TRIBAL RECOVERY 

REPORT






THE

D

EPARTMENT OF THE TREA

S

URY

1789

November 2022

1

CONTENTS

Overview ........................................................................................................ 3

Investing SLFRF to Address Inequities .............................................. 5

Tribal Community Engagement 

and Promoting Equitable Outcomes..................................................... 7

Making Services and Supports 

Available for Health and Recovery........................................................ 8

New Resources to 

Strengthen Tribal Government Services............................................. 10

Advancing Tribal 

Infrastructure and Affordable Housing ............................................. 13

Recovering the Tribal Economy............................................................. 14

Conclusion ..................................................................................................... 16

About the Office of Tribal and Native Affairs ................................... 17
2

TRIBAL RECOVERY REPORT

American Rescue Plan Act

Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
3

Overview 

On March 11, 2021, President Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 

2021 (ARPA), a $1.9 trillion pandemic recovery package to address the public health, economic and 

social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. ARPA includes $350 billion in financial assistance to state, 

local, and Tribal governments through the creation of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery 

Funds (SLFRF) program for response to and recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency. This 

historic fiscal relief, administered by the Office of Recovery Programs (ORP) within the U.S. Department 

of the Treasury (Treasury), set aside a $20 billion allocation to Tribal governments – the largest single 

infusion of federal funding into Indian Country.1 The SLFRF is one of seven critical recovery programs 

that the ORP oversees that are intended to assist Tribal governments, their communities, tribal 

citizen-owned businesses, and households with accessing relief. These programs include the SLFRF, 

the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, the Homeowner Assistance Fund, the State Small Business 

Credit Initiative, the Capital Projects Fund, the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund, and the 

Coronavirus Relief Fund.

To support the implementation of these funds, Secretary of the Treasury Janet Louise Yellen created 

the ORP in April 2021, whose workforce included dedicated, diverse Native American policy and 

engagement staff with experience in Tribal policy, government, and economic development. In 

September 2022, Treasury created the Office of Tribal and Native Affairs – overseen by the Treasurer 

of the United States, Chief Lynn Malerba, the first Native American to hold this position. The Office’s 

purpose is to serve as a permanent hub for Tribal policy within Treasury. 

This Tribal Recovery Report is authored by the Office of Tribal and Native Affairs within Treasury. It 

features innovative projects and services planned or underway by Tribal governments and funded by 

SLFRF to support the well-being of Tribal communities in equitable and culturally appropriate ways. 

To date, Tribal governments have planned or begun implementing over 3,000 projects and services 

with SLFRF to generate new economic opportunities and improve health, safety, and quality of life. 

Many Tribal SLFRF projects include partnerships and collaborations between multiple Tribes, local 

governments, non-profits, community members, and others to create sustainable and lasting change. 

The projects featured in the Tribal Recovery Report are among many that the individual Tribe has 

invested in with SLFRF. The efforts highlighted reveal the vast and impressive reach SLFRF has had as a 

catalyst for recovery. 

1 For purposes of the SLFRF program, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) defined “Tribal government” as the recognized governing body 

of any Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, community, component band, or component reservation, individually 

identified (including parenthetically) in the list published most recently as of the date of enactment of the ARPA pursuant to section 104 of 

the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 5131). See section 602(g)(7) of the Social Security Act. 
4

Summary of Tribal Government SLFRF Data2 3

Total SLFRF 

Set Aside for Tribes

Tribes 

Awarded Funds

Tribal 

Members Impacted

Tribal 

Employees Reported

 $ 20,000,000,000 579 2,666,151 433,176

Many issues facing Tribal communities, whether healthcare, poverty, education, food security, social 

justice, or economic development – including tax parity – all have one element in common, inequitable 

access to resources. Across Indian Country, the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, regionally and locally, were 

not all the same. However, it did result in one commonality; the pandemic made pre-existing inequitable 

conditions even worse.

In recovery planning, Tribes displayed strength in self-determination and self-governance, assuming 

greater levels of decision-making and responsibility. Respecting Tribal sovereignty, Treasury 

recognized that pandemic responses funded by SLFRF could not follow a stringent linear course. 

Rather, to promote more equitable outcomes and a stronger economic recovery, Treasury looked for 

ways to support self-determination. In developing Tribal SLFRF policy, and in keeping with Executive 

Order 13175, President Biden’s Memorandum for Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-toNation Relationships and Treasury’s Action Plan for Tribal Consultation and Collaboration, Treasury 

prioritized Tribal engagement and feedback. ORP hosted six Tribal consultations, held over 100 

one-on-one sessions, and partnered with the White House Council on Native American Affairs and 

numerous Tribal national and regional organizations to provide direct engagement to maximize the 

impact of SLFRF funds and increase the likelihood of successful implementation.

Treasury listened to these concerns and recommendations from Tribal leaders and representatives 

and incorporated them into the development of the interim final rule and the final rule, resulting 

in increased flexibility in the use of funds. For example, the SLFRF final rule provided up to a $10 

million standard allowance for lost revenue, which dramatically simplifies the program, especially 

for smaller governments, whose total award may fall under $10 million. Treasury also expanded 

eligible uses of funds for broadband infrastructure investments to address challenges with internet 

access, affordability, and reliability. The final rule also included additional eligible water and sewer 

infrastructure investments.4 Additionally, Treasury reduced the reporting requirements to once-a-year5

for Tribal governments that received smaller allocations and adopted an alternative6 to the Single 

Audit to reduce administrative burdens where possible. These and other modifications provided 

flexibility so that each government has discretion on the best use of funds and has greater autonomy 

and responsibility in implementing recovery plans.

2 Data based on Project and Expenditure Reports submitted to Treasury for the reporting period ended June 30, 2022. The examples 

included throughout this Report are based on recipient reports, and their inclusion in this document does not constitute an explicit 

approval of these projects by Treasury.

3 Treasury used self-certified enrollment numbers provided by Tribes to the Bureau of Indian Affairs in April of 2021 and 2019 employment 

data in its methodology for allocating SLFRF to Tribal governments.

4 See The White House (May 2022) Advancing Equity Through the American Rescue Plan, pg. 114-115 for more information on SLFRF 

flexibilities provided in response to Tribal feedback: 

5 Tribes that are allocated less than $30 million in SLFRF are only required to submit a Project and Expenditure Report annually. Tribes that 

are allocated more than $30 million in SLFRF are required to submit the Project and Expenditure Report quarterly.

6 Treasury recognized that due to the receipt of an SLFRF award, many SLFRF recipients may expend $750,000 or more in Federal awards 

during their fiscal year and newly be required to complete a Single Audit or a Program-Specific Audit pursuant to 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart F. 

These recipients may elect to undergo an Alternative Compliance Examination Engagement. 
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Investing SLFRF to Address Inequities 

Within the categories of eligible uses established by the American Rescue Plan Act and carefully 

implemented by Treasury, Tribal governments have broad flexibility to meet the needs of their people.

SLFRF Eligible Uses:

• Support the COVID-19 public health and economic response by addressing COVID-19 and 

its impact on public health, as well as addressing economic harms to workers, households, 

small businesses, impacted industries, and the public sector;

• Provide premium pay for essential workers, offering additional support to those who have 

borne and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical sectors; 

• Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, making necessary investments 

to improve access to clean drinking water, support vital wastewater and stormwater 

infrastructure, and expand access to broadband internet; and

• Replace lost revenue public sector revenue7, which includes revenue of Tribal enterprises, 

using this funding to provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue 

experienced due to the pandemic. 

Note:

The Tribal Recovery Report, focused on SLFRF, aims to help Tribal leaders protect, support, and lead 

their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic by sharing project examples. Common projects and 

services have been combined in universal Tribal government-centric themes. Therefore, the Report 

is stylized to align with the governance and departmental structure under which a Tribe operates. 

Because categories of common-themed eligible use projects are combined in this way, they do not 

necessarily align with the statutory use categories. For information about eligible uses and other 

program requirements, Tribal governments, as well as other recipients and stakeholders, should refer 

to the final rule8 and other program guidance. Please contact Treasury’s Office of Tribal and Native 

Affairs if you have questions about the data analysis.

The revenue loss eligible use category and its inclusion of revenue from Tribal enterprises in the 

definition of “general revenue” is of utmost importance to Tribes as economic development is crucial 

to funding government services. In general, Tribes lack parity with states and local governments due to 

their inability to levy property tax and income tax. As a result, Tribes rely on for-profit enterprises in lieu 

of a strong tax base to support public safety, road and infrastructure maintenance, housing, education, 

culture and health services, and other programs and projects that benefit the community. Enterprise 

closures caused significant deterioration to the Tribal economy, adding to pre-existing unmet needs.

7 The final rule allowed recipients to either calculate actual revenue loss or elect a standard allowance of up to $10 million in aggregate, 

not to exceed their award amount, for government services. Tribes that were allocated under $10 million are able to use their full award 

towards the government services eligible use.

8 87 Fed. Reg. 4338 (Jan. 27, 2022). 
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The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) 2003 report, A Quiet Crisis9, reported that the federal 

government’s historic failure to carry out its promises and trust obligations has led to a longstanding 

and continuing disregard for Tribes’ infrastructure, self-governance, housing, education, health, 

and economic development. In the USCCR’s follow-up report, Broken Promises10, it was noted that 

despite the United States having treaty and trust obligations to provide quality healthcare for Native 

Americans, federal appropriations are not mandatory – unlike other federal healthcare programs. 

Against decades of underfunding of the trust responsibility,11 the overarching challenges of the 

COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the health and economic impacts in Tribal communities.

At the start of the pandemic, Native Americans faced higher poverty rates, overcrowding in homes, 

and a significant inequity in healthcare and health status compared to other Americans. According to 

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Native American life expectancy is 4.4 years less12

than all other U.S. populations, and Native Americans have the highest COVID-19 mortality rates13

nationwide, despite having only 1% of the population.14

Beyond healthcare, other determinants such as education, access to nutritious foods, criminal and 

social justice issues, and employment greatly contributed to inequities. As the pandemic began, the 

unemployment rate in the U.S. hit an unprecedented level at 14.8%15, while the Native American 

unemployment rate climbed to 28.6%16 - with the closure of Tribal enterprises in gaming and 

hospitality being a leading factor. The financial viability of some of these enterprises was threatened, 

especially those that were already operating on small profits because of their intent17 to provide 

governmental services and be job creators for the community.

The pandemic widened infrastructure inequities in tribal communities, from aging lead pipes and 

service lines to limited internet access. According to a recent Federal Communications Commission 

(FCC) report18 more than 17% of Americans in rural areas and around 21% of residents on Tribal lands 

lack broadband access. This barrier drew attention to a systemic vulnerability to continue government 

operations and services to Tribal citizens in the face of major disruptions. The lack of connectivity, 

school closures, and overcrowded homes caused a ripple effect on education. In many communities, 

bus drivers and teachers in Tribal communities shifted gears to passing out and picking up meals and 

homework packets to enable instruction and ensure food security.

 9 U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. (2003). A Quiet Crisis: Federal Funding and Unmet Needs in Indian Country.

10 U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. (2004). Broken Promises: Evaluating the Native American Health Care System.

11 U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. (2004). Broken Promises: Evaluating the Native American Health Care System.

12 Arias, E., (2021, November 9). Mortality Profile of the Non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native Population. 

https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/110370

13 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Distribution of COVID-19 Deaths and Populations, by Jurisdiction, Age, and Race and 

Hispanic Origin. (NCHS/DVS) [Data set]. https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/Distribution-of-COVID-19-Deaths-and-Populations-by/jwta-jxbg

14 Jones, N., Marks, R., Ramirez, R., Rios-Vargas, M., (2021) 2020 Census Illuminates Racial and Ethnic Composition of the Country.

15 Congressional Research Service. (2021, March 12). Unemployment Rates During the COVID-19 Pandemic: In Brief.

16 U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. (2022). Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey. (LNU04035243) [Data set]. https://

data.bls.gov/timeseries/LNU04035243

17 GASB Codification 2600.116

18 FCC (2021, January 19). Fourteenth Broadband Deployment Report. https://www.fcc.gov/reports-research/reports/broadband-progressreports/fourteenth-broadband-deployment-report.
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While the SLFRF has granted Tribal governments a much-needed lifeline and an opportunity to 

adequately support the social and economic well-being of their people, the funds introduce additional 

considerations. Faced with an unprecedented influx of federal funding and flexible uses, Tribal 

governments must continue to determine how best to fill pre-existing gaps, invest in infrastructure, 

and address longstanding issues in Indian Country’s history. 

Tribal Community Engagement and Promoting Equitable Outcomes

During consultation and other engagement sessions, Tribal leaders expressed the need to disburse 

the SLFRF quickly to enable community planning and to address the then rise of COVID-19 variant 

infections19 and hospitalizations. In response to this feedback, Treasury swiftly executed agreements 

and provided one-on-one support to Tribes with a low-broadband capacity to lay the foundation for 

a strong and equitable recovery across Indian Country. Tribal governments are now one year into 

implementing SLFRF.20 They have led the way this past year by addressing inequities, responding to 

immediate needs, and developing strategic plans supporting long-term visions for their people, land, 

and cultural resources to benefit Tribal citizens today and future generations. 

These strategic plans, often based on a community needs approach, assisted Tribal leaders with 

prioritizing their operational, capital, and infrastructure objectives. Community engagement with 

Tribal citizens also fosters equity and inclusion, as all citizens could participate in creating a culture of 

shared problem-solving. Strategic plans based on community engagement also inform Tribal leaders 

of disparities and issues ranging from the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the elderly population to 

the gap in learning caused by pandemic-affected schooling to massive backlogs in Tribal courts. In 

finding common ground, Tribal leaders and citizens developed an informed consensus by spending 

plans that best respond to difficult problems. For example: 

• The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa developed a strategic economic recovery plan using 

revenue replacement funds. The Plan is designed to improve the Tribe’s ability to meet the 

community’s needs and is centered around tribal citizen feedback. The framework will be 

used to strengthen workforce development, enhance employment opportunities, and create 

a comprehensive community development plan for all sectors of the reservation economy.

• The Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana formalized a COVID-19 Strategic Recovery Plan to equip 

the Tribe with evidence based on Tribal citizens and employee input. The Plan, administered 

via an assessment and interviews, will assist the Tribe in proactively developing, executing, 

and evaluating recovery programs using a data-driven approach.

• The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska engaged with a Tribal citizen earning a doctorate to 

administer a Community Needs Assessment and disseminate the project results. Surveys 

and interviews were conducted both in-person and over the internet to gain input on the 

impacts of the pandemic and overall priorities of the Tribe. The engagement data was then 

used to build a spending plan.

19 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). COVID-19 Data Tracker Weekly Review. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/

covid-data/covidview/index.html

20 Tribal governments received a final payment based on employment starting in August 2021.
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Summary of General Eligible Use of SLFRF: Projects21

General Eligible Use Categories Projects

Support Public Sector Capacity 987 

Revenue Replacement 694 

Support Public Health Expenditures 653 

Administrative Support to Implement SLFRF 307 

Infrastructure 208 

Address Negative Economic Impacts 89 

Premium Pay for Essential Workers 99 

Total 3,037 

Making Services and Supports Available for Health and Recovery

Since the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act, Tribes across Indian Country have leveraged 

SLFRF to address health inequities and social determinants of health, reduce pre-pandemic health 

disparities, and looked to create a wide variety of programming to serve the most vulnerable 

populations. Tribal governments are investing in SLFRF to expand the system of care in Indian 

Health Service (IHS) and Tribally-owned healthcare facilities. Tribes addressed barriers to COVID-19 

vaccinations by creating health campaigns and making vaccination sites accessible. Tribal leadership 

has taken different approaches to recruitment, retention, and employee engagement in healthcare 

by investing funds in housing and other amenities to attract and retain medical staff. Capital projects 

were not the only investment. A host of information technology improvements are being designed to 

support hospital and administration productivity and patient experience. Tribes have strengthened 

wrap-around services for mental health by funding treatments for substance misuse disorders and 

expanding access to telehealth treatments. 

21 Data summarized represents data submitted by Tribal SLFRF recipients with the SLFRF expenditure categories. Treasury has not 

completed its review of submitted information, and any errors or inconsistencies in this dataset may be corrected in future reporting.
9

Tribal Investments in Public Health and Recovery22

Public Health and Recovery Projects

COVID-19 Public Health Expenses 177

Other Public Health Services 164

COVID-19 Testing, Contact Tracing, and Vaccinations 106

Prevention in Congregate Settings (Nursing Homes, 

Prisons/Jails, Dense Work Sites, Schools, etc.) 76

Personal Protective Equipment 57

Medical Expenses 27

Mental Health Services 22

Substance Misuse Services 9

Medical Facilities 8

Total Public Health and Recovery Projects 646

• The Assiniboine and Sioux Tribe of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation have a long and 

honored tradition of military service. As part of the Tribe’s continuing commitment to veterans, 

SLFRF supports transportation to veteran hospitals for appointments, medical care, and 

preventative medicine. The Tribe will also assist veterans with COVID-19-related health issues.

• The Catawba Indian Nation will provide citizens access to dual-diagnosis programs to 

address mental health and substance misuse. To complete a holistic treatment approach, 

SLFRF will also provide funding for additional counseling services through a behavioral 

health specialist that will assist in crisis counseling and intensive outpatient treatment 

featuring cultural curriculum, cultural services, cultural activities, access to supportive 

housing, individual and family counseling, and medication-assistance treatment services.

• The Hannahville Indian Community is investing SLFRF in parks and recreation 

infrastructure to promote healthy families. Outdoor patio spacing in public buildings is also 

being constructed to create a safe environment for the community to convene. 

• The Fort Belknap Indian Community is constructing the Anaakyaaniiin Wellness Center, 

which will provide mental health treatment, substance misuse treatment, and other 

behavioral health services and support for vulnerable populations. The Center will also 

expand childhood health and welfare capacity and programming.

22 Data has been aggregated into one or more categories.
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• The Ninilchik Village will braid SLFRF with IHS funding to build a primary care medical 

clinic to serve the Homer, AK, community and establish a second clinic for the Anchor Point, 

AK community. Health and well-being are essential values to the Tribe – 

“The principles of health and good medicine provide a strong foundation for 

personal achievements, community success, and cultural enrichment.”

• The Seneca Nation of Indians provides Emergency Management Services (EMS) and 

emergency medical and trauma care to the Nation and surrounding communities. The Tribe 

will invest SLFRF in several EMS projects to better respond to calls and provide an optimal 

patient care system.

• The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians’ emergency services covers the reservation and 

surrounding community in rural California. SLFRF will support new capital equipment 

to ensure residents have access to vital emergency medical and fire services. Fire-based 

emergency medical services are typically first on the scene when paramedics are required.

• The Standing Rock Sioux are located in North Dakota, where the state has one of the country’s 

lowest vaccination rates23 and continues to have a high transmission level of COVID-19. To 

incentivize its over 9,000 Tribal citizens to get fully vaccinated, the Tribe implemented a largescale vaccine incentive program. 

• The Yakutat Tlingit Tribe recognized that attracting qualified health professionals was an 

ongoing challenge due to a lack of housing options. The Tribe is dedicating funds to building 

housing to recruit and retain highly trained medical professionals.

New Resources to Strengthen Tribal Government Services24

Central to any discussion on strengthening self-governance is the ability to fund government services. 

Tribal governments’ reliance on revenues derived from enterprises – many of which faced hardship 

during the pandemic – has made the ability of SLFRF to replace lost revenue critical in promoting 

recovery and delivery of government services. 

Across Indian Country, Tribes seized the opportunity funded by SLFRF to strengthen government 

services, including operational improvements, justice-focused programming, and responding to the 

unique needs of their community. Public safety officers, first responders, frontline health workers, 

teachers, and other providers of vital services during the pandemic were financially recognized for 

keeping the community safe and running. 

Tribes pursued various youth initiatives to address the learning crisis and transform education by 

giving Native children and young people equal access to quality learning. COVID-19 had a devastating 

23 Gilligan, C., (2022, August 10). States With the Worst COVID-19 Vaccination Rates. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/thesestates-have-the-lowest-covid-19-vaccination-rates

24 As noted above, this Report is stylized to align with the governance and departmental structure under which a Tribe operates, and 

because categories of common-themed eligible use projects are combined in this way, they do not necessarily align with statutory use 

categories. When this section refers to "Tribal government services," it refers to services that Tribal governments traditionally provide, 

which overlap with other SLFRF-eligible use categories. Data has been aggregated into one or more categories.
11

impact on knowledge keepers, Native language speakers, and the elder population. Tribes committed 

SLFRF for language revitalization programs and online inter-generational activities with elders. These 

government program innovations underscore the ability of Tribes to implement SLFRF in adaptable 

and creative ways. 

Tribal Investments in Government Services

Government Services Projects

Provision of Government Services 691

Public Sector Workforce, Premium Pay, and Admin Costs 479

Household Assistance Programs 442

Healthy Childhood Programs, Education, and Services 

for Foster Care 73

Community Health, Safety, and Violence Interventions 43

Unemployment Benefits and Services 26

Transfers to Other Units of Government 15

Survivors Benefits 8

Non-Federal Match for Other Federal Programs 3

Total Government Services Projects 1,780

• The Cherokee Nation is committing funds for direct reentry services to justice-involved

Cherokee citizens. Programs will provide professional and educational opportunities,

including vocational training to remove barriers to employment. The program will also aid in

locating affordable housing and promote collaboration between reentry service providers.

• The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma is dedicated to the perpetuation of Myaamia heritage through

sharing inherent knowledge of the Miami Tribe’s unique history, language, and culture

with all Myaamia citizens. SLFRF has facilitated remote learning through Tribal programs

designed to enhance social, emotional, and mental health through a web-based portal

accessible to Tribal citizens. Funding is also used to support a two-location project providing

community members access to healthy foods, related food knowledge, and heritage-specific

outdoor, socially distanced activities.

• The Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake implemented programming and assistance to families

by providing homes for Tribal children in emergency foster care and planned placements.

• The Jemez Pueblo is supporting a Realty Office to preserve and protect the cultural and

traditional uses of lands within the Tribe. The Realty Office will expand the current offerings

of implementing land surveys, improving the GIS program, providing residential and mineral

leases, and Right of Way. The department has increased work due to infrastructure and

construction projects supported by SLFRF and other funds.
12

• The Ketchikan Indian Community provided premium pay to over 190 essential workers 

with added health risks. Additional pay was awarded in recognition of workers’ resilience, 

dedication, and dependability, as well as to bolster efforts to retain and support staff.

• The Native Village of Deering and other local governments pooled SLFRF to develop educationrelated wellness and nutrition strategies. Children can attend quality preschool, and all ages of 

students in the area have access to nutritionally balanced free meals and can get “seconds.”

• The Nooksack Indian Tribe is investing funds in an after-school facility designed to empower 

Tribal youth to excel in school and lead healthy, productive lives. The facility will provide a space 

for a safe and culturally-relevant enrichment program, including behavioral health services for 

children aged 5-18.

• The Oscarville Traditional Council is isolated for nearly four months of the year when the ice 

on the river makes traveling by snowmobile in the winter and boat in the spring dangerous. The 

Tribe utilized SLFRF to ensure citizens had time to prepare and gather cleaning supplies, PPE, 

and nutritious food.

• The Penobscot Nation courts system was upended due to pandemic-related closures. The Tribal 

courts were closed, proceedings were halted, and cases were at a standstill. The Tribe is investing 

SLFRF to conduct remote hearings to address case backlogs and keep current cases moving.

• The Pueblo of Zuni reservation is cold and snowy during the winter months. The Pueblo 

is implementing a large-scale firewood program. Firewood is a culturally relevant and 

renewable source for both heating and cooking. The use of firewood is also used in the practice 

of the Zuni traditional ceremonies. The program will ensure homes are heated and create jobs 

for the community.

• The Pit River Tribe is investing in cultural information officers to implement a comprehensive 

program for all ages. The native language reached a critical point during the pandemic where 

investing funds in language preservation and cultural revitalization programs was a priority to 

keep it alive. With revenue replacement funds, the Tribe hosted gatherings for basket weaving, 

language, and beading and involved all citizens in an ancestral run from culturally significant 

Mount Lassen to Mount Shasta.

• The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa will use funds to operate a warming center. 

Many of the homeless population on the reservation lack a safe environment to sleep overnight, 

especially in the winter months, when the average temperature is 10°F. The Tribe will also invest 

in other interventions to tackle the longer-term housing needs of the unhoused population.

• The Samish Indian Nation is creating unique educational opportunities for all ages and 

stages. SLFRF will provide back-to-school supplies, tutoring support for school-age students, 

and higher education assistance to create pathways to good jobs.

• The San Carlos Apache is investing in the local radio station, KYAY. Community radio plays a 

central role in remote areas. The station provides public services announcements, discussions 

on community events, health and safety updates, and information from Tribal leadership.
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Advancing Tribal Infrastructure and Affordable Housing 

The pandemic dramatically underscored the intersection between infrastructure and healthcare. 

Reliable water, sewer, broadband, electricity, and safe roads proved to be the backbone for an 

equitable recovery and a sustainable and resilient Tribal economy. Tribes are investing SLFRF to find 

long-term, dependable solutions to inadequate infrastructure. SLFRF also provides an opportunity to 

become more intentional in land use decisions and find solutions for a stable, quality, and affordable 

housing shortage. In the years ahead, investments in infrastructure will continue to generate 

significant benefits to Tribal sovereignty. 

Tribal Investments in Water, Sewer, Broadband, and Housing25

Tribal Infrastructure and Affordable Housing Projects

Affordable Housing: Construction and Rehab Projects 136

Clean Water Projects 66

Drinking Water Projects 66

Broadband Projects 43

Water and Sewer Projects 33

Total Tribal Infrastructure and Affordable Projects 344

• The Eastern Shoshone Tribe averages 54 inches of snow each year and sits on the Wind 

River Indian Reservation, containing over 2.2 million acres. SLFRF will fund rehabilitation 

and weatherization for senior homes often located in isolated areas. Weatherization 

improvements are long-lived and will add substantial savings on annual energy bills.

• The Karuk Tribe experienced a fire that raged through the ancestral heart of the Tribe in 

the Klamath Mountains. The wildfire burned over 200 homes causing a rapid increase in 

homelessness. The Tribe is investing in permanent housing and purchased temporary 

travel trailers, including handicap-accessible options, to meet the needs of families.

• The Knik Tribe will build 32 affordable homes for the elder population. The homes 

incorporate accessibility floorplans and important age-in-place features that will support 

independence.

• The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin is implementing a tiny home project for lowincome elders, tribal citizens in transitional living situations, or those facing homelessness. 

With rising housing costs, the Tribe saw tiny homes as a solution to get people into homes 

safely, especially during the winter.

25 Data has been aggregated into one or more categories.
14

• The Native Village of Unalakleet is situated in rural northwestern Alaska, where they 

practice a traditional Unaligmiut Eskimo subsistence lifestyle. Building off the Tribe’s mission 

to “strengthen and preserve the social, economic, educational and cultural needs of the Native 

people of Unalakleet,” SLFRF is funding a significant broadband project to provide internet 

access to all community members and improve the Tribe’s operations. 

• The Ohkay Owingeh committed SLFRF for two major wastewater projects to address 

deteriorating pipes and corrosion of the current treatment facility. The failure of the existing 

plant would likely cause 175,000 gallons of raw sewage and untreated runoff to spill, which 

could result in catastrophic flooding and a severe health hazard. 

• The Osage Nation is implementing a substantial broadband project within and between its 

three main communities of Grayhorse, Hominy, and Pawhuska. Internet network expansion 

will assist in telehealth, distance learning opportunities, affordable internet service, 

economic growth, and digital inclusion efforts where demands for internet access have 

grown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The Seneca-Cayuga Nation is upgrading antiquated technology systems within its water 

and wastewater treatment plant. The system updates include cybersecurity and hardware 

and software to ensure pumps, motors, and other equipment run effectively and efficiently.

• The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians is located in a high-risk area for wildfires. During 

high winds, power is often shut off in the community. To ensure the health and safety of 

Tribal citizens with electricity-dependent medical devices, SLFRF revenue replacement 

funds are providing reliable and alternate means to power through standby generators

fueled by propane. 

• The White Mountain Apache Tribe is taking proactive measures to ensure continued access 

to clean water for drinking and handwashing. The Tribe is investing funds to ensure all 

residents within the boundaries of the historic Fort Apache Indian Reservation have reliable 

water infrastructure.

Recovering the Tribal Economy26

Health, education, public safety, environmental quality, and business development are 

interconnected, and investment in these areas in Indian Country promotes a cycle of social 

and economic prosperity.27 As a cornerstone for recovering the Tribal economy, Tribes took a 

comprehensive approach to analyze revenue sources and economic development in response to the 

pandemic. Many examined Tribal government revenue systems and looked at approaches to align with 

modern economic realities through diversification opportunities. 

Tribes developed innovative small business support programs, developed workforce training projects, 

and developed youth education programs. To assist Tribal citizens struggling with unemployment, 

26 Data has been aggregated into one or more categories.

27 U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. (2004). Broken Promises: Evaluating the Native American Health Care System.
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lost income, and COVID-19-related medical bills, debt-relief programs were enacted. Tribes also 

implemented childcare programs to provide a more affordable and equitable system and to support 

workforce participation. 

Tribal Investments in the Tribal Economy

Recovering the Tribal Economy Projects

COVID-19 Assistance to Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Other Impacted 

Industries, including Loans and Grants to Mitigate Financial Hardship 179

Aid to Tourism Travel, Hospitality and Other Impacted Industries 49

Technical Assistance, Counseling, and Other Support for Business 

Incubators, Microbusinesses, and Start-Up or Expansion Assistance 24

Rehabilitation of Commercial Properties 15

Total Recovering the Tribal Economy Projects 267 

• The Blackfeet Nation utilized SLFRF to host an agricultural summit for Tribal citizenowned farms and producers. A combination of market conditions, severe weather, and the 

pandemic hit farm families hard. The summit provided education on services and federal 

programs to assist in economic recovery.

• The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation is implementing a driver’s license 

program utilizing revenue replacement funds. As states have reduced funding for driver’s 

education and reinstatement programs, participation has declined. The Tribe recognized 

that having a driver’s license makes a job seeker more employable and that having a Tribal 

government-led program makes obtaining a driver’s license more accessible.

• The Douglas Indian Association developed a Tribal Fisherman Grant to assist small 

business owners who have maintained a historic Tribal presence in the commercial 

fishing and seafood industry. Demand for fresh seafood plummeted as restaurants, hotels, 

and catering businesses shuttered during the pandemic. The grants intend to offset the 

escalating fuel costs, transportation restrictions, and a decrease in salmon catches to help 

Tribal citizens economically recover.

• The Hoh Indian Tribe created a hardship assistance program that helps pay medical bills in 

collections and other COVID-19-related expenditures to lift citizens with debt-relief needs. 

• The Lovelock Paiute Tribe is assisting working parents with long-term solutions for 

childcare. The pandemic reduced childcare in an area that already had an ongoing lack of 

options. The Tribe is constructing both a daycare and a Head Start to assist families and 

provide comprehensive early childhood education. 
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• The Mescalero Apache Tribe is aligning staffing needs with skills required to fill these 

critical positions. The Tribe is implementing a workforce development program focusing 

on vocational education. The program will provide scholarships to citizens and current 

employees to obtain certificates and further education in welding, carpentry, plumbing, 

electrical, and more – all critical and in-demand jobs to carry out the Tribe’s COVID-19 

recovery plan.

• The Pawnee Nation recognized that childcare workers are vital to families and face an 

additional risk of COVID-19 spread. SLFRF was used to provide premium pay wages to 

essential childcare workers and after-school program teachers.

• The Spirit Lake Tribe acknowledged that Tribal citizen-owned ranching businesses had 

been severely impacted since the pandemic’s start. The closures, combined with a historical 

drought, have made ranching a challenge. To assist in recovery, the Tribe enacted a small 

business grant program that provides hay and economic support.

• The Walker River Paiute is located in a food desert in rural Nevada, where the economy was 

hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tribe is constructing the largest food pantry in the 

state to address food insecurity for not only Tribal citizens but neighboring communities 

in need. The food pantry was built with a comprehensive look at nutrition – from a mobile 

harvest program to a senior produce program to a kid’s café where a nutritionist teaches 

cooking classes with traditional foods.

Conclusion

The impact of SLFRF in helping Tribal communities design and carry out a recovery plan is apparent 

across Indian Country. Guided by regional priorities and objectives, the funding is providing ways 

to address a combination of long-term and short-term improvements to communities, support 

recovering the Tribal economy, save and create jobs, and is resulting in new ways of delivering 

government programs.

Tribes are now in an implementation phase. Leaders will need to evaluate risk in meeting project 

timelines due to potential supply chain disruptions and limited staffing to handle a higher volume 

of work. Carrying out programming and construction requires a system of people, processes, and 

technology working together daily. While the pandemic disrupted traditional work systems and 

created challenges, a collaboration between Tribes, local governments, non-profits, and others has 

allowed Tribes to be innovative in implementation, despite being understaffed.

Treasury will continue to engage with Tribal leaders and staff on compliance, training of recipient 

reporting, and discussions on careful stewardship in carrying out the grant.
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About the Office of Tribal and Native Affairs

The Office of Tribal and Native Affairs is committed to working with Tribal governments and Indigenous 

communities to promote economic prosperity. The Office is overseen by the Treasurer of the United 

States, Chief Lynn Malerba, the first Native American to hold this position. The Office was established 

in September of 2022 by Treasury to serve as a hub for Tribal policy and is part of the efforts to develop 

the Department’s growing relationship with Tribal nations. The Office works across programs to assist 

in implementing economic relief and recovery programs for Tribal communities. The staff has hosted 

28 consultations, over 200 information sessions, one-on-one discussions, and training sessions to 

support an equitable and swift recovery from the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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