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Third Consultation Session on Interior's Initial Implementation Plan for Cobell Land Consolidation Component to be Held Feb. 14 in Seattle

WASHINGTON — On Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, the Department of the Interior will hold the third and last in a series of consultation sessions on its Initial Implementation Plan outlining how Interior will carry out the land consolidation component of the historic Cobell Settlement. The meeting will take place in Seattle, Wash. The first and second consultation meetings were held Jan. 31 in Prior Lake, Minn., and Feb. 6 in Rapid City, S.D.

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Washburn Announces BIE’s Intent to Establish Committee to Evaluate Adequate Yearly Progress Regulations for Bureau-funded Schools

WASHINGTON – Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Kevin K. Washburn today announced the Bureau of Indian Education’s (BIE) intent to establish a Committee to help evaluate and recommend revisions to regulations for determining Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for its schools under the No Child Left Behind Act. The BIE is also seeking comments on the proposal to establish this Committee and nominations for its membership by March 4, 2013.

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Statement From Billy Frank Jr. On Selection of Sally Jewell as Interior Secretary

"We are excited about President Obama's selection of Sally Jewell for Secretary of the Interior," says Chairman Billy Frank of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. "We think she's a great choice."

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President Obama to Honor Recipients of the 2012 Citizens Medal Recipients from across the country will visit the White House to receive Presidential award for exemplary service to their fellow citizens

WASHINGTON, DC – On February 15, 2013, President Obama will welcome to the White House the recipients of the 2012 Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation’s second-highest civilian honor.

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Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform to Hold Next Public Meeting Feb. 12-13 in Seattle

WASHINGTON – The Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform will hold its next public meeting Feb. 12-13, 2013, Seattle, Wash. The meeting will be preceded by a public youth-outreach session the evening of Feb. 11.

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Second Consultation Session on Interior’s Initial Implementation Plan for Cobell Land Consolidation Component to be Held Feb. 6 in Rapid City

WASHINGTON— On Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, the Department of the Interior will hold the second of three tribal consultation sessions on its Initial Implementation Plan outlining how Interior will carry out the land consolidation component of the historic Cobell Settlement. The meeting will take place in Rapid City, S.D., with the remaining session to be held Feb. 14 in Seattle, Wash. The first consultation meeting was held in Prior Lake, Minn., on Jan. 31.

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First Consultation Session on Interior’s Initial Implementation Plan for Cobell Land Consolidation Component to be Held Jan. 31

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, Jan. 31., 2013, the Department of the Interior will hold the first of three tribal consultation sessions on its Initial Implementation Plan outlining how Interior will carry out the land consolidation component of the historic Cobell Settlement. The first meeting will take place in Prior Lake, Minn., with the remaining sessions to be held Feb. 6 in Rapid City, S.D., and Feb. 14 in Seattle, Wash.

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Washburn Announces Training in Secured Transactions Law for Tribal Judges and Attorneys

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Kevin K. Washburn today announced that the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services/Tribal Justice Support (BIA-OJS/TJS) and the Indian Affairs Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development (IEED) have partnered with the Federal Reserve Banks of Minneapolis, San Francisco, and Kansas City, Mo., to present three training workshops designed specifically for tribal judges and attorneys on the topic of secured transactions.

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Cobell Settlement Payments: Department of the Interior to Participate in National Congress of American Indians Webinar

WASHINGTON, DC– On Wednesday, January 16, 2013, the Department of the Interior will participate in a 2:00 pm (Eastern Time) conference call and webinar hosted by the National Congress of American Indians to inform and clarify roles and responsibilities regarding the recent Cobell Settlement trust administration class payments. Representatives from the Department of the Interior, Cobell plaintiffs’ legal counsel, and the court appointed Claims Administrator (the Garden City Group) will provide important information to tribal leaders across the country regarding the status of the payments to members of the historical accounting class and the next steps in the process of finalizing this historic Settlement.

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Assistant Secretary Washburn Announces Joint Initiative With The Spirit Lake Tribe To Improve Fingerprinting Of Foster Parents

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Kevin K. Washburn today announced the collaborative initiative between the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Spirit Lake Tribe of North Dakota to improve the health, safety and welfare of children being placed in foster care through the use of mobile fingerprinting units. Under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, all adults in a household where minor children are to be placed must be fingerprinted as an integral part of the background investigation.

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Last of Six OJS Trial Advocacy Training Sessions to be Held January 15-17, 2013, in Albuquerque

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services (OJS) will hold the last in a series of six training sessions to improve the trial advocacy skills of tribal court prosecutors, defenders and judges on January 15-17, 2013, in Albuquerque, N.M. This training session will focus on cases dealing with illegal narcotics.

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Statement of Assistant Secretary Kevin K. Washburn on the Passing of Chickasaw Nation Ambassador Charles Blackwell

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Kevin K. Washburn today issued the following statement on the passing of Chickasaw Nation Ambassador Charles Blackwell:

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Assistant Secretary Washburn Visits Isleta Pueblo, Participates in BIA OJS National “Don’t Shatter the Dream” Campaign

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Kevin K. Washburn visited the Pueblo of Isleta today to participate in the tribe’s impaired-driving checkpoint under the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ 2012 national campaign to prevent impaired driving during the holiday season, known as “Don’t Shatter the Dream.” Operated by the Bureau’s Office of Justice Services (OJS), the campaign began December 14 and will continue through January 1, 2013.

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Interior Launches Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations to Manage $1.9 Billion Trust Land Consolidation Fund

WASHINGTON D.C. –The Department of the Interior today announced the initial framework of the Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations that will purchase fractional interests in American Indian trust lands from willing sellers, enabling tribal governments to use the consolidated parcels for the benefit of their communities.

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Statement of Assistant Secretary Kevin K. Washburn on the Passing of Sen. Daniel K. Inouye

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Kevin K. Washburn today issued the following statement on the passing of United States Senator Daniel K. Inouye:

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Dep. Secretary Hayes, Assistant Secretary Washburn to Discuss Next Steps to Implement $1.9 Billion Trust Land Consolidation Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Tuesday, December 18, 2012, Deputy Secretary of the Interior David J. Hayes and Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Kevin K. Washburn will participate in a press conference call with reporters to discuss the next steps in implementing the land consolidation component of the historic Cobell Settlement.

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Assistant Secretary Washburn Announces BIA Law Enforcement’s Holiday Season “Don’t Shatter the Dream” Mobilization for Indian Country

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Kevin K. Washburn today announced that, starting on December 14, 2012, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services (OJS) will begin its “Don’t Shatter the Dream” campaign throughout Indian Country to prevent impaired driving during this holiday season. The campaign is being conducted by BIA and tribal law enforcement agencies through January 1, 2013.

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Secretary Salazar Announces Interior Disbursed $12 Billion in FY 2012 Energy Revenues

WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced that the Department of the Interior disbursed, or paid out, $12.15 billion in revenue generated from energy production on public lands and offshore areas in Fiscal Year 2012 – a $1 billion increase over the previous year, and in line with increased production taking place across the country. The revenues were distributed to state, federal, and tribal accounts, providing important funding and supporting critical reclamation, conservation and preservation projects.

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Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy, and Interior Sign Memorandum to Collaborate to Protect Indian Sacred Sites

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2012—Four cabinet-level departments joined the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation today in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to improve the protection of Indian sacred sites. The MOU also calls for improving tribal access to the sites. It was signed by cabinet secretaries from the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy and Interior. It was also signed by the chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.

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Secretary Salazar Outlines Progress of Empowerment Agenda at Fourth White House Tribal Nations Conference

WASHINGTON, DC. – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar joined leaders from the 566 federally recognized tribes and senior government officials today at the White House Tribal Nations Conference hosted by President Obama. The conference, the fourth held during the Obama Administration, continues to build upon the President’s commitment to strengthen the nation to nation relationship with Indian Country.

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Salazar Finalizes Reforms to Streamline Leasing, Spur Economic Development on 56 Million Acres of American Indian Trust Land

WASHINGTON – As part of President Obama’s commitment to empower tribal nations and strengthen their economies, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Kevin K. Washburn today announced final regulations that will streamline the leasing approval process on Indian land, spurring increased homeownership, and expediting business and commercial development, including renewable energy projects.

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Salazar, Washburn to Announce Reforms to Promote Economic Development on Indian Lands

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As part of President Obama’s efforts to empower tribal nations and strengthen economies, on Tuesday, November 27, 2012, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will join Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Kevin K. Washburn to make a major announcement regarding the regulation of surface leasing on Indian lands.

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Salazar Announces Final Steps on Cobell Litigation and Implementation of Settlement

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today lauded the final approval of the Cobell settlement and outlined steps that Interior will take to help implement the historic $3.4 billion settlement. The settlement resolves a long-running class action lawsuit regarding the U.S. government's trust management and historical accounting of individual American Indian trust accounts. It became final on November 24, 2012, following action by the Supreme Court and expiration of the appeal period.

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Presidential Proclamation on Thanksgiving Day 2012

On Thanksgiving Day, Americans everywhere gather with family and friends to recount the joys and blessings of the past year. This day is a time to take stock of the fortune we have known and the kindnesses we have shared, grateful for the God-given bounty that enriches our lives. As many pause to lend a hand to those in need, we are also reminded of the indelible spirit of compassion and mutual responsibility that has distinguished our Nation since its earliest days.

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Secretary Salazar Releases Experimental High Flow from Glen Canyon Dam to Benefit Grand Canyon Environment

PAGE, AZ–Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today triggered the first “high-flow experimental release” at Glen Canyon Dam since 2008, as part of a new experimental long-term protocol announced in May by the Secretary to better distribute sediment to conserve downstream resources, while meeting water and power needs and allowing continued scientific experimentation, data collection, and monitoring to more fully address the important resources in the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam.

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Salazar, Senior Interior Officials to Participate in Experimental Release from Glen Canyon Dam to Benefit Grand Canyon

PAGE, Ariz. – On Monday, November 19, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will join Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Anne Castle, National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis and Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Mike Connor to trigger the first “high-flow experimental release” at Glen Canyon Dam since 2008. The release is part of a new experimental long-term protocol announced in May by Secretary Salazar to better distribute sediment to conserve downstream resources, while meeting water and power needs and allowing continued scientific experimentation, data collection, and monitoring to more fully address the important resources in the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam.

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President Obama Announces 2012 White House Tribal Nations Conference

President Obama Announces 2012 White House Tribal Nations Conference

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Interior Hosts Navajo and Hopi Leadership for Water Settlement Discussions

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today welcomed leadership from the Hopi Tribe and the Navajo Nation to Washington, D.C. to hold discussions on a potential Little Colorado River water settlement that could be acted upon by Congress. This is the first time that leaders of the two tribes have joined with a Secretary of the Interior to address this shared water issue.

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Fifth OJS Trial Advocacy Training Session to be Held November 13-15, 2012, in Seattle, Washington

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services (OJS) will hold its fifth training session to improve the trial advocacy skills of tribal court prosecutors, defenders and judges on November 13-15, 2012, in Seattle, Wash. This training will focus on cases dealing with sexual assault on children and adults.

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Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform to Hold Public Webinar Meeting on Nov. 7

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform will hold a public webinar meeting on Nov. 7, 2012. The objectives of the meeting are to: • Attend to Commission operations as needed, • Report on outreach activities, • Review and discuss revised draft documents to-date, • Take public comments on the drafts, and • Review and discuss the agenda for the Commission’s Dec. 6-7, 2012, meeting and related youth outreach session.

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Indian Affairs Tribal Consultation Sessions to Prepare Interior Department’s 2013 Labor Force Report

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Office of the Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs will be holding tribal consultation sessions on Oct. 29 and 30 and Nov. 1 and 9, 2012, to seek comments and suggestions from tribal leaders in preparation for the Interior Department’s 2013 American Indian Population and Labor Force Report. The sessions will provide an opportunity for tribal leaders to provide their views on the report’s scope, data, and methodology. Four consultation sessions will take place: three in person and one via a national teleconference.

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Salazar, Washburn to Address National Congress of American Indians Convention in Sacramento

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—On Monday, October 22, 2012, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will deliver keynote remarks at the National Congress of American Indians’ 69th Annual Convention & Marketplace in Sacramento. Salazar is expected to discuss the Obama Administration’s progress in opening a new chapter in our nation-to-nation relationship with American Indian and Alaska Natives tribal governments.

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Fourth OJS Trial Advocacy Training Session to be Held October 23-25, 2012, in Chinle, Arizona

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services (OJS) will hold its fourth training session to improve the trial advocacy skills of tribal court prosecutors, defenders and judges on October 23-25, 2012, in Chinle, Ariz., on the Navajo Nation Reservation. This training will focus on cases dealing with domestic violence.

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Assistant Secretary Washburn Announces Tribal Consultation in Preparation for 2013 Labor Force Report

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Kevin K. Washburn today announced that Indian Affairs will be holding informational and consultation sessions in the coming weeks seeking input from tribal leaders in preparation for the Interior Department’s 2013 American Indian Population and Labor Force Report. The sessions will provide an opportunity for tribal leaders to provide their views on what should comprise the report’s scope, data, and methodology.

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BIE Announces Campus Violence Prevention Policy for Haskell and SIPI

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Bureau of Indian Education today announced a new policy aimed at preventing domestic violence and sexual assaults at the two post secondary institutions operated by the BIE for American Indians: Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) in Lawrence, Kan., and the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) in Albuquerque, N.M.

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Justice Department Announces Policy On Tribal Member Use Of Eagle Feathers

WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice announced today a policy addressing the ability of members of federally recognized Indian tribes to possess or use eagle feathers, an issue of great cultural significance to many tribes and their members. Attorney General Eric Holder signed the new policy after extensive department consultation with tribal leaders and tribal groups. The policy covers all federally protected birds, bird feathers and bird parts.

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Interior Approves Fort Berthold Land Trust Application for New Refinery in North Dakota

WASHINGTON – As part of the Obama Administration’s all-of-the-above energy strategy to expand domestic energy production, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced approval of a ‘land-into-trust’ application from the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. Today’s action is one in a series of necessary approvals that will enable the tribes to build the first U.S. refinery in decades, supporting American made energy – including domestic resources from the Bakken Formation – while also creating jobs.

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Salazar to Visit the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota for Major Energy Announcement

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As part of President Obama’s efforts to expand domestic energy production and strengthen American Indian communities, on Wednesday, October 10, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will join Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Donald E. “Del” Laverdure, Bureau of Indian Affairs Director Mike Black and Three Affiliated Tribes Chairman Tex Hall to make an announcement regarding energy development on tribal lands in North Dakota.

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USDA, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Work to Boost Access to Farm Programs in Indian Country

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2012—Officials from the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) have signed two memorandums of understanding (MOU) designed to foster improved access to USDA and BIA programs by tribes and tribal members. The memorandums apply to programs administered by the Farm Service Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Rural Development at USDA, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior (DOI). The MOUs will further improve the important government-to-government relationships and also the services offered between USDA, BIA and the tribal governments and the communities they serve.

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Salazar Applauds Senate Confirmation of Kevin Washburn as Interior’s Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today applauded the Senate’s confirmation of Kevin K. Washburn, a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, to serve as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior. The Senate confirmed Washburn’s nomination, which President Obama announced in early August, by unanimous consent last night.

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Salazar Applauds President’s Intent to Nominate Vincent G. Logan as the Special Trustee for American Indians

WASHINGTON -- Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today applauded President Obama’s intent to nominate Vincent G. Logan, a member of the Osage Nation, as the next Special Trustee for American Indians.

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Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform Reaches Out to Indian Country at Public Meeting in Bismarck

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In keeping with its mission to establish responsive, accountable, transparent, and customer-friendly management of Indian trust funds and assets, the Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform reached out to Indian Country at its fifth public meeting of the year in Bismarck, N.D. All five Commission members – Chair Fawn Sharp, Tex G. “Red Tipped Arrow” Hall, Stacy Leeds, Dr. Peterson Zah, and Robert Anderson – participated in the September 13-14, 2012, conference.

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Spirit Lake Tribe Retrocedes Social Services Program to the Bureau of Indian Affairs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Donald “Del” Laverdure today announced that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has agreed to a request by the Spirit Lake Tribe of the Fort Totten Reservation in North Dakota to assume administrative responsibility for its social services program. The Tribe, by letter dated September 14, 2012, requested to voluntarily retrocede the social services program to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In their letter, the Tribe stated that it had concluded this retrocession “would be in the best interest of the Tribe, its children, and its families, to voluntarily return the program to the Secretary of [the] Interior.”

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Office of the Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs to Hold Sixth DOI Listening Session on Sacred Sites in Indian Country

TULSA, Okla. — The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs has added an extra session to the Interior Department’s series of listening meetings on sacred sites in Indian Country. A sixth session will be held on Tuesday, September 18, 2012, in Tulsa, Okla. The first five were held last month in Albuquerque, N.M., Billings, Mont., Prior Lake, Minn., Uncasville, Conn., and Portland, Ore.

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Third of Six OJS Trial Advocacy Training Sessions Will be Held September 11-13, 2012, in Great Falls, Montana

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services (OJS) will hold the third of six training sessions to improve the trial advocacy skills of tribal court prosecutors, defenders and judges on September 11-13, 2012, in Great Falls, Mont. This training session will focus on cases dealing with the sexual assault of children and adults.

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Laverdure Issues a Final Determination Regarding Brothertown Indian Nation Petition for Federal Acknowledgment

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acting Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Donald E. “Del” Laverdure today issued a final determination on a petition for federal acknowledgment, declining to acknowledge the Brothertown Indian Nation (Brothertown) as an Indian tribe under federal law. Brothertown is located in Wisconsin and first submitted its petition in 1980.

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Next Meeting of the Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform to be Held Sept. 13-14 in Bismarck

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform will hold its next public meeting on Sept. 13-14, 2012, in Bismarck, N.D. It will be preceded by a public facilitated discussion hosted by Commissioner Tex Hall in the afternoon of Sept. 12 in New Town, N.D., for members of the public to share their perspectives about trust management and administration. In addition, a youth-outreach session will be held the evening of Sept. 13 at the United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) in Bismarck.

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Laverdure Announces Additional Actions by BIA Officials to Improve Child Safety and Protection at Spirit Lake

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acting Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Donald E. “Del” Laverdure today announced additional actions that Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) officials are taking to aid the Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe in its efforts to improve child safety and protection on its reservation. On August 24, Laverdure announced that he was sending in a “strike team” of senior BIA officials to assess and evaluate efforts to improve the Tribe’s social services program at the urging of U.S. Senator Kent Conrad.

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Statement of Acting Assistant Secretary Laverdure on the Passing of Stanley R. Crooks, Chairman of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community in Minnesota

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acting Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Donald E. “Del” Laverdure today issued the following statement on the recent passing of Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Chairman Stanley R. Crooks: “Stanley Crooks, the late chairman of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community in Minnesota, takes his place among the thoughtful, far-seeing and decisive tribal leaders that Indian Country has produced throughout history.

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Laverdure Announces Actions to Aid Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe Address Child Safety and Protection Deficiencies

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Donald E. “Del” Laverdure today announced that, in addition to ongoing efforts by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to address reported child safety and protection deficiencies at the Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe in North Dakota, he is sending in a strike team of senior BIA officials from its Central Office to assess and evaluate efforts to improve the Tribe’s social services program. The decision to deploy senior officials to the region came at the urging of U.S. Senator Kent Conrad.

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Office of the Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs to Hold Final Listening Session on Sacred Sites in Indian Country

Portland, Ore. — The fifth and final in a series of listening sessions will be held on the morning of Tuesday, August 28, 2012. The Obama Administration recognizes that the protection of sacred sites on federal lands is integral to traditional religious practices, tribal identities and emblematic of sovereign tribal nations. These sacred site listening sessions are intended to assist in developing policies that result in effective, comprehensive and long-lasting federal protection of and tribal access to the places that are so important to the fabric and culture of tribal nations.

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Justice and Interior Departments Launch Indian Country Sexual Assault Investigation and Prosecution Training

WASHINGTON – The Justice and Interior Departments this week launched a new training seminar for tribal and federal law enforcement on investigating and prosecuting sexual assault cases on tribal lands. More than 75 participants from throughout the United States participated in the three day training course, which began on Monday, August 20, 2012. They included tribal and federal law enforcement officers, prosecutors and victim specialists from 23 tribal nations and 23 states. Topics included law enforcement response, children as victims and witnesses, forensic examinations with adult victims and developing a coordinated community response to sexual assault.

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Office of the Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs to Hold Fourth Listening Session on Sacred Sites in Indian Country

Uncasville, Conn. — The fourth of five in a series of listening sessions will be held on the morning of Friday, August 24, 2012. The Obama Administration recognizes that the protection of sacred sites on federal lands is integral to traditional religious practices, tribal identities and emblematic of sovereign tribal nations. These sacred site listening sessions are intended to assist in developing policies that result in effective, comprehensive and long-lasting federal protection of and tribal access to the places that are so important to the fabric and culture of tribal nations.

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Office of the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs to Hold Fourth Consultation on Buy Indian Act Proposed Rule

Prior Lake, Minn. — The fourth consultation session on the proposed rule to implement the Buy Indian Act will be held on the morning of Thursday, August 23, 2012. The Act provides Indian Affairs with the authority to set-aside procurement contracts for qualified Indian-owned businesses. The proposed rule describes uniform administrative procedures that Indian Affairs will use in all of its locations to encourage procurement of goods and services from eligible Indian economic enterprises, as authorized by the Buy Indian Act.

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Office of the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs to Hold Third Listening Session on Sacred Sites in Indian Country

Prior Lake, Minn. — The third of five in a series of listening sessions will be held in the afternoon of Thursday, August 23, 2012. The Obama Administration recognizes that the protection of sacred sites on federal lands is integral to traditional religious practices, tribal identities and emblematic of sovereign tribal nations. These sacred site listening sessions are intended to assist in developing policies that result in effective, comprehensive and long-lasting federal protection of and tribal access to the places that are so important to the fabric and culture of tribal nations.

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The Office of the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs to Hold Consultations on the Proposed Rule to Implement the Buy Indian Act

Sacramento, CA— The third consultation on the Buy Indian Act will begin Tuesday, August 21, 2012. The Buy Indian Act provides Indian Affairs with the authority to set-aside procurement contracts for qualified Indian-owned businesses. This proposed rule describes uniform administrative procedures that Indian Affairs will use in all of its locations to encourage procurement of goods and services from eligible Indian economic enterprises, as authorized by the Buy Indian Act.

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The Office of the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs to Hold Listening Sessions on Sacred Sites in Indian Country

Billings, Mont. — The second of five in a series of listening sessions will begin Thursday, August 16, 2012. The Obama Administration recognizes that the protection of sacred sites on federal lands is integral to traditional religious practices, tribal identities and emblematic of sovereign tribal nations. These sacred site listening sessions are intended to assist in developing policies that result in effective, comprehensive and long-lasting federal protection of, and tribal access to, the places that are so important to the fabric and culture of tribal nations.

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The Office of the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs to Hold Consultations on the Proposed Rule to Implement the Buy Indian Act

Billings, MT - The second consultation on the Buy Indian Act will be held Wednesday, August 15, 2012. The Buy Indian Act provides Indian Affairs with the authority to set-aside procurement contracts for qualified Indian-owned businesses. This proposed rule describes uniform administrative procedures that Indian Affairs will use in all of its locations to encourage procurement of goods and services from eligible Indian economic enterprises, as authorized by the Buy Indian Act.

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The Office of the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs to Hold Consultations on the Proposed Rule to Implement the Buy Indian Act

Albuquerque, N.M. — The first consultation on the Buy Indian Act will begin Tuesday, August 14, 2012. The Buy Indian Act provides Indian Affairs with the authority to set-aside procurement contracts for qualified Indian-owned businesses. This proposed rule describes uniform administrative procedures that Indian Affairs will use in all of its locations to encourage procurement of goods and services from eligible Indian economic enterprises, as authorized by the Buy Indian Act.

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Laverdure Announces the Proposed Rule to Implement the Buy Indian Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acting Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs Donald E. “Del” Laverdure today announced that the proposed rule implementing the Buy Indian Act has been published in the Federal Register. The Buy Indian Act provides Indian Affairs with the authority to set-aside procurement contracts for qualified Indian-owned businesses. This proposed rule describes uniform administrative procedures that Indian Affairs will use in all of its locations to encourage procurement of goods and services from eligible Indian economic enterprises, as authorized by the Buy Indian Act.

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Second of Six OJS Trial Advocacy Training Sessions Will be Held August 14-16, 2012, in Ignacio, Colorado

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services (OJS) will hold the second of six training sessions to improve the trial advocacy skills of tribal court prosecutors, defenders and judges on August 14-16, 2012, in Ignacio, Colo. This training session, which will focus on domestic violence, was originally scheduled to take place in Durango.

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The Office of the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs to Hold Listening Sessions on Sacred Sites in Indian Country

Albuquerque, N.M. — The first of five in a series of listening sessions will begin Monday, August 13, 2012. The Obama Administration recognizes that the protection of sacred sites on federal lands is integral to traditional religious practices, tribal identities and emblematic of sovereign tribal nations. These sacred site listening sessions are intended to assist in developing policies that result in effective, comprehensive and long-lasting federal protection of, and tribal access to, the places that are so important to the fabric and culture of tribal nations.

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Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration to Hold Public Webinar Meeting

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of President Obama’s commitment to fulfilling this nation’s trust responsibilities to American Indians and Alaska Natives, the Office of the Secretary of the Interior will have the Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform hold a public Webinar meeting on Monday, August 13, 2012.

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Laverdure Announces Listening Sessions Regarding Sacred Sites on Federal Lands

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Donald E. “Del” Laverdure today announced that the U.S. Department of the Interior will conduct a series of listening sessions with federally-recognized tribes regarding American Indian sacred sites located on federal lands.

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Salazar, Laverdure Praise President Obama’s Signing of HEARTH Act to Restore Tribal Control of Land Leasing

WASHINGTON -- Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today praised President Obama’s signing of the Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Homeownership Act (HEARTH Act) which grants greater authority to federally recognized tribes to develop and implement their own regulations for leasing on Indian lands. The Act passed the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support and was signed into law today by President Obama.

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Final Tribal Consultation on the Bureau of Indian Education Elementary and Secondary Education Act Flexibility Request

BISMARCK, N.D. —Government-to-government tribal consultation will occur Friday, July 27, 2012 in Bismarck regarding a proposal that would help the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) achieve the objectives of President Obama’s Executive Order 13592 concerning improving educational opportunities provided to American Indian and Alaska Native students.

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Third Tribal Consultation on the Bureau of Indian Education Elementary and Secondary Education Act Flexibility Request

SEATTLE, WASH.—Government-to-government tribal consultation will occur Tuesday, July 24, 2012 in Seattle regarding a proposal that would help the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) achieve the objectives of President Obama’s Executive Order 13592 concerning improving educational opportunities provided to American Indian and Alaska Native students.

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First of Six OJS Trial Advocacy Training Sessions to be Held July 24-26, 2012, in Duluth, Minnesota

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services (OJS) will hold the first in a series of six training sessions to improve the trial advocacy skills of tribal court prosecutors, defenders and judges. The July 24-26, 2012 training session will be held in Duluth, Minn., and will focus on domestic violence.

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Tribal Consultation on the Bureau of Indian Education Elementary and Secondary Education Act Flexibility Request

FLAGSTAFF, AZ—Government-to-government tribal consultation will occur Friday, July 20, 2012 in Arizona regarding a proposal that would help the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) achieve the objectives of President Obama’s Executive Order 13592 concerning improving educational opportunities provided to American Indian and Alaska Native students.

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Laverdure Names Thomas Thompson Director of Budget Management for Indian Affairs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Donald E. “Del” Laverdure today announced that he has named Thomas D. Thompson as director of the Indian Affairs Office of Budget Management at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. Thompson, an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma, comes to the Interior Department from the Indian Health Service (IHS) in Phoenix, Ariz., where he had been serving as senior advisor to the area director since June 2010.

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Laverdure Announces BIA Emergency Funding for Emmonak Women’s Shelter in Alaska

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Donald E. “Del” Laverdure today announced that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has provided $50,000 in a one-time emergency funding for the Emmonak Women’s Shelter in the Yup’ik Eskimo village of Emmonak, Alaska. The village’s only facility offering domestic violence protection is facing imminent closure due to a funding shortfall.

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Laverdure Lauds SIPI Student Darwin Cajero as Featured Speaker at 150th Anniversary Celebration for the Morrill Land-grant Act

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Donald E. “Del” Laverdure lauded Darwin Cajero, a student at the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) in Albuquerque, N.M., who was a featured speaker at the sesquicentennial celebration of the Morrill Land-grant Act of 1862, this past Tuesday, June 26, 2012, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

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Salazar Approves First-Ever Commercial Solar Energy Project on American Indian Trust Lands

WASHINGTON – As part of the Obama Administration’s all of the above approach to American energy, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today approved a 350-megawatt solar energy project on tribal trust land of the Moapa Band of Paiute Indians (Tribe) in Clark County, Nevada. The project marks a milestone as the first-ever, utility-scale solar project approved for development on tribal lands, and is one of the many steps the administration has taken to help strengthen tribal communities.

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Secretary Salazar to Announce Milestone in Renewable Energy Development on Tribal Lands

WASHINGTON –Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will hold a news media teleconference today to announce a milestone in renewable energy development in Indian Country. Members of the news media can join the 1:30 pm EDT teleconference by dialing 1-888-790-1963 and providing the access code INTERIOR

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Bureau of Indian Education Director Keith Moore to Wrap up Successful Tenure at Department of the Interior

WASHINGTON, DC – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced that Bureau of Indian Education Director Keith Moore will be leaving his position at the Department of the Interior. Selected by then-Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk, Director Moore led the nation’s only federal education system for American Indian and Alaska Native students and implemented President Obama’s national initiatives for educational advancement in Indian Country.

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Laverdure Announces Handbook on Crime-Reduction Best Practices from the BIA Office of Justice Services

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Donald E. “Del” Laverdure today announced that the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services (OJS) has issued a handbook on best practices for reducing crime in Indian Country. The publication, “Crime- Reduction Best Practices Handbook: Making Indian Communities Safe 2012,” was developed by the OJS based on the successful deployment of its strategy to meet the Department’s goal of reducing violent crime on four reservations.

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Third Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform Meeting in Albuquerque

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The third public meeting of the Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform was held in Albuquerque, N.M., on June 11-12, 2012.

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Laverdure Expresses Condolences for Fallen BIA Firefighter

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Donald E. “Del” Laverdure has expressed his sincere condolences to the family of fallen Bureau of Indian Affairs wildland firefighter Anthony Polk, who was killed in the line of duty on June 8. His remarks were conveyed in a letter to the Polk family that will be read at a memorial service being held this afternoon on the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation in southwestern Arizona.

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Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform to Participate in Native America Calling Radio Show

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of President Obama’s commitment to fulfilling this nation’s trust responsibilities to American Indians and Alaska Natives, the Office of the Secretary of the Interior will have the Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform participating in a live radio-broadcast talk show on Wednesday, June 13, 2012.

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Laverdure Issues Statement on Loss of BIA Fort Yuma Agency Firefighter

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Donald “Del” Laverdure today issued a statement regarding the unfortunate loss of a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Fort Yuma Agency firefighter on Friday, June 8, 2012.

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The Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Praises the One Year Anniversary of Let's Move in Indian Country

WASHINGTON – Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Donald “Del” Laverdure today posted on the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs blog “The First Anniversary of Let's Move! in Indian Country Brings Together Renowned Panelists and the Positive Accomplishments in Indian Country’s Quest for Healthier Living and Eating.”

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Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform to Hold Public Meeting in Albuquerque

As part of President Obama’s commitment to fulfilling this nation’s trust responsibilities to American Indians and Alaska Natives, the Office of the Secretary of the Interior will convene the Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform’s third public meeting on June 11-12, 2012.

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White House Celebrates First Anniversary of Let's Move! in Indian Country

Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Donald “Del” Laverdure today participated with the White House Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs Jodi Gillette to moderate a panel of leaders from across Indian Country in celebration of the contributions made to the First Lady’s Let’s Move! in Indian Country (LMIC) initiative. The event, in honor of the one-year anniversary of the program’s launch, was streamed online at www.WhiteHouse.gov/live.

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Laverdure Praises DOI-DOJ Tribal Court Trial Advocacy Training Program for Enhancing Practitioners’ Trial Skills

WASHINGTON – Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Donald “Del” Laverdure today praised a federal training program that is working to develop tribal courts by enhancing and improving the trial advocacy skills of tribal court prosecutors, defenders and judges. The Tribal Court Trial Advocacy Program is a joint effort by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior that furthers the mandate of the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 (TOLA) to strengthen tribal sovereignty over criminal justice matters on federal Indian lands by strengthening the skills of those who practice within the tribal court system.

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Let’s Move! in Indian Country Celebrating One Year of Progress

Tomorrow, June 1, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. EDT, the White House will host a panel discussion of leaders who have contributed to the progress of the First Lady’s Let’s Move! in Indian Country initiative and whose work can be expanded across Indian Country. The discussion will be streamed online at www.WhiteHouse.gov/live.

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Secretary Salazar, Navajo President Shelly, Senators Bingaman and Udall to Break Ground Saturday on Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project

On Saturday, June 2, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly will break ground on the long-awaited Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project in New Mexico. Eventually the project will provide a 280-mile-long pipeline, two water treatment plants and delivery systems that will bring water to more than 250,000 people at more than 43 Navajo chapters, portions of the Jicarilla Apache Nation and the city of Gallup.

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ASIA Issues Two Decisions on Tribal Gaming Applications

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acting Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Donald “Del” Laverdure today issued decisions on two tribal gaming applications in California, determining that one of the proposed gaming sites meets the legal and regulatory requirements and one does not.

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Salazar Announces Improvements to Glen Canyon Dam Operations to Restore High Flows and Native Fish in Grand Canyon

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced today that, as part of the Interior’s Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program, and in cooperation with five Interior agencies, the Bureau of Reclamation is approving two long-term research and experimental programs of high-flow releases and native fish protection to preserve and improve the Grand Canyon and its resources. Together, these decisions represent the most important experimental modification of operations of Arizona’s Glen Canyon Dam in over sixteen years.

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Final Tribal Consultation on Draft Indian Affairs Administrative Organizational Assessment Report and BIA & BIE Streamlining Plans

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA. — The final government-to-government tribal consultation regarding the draft report on Indian Affairs Administrative Organizational Assessment and Bureau of Indian Affairs/Bureau of Indian Education streamlining plans will take place on Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at the Dimond Center Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. The consultation is the final of seven that have taken place around the country in Arizona, Florida, South Dakota, Washington, Oklahoma and California. The first was held in Miami on April 12 and 13, 2012.

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U.S. Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Public Listening Sessions Announced

The Department of the Interior (DOI) today announced the publication of the United States Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (USEITI) Stakeholder Assessment prepared by the independent third-party facilitator, the Consensus Building Institute (CBI). The Stakeholder Assessment includes suggested options for establishing a Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG), which will be comprised of representatives from government, industry and civil society and will be responsible for overseeing implementation of USEITI. DOI has initiated a public comment period regarding the Stakeholder Assessment, which will include public listening sessions, a webinar and a workshop, and will run from May 18 through June 29, 2012. In addition, Interior will continue Tribal outreach regarding USEITI, and will convene a Tribal Consultation meeting at the National Congress of American Indians mid-year Conference June 17-20, 2012 in Lincoln, Nebraska. EITI is a voluntary, global standard for transparency in reporting revenues received for oil, gas and mineral extraction.

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Sixth Tribal Consultation on Draft Indian Affairs Administrative Organizational Assessment Report and BIA & BIE Streamlining Plans

LINCOLN, CALIF. — The sixth government-to-government tribal consultation regarding the draft report on Indian Affairs Administrative Organizational Assessment and Bureau of Indian Affairs/Bureau of Indian Education streamlining plans starts Thursday, May 17, 2012, at the Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, Calif. The two-day consultation is the sixth of seven that will take place around the country in Arizona, Florida, South Dakota, Washington, Oklahoma and Alaska. The first was held in Miami on April 12 and 13, 2012.

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The First Lady’s Let’s Move! Child Care Initiative Recognizes BIE FACE Program for Exceptional Work in Preventing Childhood Obesity

WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Bureau of Indian Education Family & Child Education Program (FACE) has received national recognition for its exceptional work in promoting young children’s heath and preventing childhood obesity. The recognition came from the first lady’s Let’s Move! Child Care initiative, Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Del Laverdure announced today.

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Acting Assistant Secretary Laverdure Addresses 2012 Tribal Self-Governance Annual Conference

Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Donald “Del” Laverdure today welcomed hundreds of tribal leaders and representatives attending the 2012 Tribal Self-Governance Annual Conference taking place this week in New Orleans, La.

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Fifth Tribal Consultation on Draft Indian Affairs Administrative Organizational Assessment Report and BIA & BIE Streamlining Plans

DURANT, OKLA. — The fifth government-to-government tribal consultation regarding the draft report on Indian Affairs Administrative Organizational Assessment and Bureau of Indian Affairs/ Bureau of Indian Education streamlining plans starts Thursday, May 10, 2012 at the Choctaw Casino Resort in Durant, Okla. The two-day consultation is the fifth of seven that will take place around the country in Arizona, Florida, South Dakota, Washington, California and Alaska. The first was held in Miami on April 12 and 13, 2012

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Salazar, Abbey to Address Oil and Gas Production on Public and Tribal Lands

Today, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Bureau of Land Management Director Robert Abbey will hold a news media teleconference regarding domestic oil and gas production on public and Tribal lands.

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Acting Assistant Secretary Laverdure Honors Fallen Officers at 21st Annual Indian Country Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service

WASHINGTON – Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Donald “Del” Laverdure honored three law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty, expressing his gratitude and appreciation to their family members, friends and colleagues at the 21st Annual Indian Country Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service.

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Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Del Laverdure to Keynote 21st Annual Indian Country Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service

WASHINGTON – Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Donald “Del” Laverdure will deliver the keynote address at the 21st Annual Indian Country Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service being held Thursday, May 3, 2012, at the Bureau of Indian Affairs United States Indian Police Academy in Artesia, N.M. He will be accompanied by BIA Director Mike Black and BIA Office of Justice Services Deputy Bureau Director Darren Cruzan. The OJS hosts the event, which honors and commemorates tribal, state, local and federal law enforcement officers working on federal Indian lands and in tribal communities who have given their lives in the line of duty.

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Fourth Tribal Consultation on Draft Indian Affairs Administrative Organizational Assessment Report and BIA & BIE Streamlining Plans

RAPID CITY, S.D. — The fourth government-to-government tribal consultation regarding the Indian Affairs Administrative Organizational Assessment Draft Report and Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education streamlining plans starts Thursday, May 3, 2012 at the Holiday Inn Rapid City – Rushmore Plaza, S.D. The two-day consultation is the fourth of seven that will take place around the country in Arizona, Florida, Washington, Oklahoma, California and Alaska. The first was held in Miami on April 12 and 13, 2012.

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BIE Director Keith Moore Announces the Circle of Nations-Wahpeton Indian Boarding School Selected for the ED Green Ribbon Schools Program Award

Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Director Keith Moore announced today that the Circle of Nations-Wahpeton Indian Boarding School from Wahpeton, N.D. has been selected to receive the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) Green Ribbon Schools award.

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Crow Tribe, United States and State of Montana Sign Historic Water Compact

The Crow Tribe Apsáalooke Nation, the United States of America and the State of Montana executed the Crow Tribe-Montana Water Rights Compact in an historic signing ceremony today at the U.S. Department of the Interior.

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