Whether it’s employing tens of thousands of Oklahomans, providing law enforcement in rural communities, or bringing in federal funds to pay for road paving, Oklahoma’s tribal nations contribute greatly to our shared communities.
The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program provides eligible producers with direct financial assistance due to market disruptions and associated costs because of the pandemic.
Under guidance issued by the Treasury in June, state, local and tribal governments are allowed to use CARES Act money to provide direct cash assistance to their constituents. However, the disbursal of the funds requires documentation directly related to COVID-created needs, such as increased internet bandwidth to support teleworking or distance learning.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation is urging Tribal members 18 and older to apply for the Tribal CARES Act programs before Dec. 30, 2020. All Tribal members 18 and older are eligible to apply, regardless of location.
The CPN legislature voted in September to expand CARES Act programs. Phase III of the program includes new assistance for Tribal citizens as well as updates to previous programs. New programs in Phase III include a program to help off set increased expenses due to COVID-19 and a foreclosure and eviction program.
Two CPN staff members join this episode to discuss critical resources their departments offer, including CARES Act funding. We also hear from artists who cultivated a unique art exhibit that brings 12 Citizen Potawatomi and Anishnabe artists together for a spark of beauty during a pandemic.
Eligible Tribal members can request money for expenses such as rent, mortgage payments, utility bills, car payments, insurance premiums and more.
The CPN Tribal Legislature passed a resolution to expand funding access to members nationwide who have been impacted by the economic fallout due to the coronavirus.
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation has set aside funding received from U.S. Congress as part of the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act to support Tribal citizens and Tribal-owned businesses.
As Citizen Potawatomi Nation continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, the crises poses a threat to more than just the health of Tribal members and CPN employees. Tribes, and the states and regions benefiting from tribal development, must endure the threat to economic activity as well.