Opinion | Natives pay the price of shortsighted federal policy decisions

By Ervin Jackson

A long history of federal control and broken policies undermined tribal sovereignty and led many tribes to rely on the U.S. government for essential support especially through programs that provide health care and education to our communities. While the relationships between tribes and the federal government continue to evolve, the legacy of reliance on the U.S. government created by past policies makes us partners.

As the leader of the Nal-NiSHii Federation of Labor I know a true partnership is built on a shared common goal, like strengthening working families in this country. Yet, instead of prioritizing workers our country is operating like a haphazard startup that treats workers as disposable and only cares about their bottom line. Under the guise of making our government more “efficient” Elon Musk is on a power grab with the only goal of lining the pockets of his billionaire friends. The actions of the current administration that Musk has an outsized influence on have had real life, demoralizing effects on the Navajo people and we deserve a better, more thoughtful path forward.

One glaring example is our federal government making the decision to lay off 2,500 Indian Health Service workers on February 14 without considering the importance of the services they provide to our communities. After outcry, most layoffs were rescinded, but this scare only further emphasized the lack of respect for how indispensable the IHS is to the Navajo Nation’s wellbeing.

Our Navajo Nation faces a variety of health disparities including higher rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. The IHS plays a direct role in addressing these issues by providing direct medical care. Beyond direct medical care the IHS also manages public health initiatives such as, vaccination campaigns, disease prevention and substance abuse programs that ensure the overall wellbeing of the Navajo Nation. The IHS is a lifeline for the Navajo Nation.

The IHS layoff scare highlights how federal policies deeply affect Indigenous communities. At the same time, we’re seeing troubling reports of Indigenous people being targeted during immigration raids, despite their sovereignty. In January 2025, at least 15 Indigenous people in Arizona and New Mexico reported being stopped, questioned, or detained by federal law enforcement officers. Indigenous people have already endured centuries of structural violence, forced removal and displacement and these immigration raids add to the trauma we’ve faced. This is not just an immigration policy issue, it’s about respecting the tribal sovereignty, identity, and historical struggle of our community.

Laying off thousands of IHS staff just to reinstate them and targeting Indigenous people in immigration raids are signs of a bigger issue, the one-size-fits-all mentality of the federal government is dangerous. It’s done immense harm and trauma to our Navajo people, and it must end. In the future, I urge lawmakers to prioritize careful policy implementation that respects our Navajo Nation.

Ervin Jackson is the president of the Nal-Nishii Federation of Labor. He is Áshįįhí and born for Tódích’íi’nii.