WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 19, 2024) – Bishop Paiute Tribal Chairman Steve Orihuela, who serves as a Board Member of the Tribal Leadership Council, attended the White House Tribal Nations Summit hosted by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and President Joe Biden on December 9, 2024.
Chairman Orihuela had the opportunity to meet with President Biden, Secretary Haaland, Asst. Secretary of Indian Affairs Bryan Newland, and Paula Hart, Director of the Office of Indian Gaming. The summit provided updates on Carlisle Indian Boarding School memorial, reviving Native languages, reforms to federal funding, agreements for co-stewardship of land, and protecting sacred sites.
Chairman Orihuela had a moment to express gratitude to President Biden for his broad efforts to support Indian Country. He specifically thanked the President for strengthening Tribal sovereignty and for the distribution of Covid Relief Funds that played a critical role in helping the Bishop Paiute Tribe navigate the pandemic.
He also met with Asst. Secretary Newland on December 10 regarding the efforts of the Bishop Paiute Tribe and the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission to secure land and water rights.
Secretary Haaland said through the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden-Harris Administration made historic investments and helped secure water and land back for Tribal communities.
About the Tribal Leadership Council
Formed in 2023, the Tribal Leadership Council (TLC) is a board-governed not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that proudly supports Tribal leaders and executives with continuing education and provides tools to better their organizations. The primary focus of the TLC is empowering leadership and promoting economic growth and prosperity for Tribal communities. Learn more here: www.TribalLeadershipCouncil.com
Media Contact: Justin Barrett at [email protected]