Thursday, January 30, 2025 – Federal funds under fire

President Donald Trump’s sudden freeze on federal grants rattled tribes and Native American organizations that depend on those funds. His just-as-sudden retreat is little reassurance to those institutions, some of whom are preparing for a worst-case future for funding.

A prime target for President Trump’s directives is anything associated with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. That has implications for everything from Native pre-school students to contractors.

Organizations in Los Angeles that work with Native urban residents are assessing the damage after the recent fires and how to look ahead to future threats.

We’ll get updates on recent fast-moving news that affects Native Americans.

GUESTS

President J.C. Seneca (Seneca)

Aaron Payment (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians), tribal councilman and former chairperson for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

Pamela Villaseñor (Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians), executive director of Pukúu Cultural Community Services

Hope Craig-Corlew (Muscogee), board chairwoman and executive advisory chair of the United American Indian Involvement