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Interior's Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Ada E. Deer said today the President's fiscal year 1995 budget request of $2.24 billion for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) continues the shift of resources from the BIA to Indian tribes and strengthens the foundation established last year by President Clinton and Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt to fulfill the federal Indian trust responsibility and the creation of a government-to-government partnership.

"By continuing to emphasize and enhance the shift of responsibilities and resources to the tribes, we are providing them with the capability and flexibility to set and implement their own goals and directly administer federal programs," Deer said.

"This budget includes a significant investment in Indian education with about one-third of BIA's Operation of Indian Programs (OIP) budget devoted to Indian education programs," she added.

The 1995 total budget authority request of $2.24 billion for the Bureau of Indian Affairs falls slightly under the $2.27 billion enacted for 1994. For current appropriations, the President's request is $1. 77 billion. The OIP appropriation is increased by $9.3 million over 1994, to $1.5 billion.

The request for Tribal Priority Allocations (TPA), the portion of BIA's budget where funding priorities for programs are determined by the tribes, totals $447.4 million, about 30 percent of BIA's operating budget. The proposed program increase of $8.8 million will be used for law enforcement, social services, agriculture, and other programs prioritized by the tribes at the local level. Self-governance grants of $56.1 million are included in the TPA request and will provide funds for about 30 tribes. Contract support funds are also increased by $4 million for a total of $95.8 million.

Funds for education of Indian children in BIA's 186 funded schools are increased by $15.8 million to $514.8 million. "Quality education is an essential component in reducing unemployment, increasing self-esteem, improving community life, and increasing economic opportunities on the reservations," Deer said.

The education budget proposes distributing Indian School Equalization Formula dollars, which support basic educational programs for children in grades K through 12, based on the previous year's enrollment. The increased funding includes two new schools -- Trenton in North Dakota and Sault Ste. Marie in Michigan -- for the 1995-96 school year. Johnson-O'Malley, a supplemental education program for Indian students in public schools, will be funded at the FY 1994 level of $24.4 million. Funding for the 22 tribally controlled community colleges is continued at $26.9 million.

A total of $170 million has been requested for legislated settlements to resolve long-standing tribal claims to water and lands that would be provided in a separate fund within the Indian Land and Water Rights Claims Settlements and Miscellaneous Payments to Indians appropriations. The fund will include payments for nine settlements as well as the Navajo Indian Irrigation Project and water rights negotiation and litigation studies. The request fully funds all anticipated FY 1995 requirements for implementing enacted settlements.

In human services, the BIA General Assistance program is funded at $105.6 million. The $5 million welfare reform planning grant program initiated in 1994 will not be continued in order to allow the Bureau to fund other priorities. Indian Child Welfare Act grants are funded at the 1994 level.

The President's budget includes $191 million available in contract authority for Indian road construction which is funded out of the Department of Transportation Federal Highway Trust Fund. BIA's road maintenance funds are requested in the amount of $30 million.

In natural resources, $4.5 million is included to support the President's forest plan, $3 million for Jobs in the Woods ecosystem restoration projects, and $1.5 million to harvest the identified allowable backlog of approved annual timber cuts on reservations.

The Bureau continues to make progress in improving management and accountability in various areas. The 1995 request includes an increase of $1 million for financial management, and a $1.7 million increase to continue development and implementation of the land records history and imaging system critical to identifying ownership of allotted Indian lands.

The 1995 budget request includes a $5.7 million reduction related to personnel streamlining and a $7.7 million reduction resulting from administrative savings. BIA proposes to consolidate two area offices in Oklahoma and streamline other central offices and area and agency offices to provide more effective and efficient service delivery.

BIA will continue its funding for the repair of high risk dams on Indian reservations. A proposed budget of $18 million will include corrective action to be completed on Black Rock Dam in New Mexico and Crow Creek Dam in South Dakota.

The 1995 request for construction includes $6.9 million to complete the construction of the Sac and Fox juvenile detention center in Oklahoma. Education construction programs total $43 million, a reduction of $31.3 million from 1994, including a reduction in funding for one-time 1994 new school construction projects and a reduction in facilities improvement and repair. Construction will continue on seven previously funded schools, and the Bureau will have sufficient unobligated funds to complete facility improvement and repair projects on schools and law enforcement facilities.

Ada E. Deer, Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs, will serve as co-Grand Marshall in a march honoring Martin Luther King, Jr., on January 15, 1996, in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Martin Luther King, Jr., Center for Nonviolent Social Change is commemorating the twenty-eighth Annual King Week, and Dr. King's sixty-seventh birthday with a week of activities in Atlanta. The Center's activities began on January 7, 1996, and will culminate with a "National March of Celebration & Rally" at 1:00 P .M. on Monday, January 15th.

The celebration is expected to include domestic and international policy makers, educators, and religious leaders and will be locally televised.

Ms. Deer was the recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr., award from George Washington University, Washington DC, in 1995.

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Ada E. Deer, Assistant Secretary Indian Affairs, issued a notice today declining to acknowledge the Ramapough Mountain Indians Inc., as a federally recognized tribe.

A Proposed Finding to decline to acknowledge the Ramapough Mountain Indians Inc., was first published in the FEDERAL REGISTER on December 8, 1993 and the original 180-day comment period was extended until May 8, 1995. The 60-day comment period for the Ramapoughs to respond to third-party comments ended on July 10, 1995.

As a result of this publication, the Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted an extensive review of (1) the Ramapough's response to the Proposed Finding, (2) the comments submitted by interested and third parties, (3) the Ramapough' s response to the public comments, and (4) researched additional historic records in order to arrive at a final determination regarding their status.

Based on this review, the Bureau of Indian Affairs has determined that the Ramapough Mountain Indians, Inc., do not meet three of the seven mandatory criteria for acknowledgement as an Indian tribe under Federal law. Specifically, the Ramapoughs failed to meet criteria b, c, and e, of the federal regulations (25 CFR 83.7) because they did not exist as a distinct community from historic times to the present, did not maintain political influence or authority over their members from historic contact to present, and their membership does not descend from a tribe of American Indians or from tribes that combined and functioned as a single autonomous entity.

This decision will become effective in 90 days unless the tribe requests a reconsideration before the Interior Board of Indian Appeals.

In July 1993, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (the Tribes) submitted an application for treatment-as-state status under the Clean Water Act with respect to all surface waters within the Flathead Indian reservation. The State of Montana opposed the EPA granting the Tribes treatment as state status by arguing that the Tribes did not possess inherent civil regulatory authority over land owned by nonmembers.

The United States District Court, Missoula Division, District of Montana in its decision on March 27, 1996, upheld the EP A's approval of the Tribes' application to establish water quality standards for surface waters with the Tribe’s reservation under section 303 of the Clean Water Act.

"This is a major victory for the Salish and Kootenai Tribes within the State of Montana" said Ada E. Deer, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. "This decision will assist other Indian tribes be given "treatment-as-state" status when they apply to the EPA to regulate water quality standards within their reservations." she said.

"As the primary agency within the federal government for the administration of federal programs and for the protection of Indian tribal rights, the Bureau of Indian Affairs will continue to champion the cause of tribal governments and protect their rights." Ms. Deer said.

This ruling will now clear the way for the Tribes to proceed with the development of water quality standards. It confirms Indian tribal sovereignty.

In a newly released report, Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt charged each Interior Department office and bureau with identifying policies and procedures that protect and conserve Indian resources. The report, entitled Protection of Indian Trust Resources Procedures, outlines how each Interior Department bureau and office will integrate trust protection practices and policies into daily activities.

"We are strongly committed to ensuring that each bureau and office understands its trust obligations and conducts all activities that affect American Indian tribes and tribal members in accordance with the highest fiduciary standard,” Babbitt said. "We are equally committed to working with tribes on a government-to-government basis in recognition of the sovereign powers of tribal governments. We are, therefore, pleased to have completed a major step in advancing Department-wide adherence to principles and practices that not only make the Department an effective trustee, but a responsive one as well."

“This report," said Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs Ada E. Deer, "demonstrates our commitment to greater intergovernmental communication and cooperation with tribes. This report also can serve as a model for all Federal agencies to follow. I support and continue to encourage all Interior Department bureaus to work on initiatives that will benefit tribes and Indian people." This Interior Department initiative also furthers President Clinton's 1994 memorandum on Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal Governments, which was issued to "ensure that the rights of sovereign tribal governments are fully respected.” In this directive, President Clinton highlighted the U.S. Government's unique legal relationship with tribal governments and outlined principles for all federal agencies to follow. The Interior Department's Bureau of Reclamation, for example, has completed an "Indian Trust Asset Policy and National Environmental Policy Act Procedures” report. Its question-and-answer format provides guidance to bureau personnel on protecting Indian trust resources.

The report, Protection of Indian Trust Resources Procedures, was completed by the Office of American Indian Trust. Copies of the report can be obtained by contacting the Office of American Indian Trust, 1849 C Street N.W., MS-2472, Washington, D.C. 20240, telephone (202) 208-3338.

A joint proclamation was issued today by the Director, Indian Health Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs which will designate the week of May 12, 1996 Alcohol-Related Birth Defects Week, announced Ada E. Deer, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.

Michael H. Trujillo, Director, Indian Health Service and Ada E. Deer, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs signed a proclamation directing BIA and IHS to continue to promote the concept of Alcohol Related Birth Defects prevention in all BIA, IHS, tribal and urban programs. During the week of May 12, 1996 BIA offices, and IHS facilities should plan programs and activities to observe the occasion throughout the country.

"The American Indian youth are the Indian community's single most important resource for the future," said Ada Deer. "As a social worker and educator Indian children are always my primary concern. I directed much of my time and energy to actively promote programs and activities that would improve the health and life style of these children." "Our Indian children deserve entry into this world free of any defects resulting from alcohol consumption during pregnancy."

This proclamation requests all BIA and IHS employees support in American Indians and Alaska Natives efforts to prevent alcohol and other drug related birth defects.

Secretary of the Interior Manuel Lujan today announced that the Department's Fiscal Year 1993 $8.6 billion budget continues the President's commitment to enhancing our Nation's human, natural, historical and cultural resources while generating employment and economic opportunities.

"This Administration has made great progress in improving our Federal lands and protecting our resources while enhancing economic development nationwide," Lujan said. "By increasing spending for the newly combined America the Beautiful and Legacy '99 initiatives to $1. 5 billion as well as strengthening the Tribal Horizons program, the President's FY 1993 budget ensures that this progress will continue. The construction and maintenance aspects of the Legacy '99 initiative generate over 10,000 private sector jobs a year."

Tribal Horizons, initiated by Lujan in FY 1992, is slated for a $15.3 million increase. The total budget for the Tribal Horizon program, which emphasizes improved education, self-determination and economic development opportunities for American Indians, is $865 million.

Interior's budget request supports the President's Education 2000 goals by giving education-related activities strong emphasis. Activities under the President's Math, Science and Engineering Education initiative total $88.4 million for 1993, an increase of $5.2 million. This includes an increase of $3 million for the Parks as Classrooms program to teach America's school children about the Nation's natural resources. For Indian students in Bureau of Indian Affairs-funded schools, the budget proposes an increase of $12 million.

In a new initiative, Lujan is proposing $4 million for the first year of a three-year program to preserve historic buildings at 11 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The United Negro College Fund will match the Federal program.

In addition, the President's budget requests $42.8 million for the War on Drugs, which will focus on drug trafficking in the southwest border area. Funding of$ 6.5 million has been requested to support volunteer programs at National Parks and wildlife refuges, and in other Interior agencies. Last year, 109,000 volunteers donated 4.8 million hours of work with an estimated value of $52 million to Interior agencies.

The budget also assumes passage of legislation in 1992 to permit development of oil and gas resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). "Environmentally responsible development in ANWR would have enormous economic benefits, creating more than 200,000 jobs nationwide and providing an estimated $125 billion in revenues to Federal and state governments while reducing our dependence on imported oil," Lujan said.

The White House Conference on Indian Education will take place January 22-24 at the Ramada Renaissance at Techworld, 999 9th St., N.W., Washington, D.C.

The Conference will bring together 234 voting delegates and observers to discuss and recommend steps to improve Indian education. The advisory task force planning the Conference has chosen the theme, "Honoring tradition…inspiring change." After opening ceremonies and a luncheon on January 22, the conference will break into 11 group sessions devoted to various aspects of Indian education. On January 24, the Conference will conclude with a Resolution Assembly.

The work group sessions will focus on Native languages and culture; higher education; structure for schools: readiness for schools; exceptional education; safe, alcohol/drug free schools; governance of Indian education/independent Board of Education; well being of Indian communities/delivery of services; literacy/student academic achievement/high school graduation; Native and non-Native school personnel; adult education and lifelong learning/parental, community and tribal partnerships. Members of the news media are welcome to attend the work group sessions.

Journalists wishing to cover the Conference must have credentials from the White House or the Congress, or must be credentialed by the Media Office of the Conference.

Credentials may be acquired on site. Journalists who do not have credentials from the White House or Congress must register at the Media credentials Desk in the Ramada Renaissance which will be open 1-5 p.m. Tuesday (January 21); 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 7 a.m. - Noon on Friday. Applicants must provide their name, social security number, date and place of birth, job title and a letter on company letterhead stating that the applicant has been assigned to cover the Conference. Journalists wishing to register in advance with the Media Office should provide a request by telefax with this information. Fax: (202) 208-3231.

All journalists wishing to cover the conference must check in with the Media Credentials Desk (room 18) at the Ramada Renaissance to obtain badges that will provide admittance to the sessions. Contact: Bob Walker or Gail Wendt (202) 208-317.

Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt today announced the appointment of Faith Roessel, a licensed attorney and enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs in the Department of the Interior.

"I am highly pleased that Faith Roessel has agreed to join the Department as my deputy," Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Ada Deer said. "She is a most welcome addition to our team and I look forward to utilizing her talents and legal knowledge in assisting tribal governments in the protection of their trust assets and their quest to become self-sufficient."

Roessel said she looked forward to working with Secretary Babbitt, Assistant Secretary Deer, and tribal leaders throughout the country in providing the best of services to Indian people. "I know this Administration is dedicated to the protection of the land and other natural resources of Indian tribes, and I am honored to have been asked to serve," she said.

Roessel comes to Interior after serving three years as Director of the Washington office of the Navajo Nation where she directed the legislative strategy of her tribe's budget and annual appropriations initiatives before the Congress. From 1987 to 1991 she served as senior staff attorney with the Native American Rights Fund in their Washington office where she represented Indian tribes and groups before the Congress, federal agencies, law judges, and federal courts.

The new Deputy Assistant Secretary served as Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) from 1983 to 1987. For two years previous she was an associate in the law firm of Vlassis and Ott in Phoenix, Arizona, a firm that served as General Counsel to the Navajo Nation.

Roessel earned her B.A. in Sociology from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, in 1978. She was awarded a J.D. in 1981, from the University Of New Mexico School Of Law in Albuquerque. Roessel is a board member of the American Bar Association's Commission on Opportunities for Minorities in the Profession and is the Chair of the ABA Multicultural Women Attorneys Network. She is also a board member of the Arizona State University School of Law Indian Advisory board and serves on the board of Americans for Indian Opportunity.

Roessel and her husband Matthew Slater have one child and reside in Bethesda, Maryland.

Ada E. Deer, Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs, today expressed her gratitude to Vice President Al Gore for directly intervening on behalf of Americans Indians in last week's intense negotiations over the Department of the Interior's (DOI) continued funding resolution.

"Vice President Gore once again demonstrated his strong leadership and concern over the devastating effect massive budget cuts would have on American Indian programs," said Ms. Deer. "His efforts will have a decisive and immediate positive impact on the Indian Community," she says.

The debate between President Clinton and Congressional Republicans over the federal government's fiscal year 1996 budget resulted in his veto of an Interior Appropriations bill he considered mean- spirited and unacceptable in cuts to Indian and environmental programs. In retaliation, many Bureaus were targeted by Congress to receive drastically reduced funding in the continuing resolution. However, Vice President Gore championed the cause of Indian tribal governments in tough last-minute negotiations with the Congress. As a result, funding for Indian tribal governments will be provided at the agreed upon 1996 Conference level as opposed to announced cuts between 25 and 36 percent, as the Senate had supported.

Federal government funding for Indian tribal governments is critical because, unlike city, county, or state governments that typically have a non-federal tax base as a primary source of revenue, Indian tribes often rely on federal funds for service delivery.

Without this direct intervention, many Indian tribal governments face severe reductions in their ability to provide for tribal members, particularly the elderly and children who depend on these services.

Ms. Deer cautioned that tribes should not be too optimistic. "We're not out of the woods yet," she said. "This funding runs out on March 15th. The Senate is still threatening cuts of 25% or more in the future."