SC Alaska News

Yesterday, the Committee held a hybrid listening session, “Public Safety & Justice Resources in Native Communities,” to hear from Native leaders, individuals, and organizations on public safety matters affecting their communities. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaiʻi), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), vice chairman of the Committee, delivered opening remarks.

“This Committee takes public safety in Native communities very seriously,” said Chairman Schatz. “We recognize the diversity of needs – from law enforcement funding to restoring Tribal criminal jurisdiction – and want to hear about your priorities to make your communities safer.”

“The many Native leaders from Alaska and across the country who participated in this listening session have made it clear to the Committee that public safety and justice continues to be a top priority for Native communities,” said Vice Chairman Murkowski. “Tribes serve as crucial partners alongside federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. We need to listen and work together with Tribes and advocates so they can make their communities safer and provide justice for victims. That starts with building on our successes, including the VAWA 2022 tribal provisions and MMIW legislation we have enacted into law.”

Comments will inform the Committee’s current work and serve as a resource for future discussions on public safety in Native communities. The Committee will continue to accept written comments until April 12, 2024. Comments may be submitted to testimony@indian.senate.gov. The full video of the listening session is available here.