Fact Check: The liaison in charge of coordinating with federally recognized tribes was let go.

Fact Check: "The liaison in charge of coordinating with federally recognized tribes was let go."

What We Know

The claim that "the liaison in charge of coordinating with federally recognized tribes was let go" appears to be related to recent personnel changes within various governmental agencies. Notably, on October 2, 2024, Adam Becenti, who served as the head of Portland's Tribal Relations Program, was fired. This position was responsible for coordinating the city’s relations with tribal governments, which aligns with the claim regarding a liaison role (source-6).

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor has created a tribal liaison position, which indicates ongoing efforts to strengthen outreach to tribes (source-7). However, there is no direct evidence from the available sources that confirms a broader trend of liaisons being let go across federal or state agencies.

Analysis

The evidence surrounding the claim is mixed and requires careful consideration. The firing of Adam Becenti is a concrete instance of a liaison position being vacated, but it is specific to Portland and does not necessarily reflect a wider pattern affecting all federally recognized tribal liaisons. The context of his firing is not fully detailed in the available sources, leaving questions about the reasons behind the decision and whether it was part of a larger trend.

The creation of new liaison positions, such as the one at the U.S. Department of Labor, suggests that while some individuals may be let go, there is also a simultaneous effort to enhance tribal relations through new appointments (source-7). This duality complicates the narrative and indicates that the situation may not be as straightforward as the claim suggests.

Furthermore, the reliability of the sources varies. The report on Becenti's firing comes from a reputable news outlet, which adds credibility to that specific instance (source-6). In contrast, the broader implications of the claim are not supported by comprehensive data or analysis from other sources.

Conclusion

Needs Research. While there is a specific instance of a liaison being let go, it is not clear if this reflects a broader trend affecting all federally recognized tribal liaisons. The evidence does not sufficiently support the claim in a general context, and further investigation is needed to determine if there are systemic changes across various agencies regarding tribal liaisons.

Sources

1. Tribal Governments Liaison Program: Handbook for Tribes ...
2. Allowing Denied Tribes to Reapply
3. Review of the Department's Tribal Law Enforcement Efforts ...
4. Coordination with Indian tribes should be initiated early in ...
5. Indian termination policy
6. Portland abruptly fires tribal relations manager
7. Labor Department creates tribal liaison position ...
8. Organization of Tribes Created to Uphold Sovereignty ...