Washington, D.C
Native News Weekly (April 5, 2026): D.C. Briefs
WASHINGTON — In addition to articles already covered by Native News Online, here is a roundup of other news released from Washington, D.C. that impacts Indian Country recently.
Trump FY 2027 Budget Proposes Eliminating Funding for Institute of American Indian Arts
The Trump administration’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget proposal, released Friday, April 3, 2026, calls for the elimination of federal operating funding for the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), drawing sharp opposition from the institution’s leadership.
IAIA’s Board of Trustees and administration condemned the proposal as reckless and inconsistent with the federal government’s treaty obligations, trust responsibility, and longstanding commitment to American Indian and Alaska Native higher education.
If enacted, the proposal would cut IAIA’s annual federal appropriation from $13.482 million to zero beginning in the next funding cycle. Leaders say the loss would severely impact the school’s ability to maintain academic programs, student support services, and daily operations—placing at risk an institution that has served as an international center for contemporary Indigenous arts and cultural leadership for more than 60 years.
“IAIA exists because Native artists, Native communities, and Congress recognized that Indigenous creativity and cultural knowledge are vital to this country,” said IAIA President Dr. Shelly C. Lowe (Navajo). “Eliminating IAIA’s federal appropriation will weaken educational opportunity, threaten the development of future Indigenous artists and leaders, and severely undermine a mission that Congress has supported for decades. We urge Congress to reject this proposal and support IAIA in FY 2027 at $14.1 million.”
OSHA to Host April 8 Webinar to Support 2026 Safety Stand-Down Efforts
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is hosting an April 8 webinar aimed at helping employers across all industries participate in the 2026 Safety Stand-Down.
The session will provide guidance for employers planning events tied to the 20th annual Georgia Struck-by Alliance Safety Stand-Down, held each year during National Work Zone Awareness Week. During these events, employers are encouraged to pause work and focus on preventing serious injuries and fatalities through training, education, and demonstrations of safe workplace practices.
OSHA staff will share free compliance assistance resources, information about consultation services, and details on the agency’s Safety Champions Program. The webinar will also offer practical ideas for organizing stand-down events and explain how employers can register their activities to receive a workplace safety certificate.
The agency recommends employers host safety stand-downs during nationally recognized observances such as National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 20–24) and Workers Memorial Day (April 20–24).