A recent executive order has sparked concern among tribal communities, as federal layoffs are set to impact key agencies that provide essential services to Indigenous populations. The executive order, reportedly issued on February 13, 2025, is expected to result in significant job losses across multiple departments, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Indian Health Service (IHS), and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE).
Contents
Key Takeaways from the Federal Layoffs Announcement
🔴 Thousands of Federal Job Cuts – Agencies like BIA, IHS, and BIE are losing employees.
🔴 Essential Services at Risk – Healthcare, education, and public safety could be severely impacted.
🔴 Tribal Leaders Are Fighting Back – Emergency meetings and legal action are being considered.
🔴 Affected Workers Will Be Notified by Email – Layoffs begin February 14, 2025.
🔴 More Updates to Come – Stay informed as the situation develops.
With the layoffs set to begin on February 14, 2025, tribal leaders and stakeholders are scrambling to respond, fearing the consequences these cuts could have on Indigenous communities.
What’s Happening?
According to a post from OST President Frank Star Comes Out, federal agencies and organizations serving Indian Country will begin laying off employees who are on probationary status. Here’s a breakdown of the expected layoffs:
• BIA: 118 employees
• Department of the Interior (DOI): 2,600 employees
• BIE: 40 employees, with protections for 400 under Title 45 (Indian Affairs)
• Other Impacted Areas: Social workers, firefighters, and police officers
The layoffs are expected to have an immediate effect, with affected employees being notified via email.
Why This Matters to Tribal Communities
These layoffs could significantly disrupt essential services for Native American communities. Agencies like BIA, IHS, and BIE are responsible for education, healthcare, and emergency services in tribal areas. Losing staff in these departments may result in:
• Reduced Healthcare Services: IHS is already underfunded and struggling to meet the healthcare needs of Native populations. Layoffs could worsen access to medical care.
• Education Disruptions: BIE oversees schools that serve Indigenous students, and staff reductions could impact educational programs and resources.
• Public Safety Concerns: Cuts to social workers, firefighters, and police could leave communities vulnerable to increased crime and emergencies.
Tribal Leaders Take Action
President Frank Star Comes Out has announced that he will attend an emergency meeting with the Coalition of Large Tribes and other key stakeholders in Washington, D.C., to discuss possible countermeasures, including legal injunctions.
In his statement, President Star Comes Out reassured tribal communities, saying:
“We will make every effort to protect Indian Country according to Trust and Treaty obligations and keep everyone aware of changes as we find out. We are looking at injunctions and possible measures to take to counter.”
He also urged patience, emphasizing that even federal partners are still learning about these changes.
What Can Be Done?
Tribal leaders and advocates are exploring ways to mitigate the impact of these layoffs. Here are a few potential actions:
1. Legal Challenges: If the executive order violates treaties or federal obligations, legal action could delay or prevent the layoffs.
2. Community Mobilization: Raising awareness and advocating for policy changes can put pressure on lawmakers to reconsider the cuts.
3. Emergency Planning: Tribes may need to develop contingency plans to continue providing essential services despite staff reductions.
📌 FAQ: Federal Layoffs & Tribal Community Impact
1. What is happening with these federal layoffs?
A recent executive order (issued on February 13, 2025) is leading to mass layoffs across multiple federal agencies, including those that serve tribal communities. Employees on probationary status in BIA, IHS, BIE, and DOI will be affected, starting February 14, 2025.
2. How many people will lose their jobs?
• BIA: 118 employees
• DOI: 2,600 employees
• BIE: 40 employees (but protections for 400 under Title 45)
• Other affected positions: Social workers, firefighters, and police officers
3. How will this impact tribal communities?
These layoffs could lead to longer healthcare wait times, fewer teachers in tribal schools, and reduced emergency response services. Many essential programs rely on these federal agencies.
4. Can anything be done to stop these layoffs?
Yes. Tribal leaders, including OST President Frank Star Comes Out, are taking action. Emergency meetings are underway, and legal options like injunctions are being explored.
5. How will affected employees be notified?
All impacted employees will receive an email notification about their employment status.
6. What should tribal members do now?
• Stay informed – Follow updates from tribal leadership and advocacy groups.
• Speak out – Contact elected officials to express concerns about these cuts.
• Support affected workers – Help community members facing job loss by spreading awareness.
Conclusion
The federal layoffs announced under the recent executive order could have serious consequences for Indigenous communities. As leaders like President Frank Star Comes Out work to challenge these changes, it’s crucial for tribal members and allies to stay informed and engaged.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining how these layoffs unfold and what actions can be taken to protect tribal sovereignty and essential services.
