Biden to continue Trump’s efforts to address crisis of missing or murdered Indigenous Native Americans

November 16, 2021 Amber Coakley US 0

President Joe Biden signs an executive order to help improve public safety and justice for Native Americans during a Tribal Nations Summit during Native American Heritage Month, in the South Court Auditorium on the White House campus, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, in Washington. With the President from left are first lady Jill Biden, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Attorney General Merrick Garland and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 8:54 AM PT – Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Joe Biden signed an executive order to pursue justice for missing and murdered indigenous people. During a bill signing ceremony Monday, he directed federal agencies to work with tribal nations on strategies to “improve public safety and advance justice.”

“The title of this legislation ‘Improving Public Safety and Criminal Justice for Native Americans and Addressing the Crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous People,’” Biden stated. “I’m proud to sign it. It’s long overdue.

The move comes after 45th President Donald Trump signed a bill implementing new investigations into missing and deceased Native Americans back in 2019. Meanwhile, Biden went on to claim he will build on progress for the Native American community.

“…The American Rescue Plan, which included $31 billion, $31 billion for tribal nations,” said Biden. “The most significant investment in the history of Indian country…now we are taking the next step.”

During the signing ceremony, Biden also took a moment to discuss vaccination rates while noting Native Americans were struck with “devastating consequences” when COVID-19 hit. He then pointed out tribal nations “stepped up” and have gone from being a population most harmed by COVID to one of the populations most vaccinated against COVID.