Native American Tribes Still Waiting On Help From CARES Act

In March, the federal government allocated $8 billion to tribal governments under the CARES Act. However, delays in fund distribution and allocation issues have left tribes struggling with insufficient resources to combat COVID-19. The Navajo Nation, with the highest per capita infection rate, and other tribes face challenges due to outdated allocation formulas and inclusion of for-profit entities in fund calculations. Controversy surrounds the Treasury's methods, leading to lawsuits and inequitable fund distribution. The situation has severely impacted tribal economies and health, with ongoing efforts to resolve these issues.

What was the total amount of aid earmarked for tribal governments under the CARES Act?

• $12 billion

• $16 billion

• $8 billion

• $4 billion

Why was there a delay in distributing the funds to tribal communities?

• Lack of funds

• Political disagreements

• Technical issues

• Difficulty in determining allocation across tribes

What was a major controversy regarding the initial fund distribution?

• The amount of money allocated

• The timing of the distribution

• The exclusion of certain tribes

• The inclusion of Alaskan native corporations

What did the Harvard Project study conclude about the fund allocation formula?

• It was based on current population data

• It created inequities among tribes

• It was fair and equitable

• It favored larger tribes

What additional information did the Treasury Department request from tribes for the remaining funds?

• Cultural heritage details

• Financial and employment information

• Historical population data

• Environmental impact reports