Each year, in the month of November, we take the time to recognize and celebrate Native American Heritage Month. During this time, we honor American Indians and Alaska Natives, their great contributions to our Nation and the world, and their rich history on this continent.

Here at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), this is also a time when we once again recognize our longstanding deep commitment to the government-to-government relationship that we share with these sovereign Indian nations. That commitment is reflected in the critical work that HUD does daily to support Indian Tribes' self-determination as they develop affordable housing, expand homeownership opportunities for Native Americans, address critical infrastructure needs in Indian Country, and strengthen families and Tribal communities.

In my own travels to Indian Country, I have witnessed first-hand the incredible work that Indian Tribes have done with the support of HUD programs. It is inspiring to see that, with HUD support, Tribes have strengthened their communities with innovative supportive housing projects for low-income families, large infrastructure projects that create job opportunities for Tribal members, critical broadband projects involving the installation of fiber optic cables, and so much more. Indian Tribes continue to effectively use HUD programs to better the lives of their members.

Finally, I am particularly proud of our collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer the Tribal HUD-VASH program to our Native veterans. These veterans have served our country nobly and we owe these heroes a great debt. I am encouraged by the growing number of Native American veterans who have received assistance under this program and look forward to our continued work towards addressing homelessness amongst veterans.

We are proud of our work with our Tribal partners to further affordable housing opportunities for families in Indian Country, and we honor their rich cultures, traditions, history, contributions, and sacrifices.

Secretary Carson

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