My first experience, not only visiting Washington, D.C. , but to have a supporting voice for some important topics for California tribes was both exciting and meaningful. Walking through the halls of the Longworth Building, seeing staffers and congressmen moving with purpose, I felt the energy of decision-making at the highest level.
Our focus was to make sure policymakers understood the real challenges a lot of communities’ face. We spoke about Medicaid access, ensuring that those in rural areas can get the care they need, even when it means traveling far from home. We highlighted early childhood education, where some pre-K classrooms have only two teachers for 25–30 children—where teachers sometimes have to step away just to cook meals.
We emphasized the importance of Purchase /Referred Care Programs, reauthorizing funding for special diabetes programs for Indians (SDPI), & Protecting tribes from funding freezes which are all lifelines for so many and serve as the foundation for healthier futures.
Beyond the discussions, we extended invitations to members of Congress and their staff, encouraging them to visit our communities firsthand. We wanted them to see where these policies make an impact—to walk through our schools, visit our health clinics, and meet the people who rely on these programs every day. There’s no better way to understand the urgency of these issues than to experience them up close.
I went into this experience eager to learn. I left with an even stronger sense of purpose—a commitment to continue speaking up and ensuring our communities are heard. This was about our communities, and every conversation is a step toward lasting change.