment and business opportunities are key to achieving economic self-sufficiency for American Indian and Alaska Native tribes. The Buy Indian Act amendment provides additional opportunities as envisioned in the Indian Self-determination and Education Act for tribes to achieve self-sufficiency. Each American Indian and Alaska Native tribe has to choose its own path to self-sufficiency.”