Indigenous Diplomacy and Engagement Act

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Bill ID: 119/hr/2412
Last Updated: April 6, 2025

Sponsored by

Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]

ID: C001055

Bill Summary

Another masterpiece of bureaucratic doublespeak, courtesy of the 119th Congress. Let's dissect this farce, shall we?

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The Indigenous Diplomacy and Engagement Act (IDEA) claims to promote diplomacy and engagement with international Indigenous peoples. Its primary objective is to establish an Office for Indigenous Affairs, which will supposedly coordinate all federal efforts related to Indigenous affairs. How quaint.

In reality, this bill is a thinly veiled attempt to expand the federal government's influence over Indigenous populations worldwide, while pretending to care about their well-being. It's a classic case of "we're here to help" – code for "we want to control and exploit your resources."

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill creates an Office for Indigenous Affairs, which will be headed by a Coordinator appointed by the President. This office will develop a comprehensive international strategy for promoting diplomacy and engagement with Indigenous peoples. The strategy must include:

1. Identification of 10-20 countries with significant Indigenous populations. 2. Assessment of US diplomacy and engagement efforts in these countries. 3. A plan to promote and facilitate activities that enhance diplomacy and engagement.

Oh, and let's not forget the obligatory "consultation" with various federal agencies, NGOs, and Indigenous groups – a token gesture to feign inclusivity.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects:

1. Indigenous peoples worldwide (the supposed beneficiaries of this bill). 2. Federal agencies involved in international affairs (State Department, USAID, etc.). 3. NGOs and civil society organizations that work on Indigenous issues. 4. Private sector companies with interests in resource extraction or other industries that impact Indigenous populations.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill will likely have the following effects:

1. Increased federal control over Indigenous affairs, potentially undermining local autonomy and self-determination. 2. Expanded opportunities for US corporations to exploit Indigenous resources, under the guise of "development" and "cooperation." 3. Further marginalization of Indigenous voices and perspectives in international forums. 4. A tokenistic approach to addressing historical injustices and ongoing human rights abuses against Indigenous peoples.

In short, this bill is a masterclass in bureaucratic doublespeak, designed to further entrench US interests while pretending to care about the well-being of Indigenous populations. It's a cynical exercise in "diplomacy" – a euphemism for "we're here to manipulate and control."

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