Interview with Rep. Young about Cabinet spot for Indian Affairs

Thursday, February 24, 2011  

"Indian Country Today Media Network: What excites you about your new role as leader of the House Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs?

Don Young: I’m excited because we used to have an Indian subcommittee, and we did a lot of good work there. And then they disbanded it and put it under the full committee, and there wasn’t the same focus on some of the basic problems we have in the nation, and in Indian country. I think there could be better progress in the development of resources, in the ability to [carry out] trust responsibility. We have some great challenges in the Lower 48, on our reservations and in Alaska. And there are some big opportunities. I don’t appreciate the paternalism of the U.S. government over Indians. There’s such a great wealth of intelligence in the tribes.

ICT: A lot of people in Indian country might love the idea of elevating Indian affairs to the Cabinet, but how would some of your GOP colleagues feel about that?

Don Young: They probably won’t like it. I’ve been here 40 years, though, and Indians are getting short shrift. It’s not about money. It’s about results. My goal has always been results—not just sitting in an office moving paper. I don’t think it creates more bureaucracy. I think it cuts back on bureaucracy. For one thing, you don’t have to fight all your so-called friends in the same department.

ICT: So you don’t favor doing away BIA?

Don Young: No! I just want more efficiency. The president could even do it by executive order—bring Echo Hawk to the table so he can position himself without the threat of being replaced by the Secretary of the Interior. We need an advocate. I want the people in Indian country who want to determine their own destiny to have the ability to do it, and not be inhibited by other government agencies."

Get the Story:
Rep. Young: Obama Should Elevate Echo Hawk (Indian Country Today 2/24)