HB691 – Maryland Native American Status

HB691 – Maryland Native American Status – Standards of Recognition will be presented today before the Health and Government Operations Committee.  This bill would change the date presently in Maryland law, 1790, to the current Federal guideline date for Native American recognition petitions – 1900.  This would enable the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs to use 1900 in deciding any future Maryland Native American petitions.

Eastern Shore Native Americans came to Annapolis to Support HB691

The 1790 date has proved to be a barrier for Native American communities across the United States; and as a result, in 1994, the U. S. Congress amended the federal regulations to use a 1900 date in an effort to acknowledge the history and heritage of American’s tribal communities.

What do we gain by doing this? The Native American population in Maryland is under-served and under-represented in services and programs across Maryland.  State recognition would allow State departments to apply for grants from the Federal government for education, health care, economic development, and cultural development.

Estimates are that approximately $17,000,000 could come to the state to improve programs to serve Maryland Native Americans.

It would also allow these Maryland tribes to join the National Congress of American Indians.  The Congress serves as a forum for tribal communities and governments and shares best practices on health, welfare, and economic development initiatives.

Our Maryland Native Americans deserve state recognition and this bill would make the process of recognition more equitable.

Eastern Shore Native American Leaders with Commissioners of Indian Affairs wait for bill hearing