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The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provides the largest single infusion of federal funding into Indian Country in the history of the United States. More than $32 billion is directed toward assisting American Indian nations and communities as they work to end and recover from the devastating COVID-19 pandemic – which was made worse in Indian Country precisely because such funding has been so long overdue.

From setting tribal priorities, to building infrastructure, to managing and sustaining projects, ARPA presents an unprecedented opportunity for the 574 federally recognized tribal nations to use their rights of sovereignty and self-government to strengthen their communities. As the tribes take on the challenges presented by the Act, the Ash Center’s Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development presents a series designed to assist tribes, to help tribes learn from each other and from a wide array of guest experts.

This second session, titled “Where Other ARPA Monies Live -- How to Avoid Tribes Leaving $12 Billion on the Table” will feature a range of experts including:

• Stacey Ecoffey, Principal Advisor for Tribal Affairs, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
• Heather Dawn Thompson, HLS 2000, J.D, Director of the Office of Tribal Relations, USDA
• Burton Warrington, President, Indian Ave Group
• Moderated by Karen Diver HKS 2003, M.P.A., Board of Governors, Honoring Nations, Harvard Project

Watch Session 1, “How Tribal Governments Can and Can’t use ARPA,” of Navigating the American Rescue Plan Act: A Series for Tribal Nations.

Virtual Event Details 

Registration is required for this event. Please register using the link above to receive details via email for how to join the virtual discussion.

You can submit questions to the panelists in advance during the registration process. A live Q&A will also be available during the event with an option to submit questions in real-time.

The Ash Center encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its events. Should you wish to inquire about an accommodation, please contact our events team at info@ash.harvard.edu prior to the event.

Additional questions? Email the Ash Center events team at info@ash.harvard.edu.