This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning tribal affairs, the BIA, reservation lands, tribal statistical areas, and treaty rights. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to see GR activities in areas related to Tribal Affairs? Don't miss this week's updates in Social Issues and Environment. Also consider subscribing to our Indigenous Affairs - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

Dates: 2026-03-08 to 2026-03-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power Hearing on Water Legislation and Tribal Water Projects: The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power will convene March 17, 2026, in Dirksen 366 to review S.1034, S.1242, S.2437, H.R.3857, and other bills affecting water management, tribal water supply projects, hydropower licensing, and fish conservation in the Yellowstone River.
• House Appropriations Subcommittee Public Witness Hearings on American Indian and Alaska Native Issues (Day 1 Morning Session): The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies will host American Indian and Alaska Native public witness testimony on March 17, 2026, at Rayburn 2008, featuring leaders from Chippewa, Ojibwe, Shoshone-Bannock, Choctaw, and other Tribal nations.
• House Appropriations Subcommittee Public Witness Hearings on American Indian and Alaska Native Issues (Day 1 Afternoon Session): The House Subcommittee continues on March 17, 2026, with afternoon testimony at Rayburn 2008, including representatives from the Cherokee Nation, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Navajo Nation, Urban Indian Health Institute, and Tribal education leaders.
• House Appropriations Subcommittee Public Witness Hearings on American Indian and Alaska Native Issues (Day 2 Morning Session): Day 2 of public witness testimony will occur March 18, 2026, at Rayburn 2008, with speakers from the Oneida Nation, Seneca Nation, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Ute Indian Tribe, and Alabama-Coushatta Tribe.
• House Appropriations Subcommittee Public Witness Hearings on American Indian and Alaska Native Issues (Day 2 Afternoon Session): On March 18, 2026, the House Subcommittee convenes its afternoon session at Rayburn 2008, including representatives from the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe, Colville Tribes, NWIFC, InterTribal Buffalo Council, and the National Congress of American Indians.

Federal Government News

Notice of Deadline for Tribal Self-Governance Program Participation Requests for Fiscal Year and Calendar Year 2027

The Bureau of Indian Affairs issued a notice establishing deadlines for Indian Tribes and Consortia to submit completed requests to begin participation in the Tribal Self-Governance Program for fiscal year 2027 or calendar year 2027. Completed requests for FY participation must arrive by April 4, 2026; CY applicants must submit by July 5, 2026. Initial negotiations with Tribes not previously involved with self-governance may take approximately two months. Under the PROGRESS Act, the Secretary may select up to 50 new Indian Tribes per year. The requirements for eligibility include completion of the planning phase, official Tribal body action, and demonstration of fiscal and financial stability over the preceding three fiscal years. Applications and agreements must comply with regulations at 25 CFR 1000.115–1000.200 and must be sent at least 90 days prior to the proposed effective date to relevant served Tribes. The notice includes contacts for OSG and describes information collection requirements authorized through OMB control number 1076-0143.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

National Council on Disability Seeks Input on Inclusive SLTT Tribal Emergency Management Toolkit

The National Council on Disability (NCD) released a Request for Information to update its emergency management toolkit for state, local, territory, and tribal agencies. This toolkit will provide guidance and best practices on developing emergency management plans inclusive of people with disabilities, referencing lessons from recent hurricane disasters. NCD is inviting public comment on challenges, successful practices, community experiences, and collaboration efforts. The toolkit aims to offer actionable templates and examples for SLTTs. Submissions are due electronically by April 3, 2026 and will inform updates to NCD’s 2009 report. There is no financial commitment or funding attached to this request; further inquiries are directed to Amy Nicholas, Senior Attorney Advisor at NCD.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Indian Gaming Compact Amendment for Lac du Flambeau Band Approved by Operation of Law

The Bureau of Indian Affairs announced approval, by operation of law, of the 2025 Amendment to the gaming compact between the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians and the State of Wisconsin. The amendment covers class III gaming regulation, including technical updates, fee clarifications, and adjustments to disaster relief payment calculations. The statutory review period expired March 10, 2026, without Secretary action; as consistent with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the amendment takes effect accordingly. The amendment will influence oversight and operational processes for gaming on tribal lands, and details are available from Troy Woodward, Acting Director of the Office of Indian Gaming.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Native American CDFI Assistance Program Revises Application Deadline Due to Appropriations Lapse

The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) of the Treasury Department amended its Notice of Funds Availability for the Native American CDFI Assistance (NACA) Program. Due to the recent federal appropriations lapse, the submission deadline for NACA applications, previously October 27, 2025, has been extended to April 10, 2026. Applicants previously notified by the CDFI Fund may update submissions until this new deadline. All other requirements outlined in earlier NOFA publications remain intact. Questions should be submitted via AMIS service request to the NACA Program; further details, including information about eligibility and award updates, are available on the CDFI Fund website.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

CMS Initiates Rural Health Transformation Program Reporting and Data Collection for State, Local, Tribal Governments

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a public notice regarding its intent to collect information for the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Up to $50 billion will be allocated over five years to 50 State awardees, with funds distributed based on performance metrics and scoring. State, local, and tribal governments are affected parties, with requirements for annual and quarterly reporting on milestones, metrics, and fund expenditures to maintain eligibility. CMS recalculates scores and funding amounts annually. The information collection is estimated to engage 50 respondents, yielding 200 annual responses and 1,950 hours annually. Comments on this collection are due by May 11, 2026, and policy questions may be directed to Anthony DiFondi.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

US Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Renewal of Information Collections on Experimental Populations

The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) published a notice proposing to renew three information collections related to experimental populations of endangered and threatened wildlife, including Colorado gray wolf and grizzly bear populations. These involve requirements for reporting general and depredation-related take, specimen collection, recovery, and management actions. The collections affect individuals, private entities, and State/Tribal governments and are tied to ongoing compliance with recovery plan goals. Key information includes details of incidents, annual reporting, proposal submissions for wolf removal on tribal lands, and memoranda of understanding for grizzly bear management. Comments are invited until May 11, 2026 via Regulations.gov or mail.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Treasury Opens New SIPPRA Funding Round for Tribal Governments; Focus on Outcomes-Based Social Impact Projects

The Department of the Treasury announced a new Notice of Funding Opportunity under the Social Impact Partnerships to Pay for Results Act (SIPPRA) program. Tribal, state, and local governments are eligible to apply for competitive grants totaling $10.2 million and additional funding for independent evaluation. Applicants must submit detailed project proposals, including methodologies for measuring outcomes and evidence of potential federal savings. Workforce development and projects benefiting children are prioritized. Awardees must comply with federal statutes and report on project performance. Applications are to be submitted via Grants.gov by the assigned deadline.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Histories of Native American Treaties and Anti-Chinese Violence Win Bancroft Prize: Bancroft Prize awarded to books examining Native American treaty history and anti-Chinese violence.

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