OPA

Secretary of the Interior Manuel Lujan today announced the establishment of a special Indian Minerals Service Office devoted exclusively to serving Native Americans in the Four corners area of New Mexico, Utah, Colorado and Arizona.

The new office, located in Farmington, New Mexico, will be operated cooperatively by three Interior Department agencies: the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the Minerals Management Service (MMS), and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

"In creating this new service-oriented office, the BIA, MMS and BLM are establishing a quality, 'one-stop' service center for Indian tribal and allottee mineral owners who are concerned with the leasing, operation and revenues associated with minerals development on their lands," said Lujan. "This is in keeping with the Bush administration commitment to work closely with the tribes and individuals and to improve services to American Indians. For the first time, we combine - in a single facility - the expertise and services of three Interior agencies, each with important responsibilities for Indian mineral activities."

The Farmington Indian Minerals Service Office will serve several thousand allottees and a number of tribal governments in the area. Indian allottees are Indians who may lease their land individually, for such purposes as development of mineral assets. Among the tribal governments served by the Farmington office are the Navajo, Northern Ute, southern Ute, Ute Mountain Ute and Jicarilla Apache.

"We believe that the combined talents and knowledge of each bureau contributing to staffing the Indian Minerals Office will result in service and efficiency that surpasses what the BIA, BLM and MMS could provide independently," said Scott Sewell, director of MMS, the lead agency for the office. "As a result of this partnership of bureaus, our Indian constituents will receive more timely and convenient service," said Sewell.

Secretary of the Interior Manuel Lujan met today with South Carolina Governor Carroll Campbell, Senator Strom Thurmond and representatives from the offices of Senator Ernest Hollings and Congressman John Spratt to discuss the terms of the Catawba \ Indian land settlement.

"This appears to be an excellent settlement proposal, and I will do whatever I can to gain the support of the Administration for it," Lujan said. "All parties to this historic agreement are to be congratulated for their hard work."

Lujan noted that the settlement would provide for the restoration of the Catawbas as a federally recognized tribe.

"This Administration has supported restoration of terminated tribes, and I am pleased the Catawbas will be among those restored, “Lujan said.

“The settlement will provide new economic and education opportunities for the tribe, and it will end 12 years of litigation that has clouded the commercial and real estate markets in the area. The monetary pledges demonstrate a vital commitment by the state and local governments as well as private sources."

Under the proposed settlement:

-- The Catawba Indian Tribe, terminated by the Federal Government in 1962, will be restored as a federally recognized tribe, and will thus qualify for federal Indian programs;

-- The tribe will receive a total of $50 million over five years with 60 percent from the Federal Government, 25 percent from the state and local governments, and the balance from private sources. The funds will be held in trust by the Secretary of the Interior;

-- The tribe may have a reservation of up to 3,600 acres, which could be expanded up to 4,200 acres with the approval of state and local governments.

-- The tribe will have limited authority to regulate matters on the reservation through a tribal council and tribal courts.

In exchange, the tribe 'Will relinquish claims against federal, state and local governments as well as against private land owners.

These claims were filed in 1980 when the tribe brought suit in federal court. The tribe alleged that an 1840 treaty signed by this state and Catawbas transferring 144,000 acres of tribal lands was void because it was never ratified by the Congress as required by federal law.

Legislation will be required to implement the settlement.

Secretary of the Interior Manuel Lujan met today with South Carolina Governor Carroll Campbell, Senator Strom Thurmond and representatives from the offices of Senator Ernest Hollings and Congressman John Spratt to discuss the terms of the Catawba \ Indian land settlement.

"This appears to be an excellent settlement proposal, and I will do whatever I can to gain the support of the Administration for it," Lujan said. "All parties to this historic agreement are to be congratulated for their hard work."

Lujan noted that the settlement would provide for the restoration of the Catawbas as a federally recognized tribe.

"This Administration has supported restoration of terminated tribes, and I am pleased the Catawbas will be among those restored, “Lujan said.

“The settlement will provide new economic and education opportunities for the tribe, and it will end 12 years of litigation that has clouded the commercial and real estate markets in the area. The monetary pledges demonstrate a vital commitment by the state and local governments as well as private sources."

Under the proposed settlement:

-- The Catawba Indian Tribe, terminated by the Federal Government in 1962, will be restored as a federally recognized tribe, and will thus qualify for federal Indian programs;

-- The tribe will receive a total of $50 million over five years with 60 percent from the Federal Government, 25 percent from the state and local governments, and the balance from private sources. The funds will be held in trust by the Secretary of the Interior;

-- The tribe may have a reservation of up to 3,600 acres, which could be expanded up to 4,200 acres with the approval of state and local governments.

-- The tribe will have limited authority to regulate matters on the reservation through a tribal council and tribal courts.

In exchange, the tribe 'Will relinquish claims against federal, state and local governments as well as against private land owners.

These claims were filed in 1980 when the tribe brought suit in federal court. The tribe alleged that an 1840 treaty signed by this state and Catawbas transferring 144,000 acres of tribal lands was void because it was never ratified by the Congress as required by federal law.

Legislation will be required to implement the settlement.

Interior Assistant Secretary Eddie Brown has ordered the Bureau of Indian Affairs to tighten the procedures for leasing of Indian lands in the Palm Springs, California, area and to put in place regulations specifically designed to fit long-term business leasing needs of the Agua Caliente Indian landowners.

"We have seen evidence of leases negotiated many years ago that do not meet today's market value. Future leases must contain provisions for escalation when land values skyrocket," Brown said.

"In other cases lessees have sub-leased properties for more than the value of the original lease at no additional profit to the landowner. We must have a system in place that fairly compensates the Indian landowner for the use of the land," Brown added.

Brown cited recent audits by Interior's Inspector General which found serious abuses in the~ leasing program. Many of the leases examined in the report go back many years and contain provisions that normally are designed for agricultural land leases, not business land leases. "Even some leases that had provisions for periodic reviews for rental free adjustment, had them too far into the future and with caps on adjustments," Brown said.

The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs said the recent establishment of a Field Solicitor's office in Palm Springs will assist BIA considerably by providing legal advice in lease negotiations and administration. Dan Shillito opened the new Palm Springs Field Solicitor's office on September 7, 1992.

Other actions the Bureau is taking to improve the leasing program include:

--Drafting of regulations specifically designed for long term business leasing in Palm Springs and the development of a manual that will fill voids in procedures.

--Development and implementation of compliance and collection policies: and procedures to improve business leasing activities. Default letters will be automatically generated as soon as a default c1ecurs, which will expedite the process and reduce errors.

--Making additional funds additional to develop a plan to provide recording and title services for the large volume of records being generated by the heavy leasing program.

During the past three years the staff of the Palm Springs Field Office ·has been increased from four to 25 and a Real Property Development Office has been established to market and negotiate new leases and renegotiate existing leases to fair market value. This will correct previous long term deficiencies in existing leases.

In 1991, the Palm Springs Field Office managed 943 master land leases and 25,600 subleases, which generated approximately $11 million annually for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The Palm Springs office recently negotiated a lease for 28 landowners on a parcel of land for resort development with an estimated investment value of almost $1 billion.

A national conference of area directors of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Indian Health Service (IHS) culminated here October 20 with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that updates a 1988 agreement and spells out the management framework for implementation of a national strategy the two federal agencies are undertaking to prevent and treat alcohol and substance abuse among American Indians and Alaska Natives.

"This is an historic meeting that builds on the cooperative efforts between BIA and IHS to fight the scourges of alcohol and substance abuse among American Indians and Alaska Natives," Interior Assistant Secretary Eddie F. Brown said at the signing ceremony. "This MOA reaffirms a management framework that recognizes alcohol and substance abuse as a disease which is both preventable and treatable."

"This agreement was a positive effort to reinforce the long-standing cooperation between IHS and BIA," remarked IHS Director and Assistant Surgeon General Dr. Everett R. Rhoades. "Both agencies consistently strive toward the betterment of American Indian and Alaska Native Peoples."

The first-ever meeting between the two principal agencies providing services to more than one million American Indians and Alaska Natives in 35 states, put in motion plans for joint implementation of the MOA in each of the areas served by BIA and IHS. Plans will be coordinated with the Indian tribes in each of the 12 areas served by BIA and” areas served by IHS to insure involvement and participation of the entire Indian community.

Rhoades and Brown complemented the staffs of the two federal agencies for working together in such a cooperative way to carry out the mandates of the Indian Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. The two leaders agreed that "Indian communities faced no greater problem or threat to their survival than alcohol and substance abuse" and ''we must not let up until we have it under control."

While previous mandates have spelled out responsibilities of IHS (treatment) and BIA (prevention), discussions during the two-day conference centered on cooperative responsibilities having to do with budget, staffing and costs of programs and facilities, tribal input, possible joint requests for Congressional appropriations, and the continuum of activities -- law enforcement education, juvenile detention centers and emergency shelters, and child, abuse -- intertwined with the prevention and treatment of alcoholism and substance abuse.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has approved 11 juvenile detention centers, the first: of which is expected to be completed in January, 1993 at the Cheyenne River Sioux reservation in Eagle Butte, S.D. Fifteen of the 31 planned emergency shelters to be operated jointly by the BIA and IHS have been completed. Fourteen are in operation.

The newly signed Memorandum of agreement updates the original Agreement signed in 1987 between the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and the Department of the Interior and amended in 1988. It reaffirms a management framework for the coordination of data collection, resources and programs of the BIA and IHS to assist American Indians and Alaska Natives to achieve their goals in the prevention and treatment of alcohol and substance abuse.

Ada E. Deer, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (the Service) within the Department of the Interior, carried out Federal search and arrest warrants in the four corners area (New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Utah) today. This federal action is a culmination of a two-year undercover investigation which has been conducted by the Service, into the killing and selling of eagles and other protected migratory birds.

The warrants were executed in cooperation with tribal and BIA Law Enforcement Officials. "Thirty-five individuals and businesses will be charged with selling protected migratory bird parts," the Service states. "It is very tragic that wildlife is slaughtered in this manner for commercial purposes. More arrests will take place on the Navajo Nation today," Ms. Deer says. "The Department of Fish and Wildlife for the Navajo Nation is assisting the Service in this effort."

Estimates are that some eagle parts may sell for as much as $850.00 to $1,000.00. This has made illegal trafficking very lucrative and indications are that because of increased popularity and demand this illegal activity may become more attractive. The Bald Eagle Protection Act of June 8, 1940, amended for eagle parts in 1962 (16 U.S.C. 668 et seq.), prohibits the taking, possession, sale, purchase or transportation of bald eagles, their parts or feathers and provides for a narrow exemption for religious purposes of Indian tribes. Individual American Indians may obtain eagle parts if they are members of a federally recognized Indian tribe, have a federal permit issued by the Service and obtain eagle feathers or other parts from the National Eagle Repository near Denver, Colorado.

"I applaud the actions of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services in this enforcement endeavor," Ms. Deer says. Individuals charged in these arrests will be prosecuted by the federal government as opposed to the State or tribe. If convicted they may be sentenced to up to two years in prison and/or fined up to $250,000 per offense.

Ada E. Deer, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs announces the dedication of a new Jr/Sr High School at Fort Hall, Idaho for the Shoshone-Bannock. Federal, state and tribal agencies worked cooperatively to provide funding for the construction of this new school. The school is designed in traditional motif and is considered one of the most beautiful educational facilities in the State of Idaho. The facility will offer state-of-the-art equipment, resources, and instruction for the Fort Hall Indian Community.

"It is with deep regret that I will not be able to attend the dedication of the Shoshone-Bannock Jr/Sr High School on the 6th, but a prior commitment to attend a meeting with the Alaska Inter-Tribal Council prevents me from being there," Ms. Deer said. "I congratulate the Fort Hall Indian Community on their efforts to make a dream come true for their Indian children. The school's design sounds as if it will establish a comfortable, conducive learning environment for them. As a social worker I have always placed a priority on the health, welfare, and education of our Indian children. The dedication and commitment in constructing this school which will provide state-of-the-art educational opportunities must be commended. The present investment of time, energy, and money will reap many future returns for your community in terms of the students that leave your school, that become well-adjusted productive adults - Indian adults that will in tum contribute to the continued success of your Indian community. I will be in Alaska during the dedication of your new school, but my spirit and thoughts will be with you throughout the day. May your new school be successful, forever."

The dedication of the Fort Hall, Shoshone-Bannock Jr/Sr High School will be held on December 6, 1996 at 2:00 pm., at Fort Hall, Idaho. However, day long activities will be featured, including a traditional feast, and pow-wow/dance. Contact Mr. Marvin Osborne, Chairperson, School Dedication Committee at (208) 238-3980 for more information.

A $9.1-million contract has been awarded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs to the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe for a much-needed adult and juvenile detention center that will be constructed by the tribe's Weeminuche Construction Authority.

"We are gratified and thankful that the tribe's critical need for this facility is finally being met," said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Kevin Gover. "I thank Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO) for his longstanding support for this project and also thank the chairmen of the Interior Appropriations Committees, Sen. Slade Gorton (R-WA) and Rep. Ralph Regula (R-OH), for their assistance."

The new Ute Mountain Ute Adult and Juvenile Detention Center will consist of a 12-bed juvenile detention center and a 38-bed adult detention center on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation in Montezuma County, CO. Construction funds for the center are being transferred by the BIA to the tribe's construction authority through a Public Law 638 contract. Construction will be completed in approximately 18 months.

The new facility is, in part, the result of a recent Federal Court Consent Decree requiring the BIA to immediately address the operations and facility conditions of the existing detention center.

The day-to-day responsibility for providing police and detention services to the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation was transferred on January 1 from the BIA agency superintendent to the BIA's Office of Law Enforcement Services (OLES). The OLES is working closely with the U.S. Attorney, District of Colorado; the Indian Health Service; the Department of the Interior Regional Solicitor; and the Federal Court to address the current detention center's deficiencies and to provide quality detention services.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs' Housing Improvement Program (HIP), which provides a safety net for needy American Indian families who do not qualify for assistance from other housing programs, is streamlining its procedures to ensure that those with greatest need will receive safe, sound, and sanitary housing more quickly.

"We look forward to enacting these new procedures because they will speed the delivery of decent housing to the neediest tribal members," said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Kevin Gover.

The new rules will be published in the Federal Register on March 2 and will become effective 30 days after publication. The BIA has revised the procedures governing the Housing Improvement Program to clarify and simplify the conditions and terms for providing housing assistance and to allow additional flexibility in administering the program. The HIP focuses on the repair and renovation of existing substandard housing. Other Federally sponsored programs, such as those sponsored by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, are responsible for most new housing construction in Indian Country. Approximately 85 percent of the tribes with active Housing Improvement Programs operate them through Self-Determination agreements or Self-Governance compacts.

Significant changes to the procedures include:

• Reducing the annual income levels for eligible program applicants to focus program services on the most needy families who cannot qualify for other housing resources.
• Eliminating one program service, the down-payment assistance category, to refocus the program on repairs and renovations that result in safe, sound, and sanitary homes.
• Increasing from $20,000 to $35,000 the amount of funds that can be expended to renovate an existing home.
• Allowing for regional differences in construction and labor costs.

Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Kevin Gover spoke Thursday, March 19, about critical American Indian issues and his vision for Tribal America during a University of South Dakota School of Law symposium on "Indian Nations on the Eve of 21st Century: Sovereignty, Self-Government, Water Rights, Land Rights." The speech was taped by C-SPAN for later broadcast.

Gover was nominated by President Clinton for the Assistant Secretary's position and was sworn in on November 12, 1997. He leads the 10,700-employee Bureau of Indian Affairs and serves as the Clinton Administration's senior Indian Affairs official.

"I am urging the Tribes to recapture their warrior traditions and define the meaning of the warrior tradition in today's complex world," Gover said. "A warrior is not defined by violence and hostility, but by the commitment and sacrifice that transcends all personal interest." Gover also explored the theme of "Indian Warriors Then and Now" as it relates to the challenging work of tribal leaders, Indian lawyers, and others who work on behalf of 554 federally recognized tribal nations. His speech included a discussion of the devastating Indian Country problems that include alcohol and drug abuse, youth suicides, and joblessness. Gover emphasized that today's "warriors" must use their considerable skills and experience in creating tribal solutions to these troubling problems, while also strengthening responsible and responsive tribal governments.

"Over the past 30 years we have seen a dramatic rise in the acknowledgment of the Tribal power of self-government. That power is under attack, and some of those attacks are given credence when a tribe exercises its power irresponsibly," he said. "The great leaders and great warriors of the past thought less about the power of leadership and more about the responsibility of leadership. This is a tradition we have to learn to follow."

Gover also discussed the changing direction and improvement of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the many challenges that face it and tribal nations as the new century approaches.