OPA

SPOKANE, WASH. — The third 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, April 26, 2012 at the Northern Quest Resort and Casino, Wash. The two-day consultation is the third of seven that will take place around the country in Arizona, Florida, South Dakota, Oklahoma, California and Alaska. The first was held in Miami on April 12 and 13, 2012.

Tribal leaders have said that organizational changes are needed in the administration of Indian Affairs programs and services to better meet the needs of the federally recognized tribes throughout Indian Country. The Department of the Interior’s Indian Affairs officials have heeded these concerns and undertaken an extensive review of the organization of the Office of the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE).

The culmination of this review is a draft Administrative Organizational Assessment Report compiled by an independent, third-party contractor. The draft report identifies several ways to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of services to Indian Country. The goal is to support a consolidated organization while improving Interior responsiveness to all Tribal needs. The BIA and BIE are seeking tribal input on ways to streamline their respective organizations to meet budgetary constraints and to increase efficiency.

More information and materials can be found at: http://www.bia.gov/WhoWeAre/ASIA/Consultation/index.htm

CREDENTIALS: All media must present government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) and valid media credentials.

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WASHINGTON – On Friday, April 27, 2012, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will be joined by Crow Tribe Apsáalooke Nation Chairman Cedric Black Eagle and Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer for the signing of a Crow Tribe-Montana Water Rights Compact. The compact seeks to resolve more than three decades of controversy, ensure safe drinking water for the reservation, and provide for the rehabilitation of the Crow Irrigation Project. The ceremony will take place at the Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C. and members of the media and public may view a live stream of the event at www.doi.gov/live.

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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.

Three names will be added at the event bringing the total number of fallen officers listed on the memorial to 99. Those to be added at this year’s ceremony are:

• Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives Federal Agent William Louis Pappan, who was killed on December 4, 1935, in Indian Territory while inspecting beer licenses near Tulsa, Oklahoma.
• San Carlos Apache Tribal Police Officer Aaron Daniel Peru, who died on February 13, 2011, on the San Carlos Reservation in Arizona from injuries he received in a motor vehicle accident while on official business.
• Navajo Nation Tribal Sergeant of Police Darrell Cervandez Curley, who died on June 25, 2011, on the Navajo Nation Reservation from a gunshot wound he received while making an arrest in a domestic dispute.

The OJS holds the service in conjunction with other law enforcement organizations and agencies including the International Association of Chiefs of Police Indian Country Law Enforcement Section, the National Sheriffs’ Association, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). The memorial and the Indian Police Academy are located on the FLETC campus in Artesia.

The Indian Country Law Enforcement Officers Memorial was first dedicated on May 7, 1992, at the U.S. Indian Police Academy, which was then in Marana, Ariz. The academy and memorial were later moved to their present site, where the memorial was re-dedicated on May 6, 1993.

The earliest name inscribed on the memorial dates back to 1852. In addition to those from BIA and tribal law enforcement, officers listed represent the U.S. Border Patrol, the New Mexico State Police, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Customs Bureau, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The list includes one female officer, from the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety, who was killed in 1998; a father and son, both BIA officers, who died in 1998 and 2001, respectively; and two FBI agents killed on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in 1975.

The memorial’s design is based upon indigenous design concepts. Comprised of three granite markers sited within a circular walkway lined with sage, a plant of spiritual significance to many tribes, the memorial includes four planters filled with foliage in colors representing people of all races. The planters represent the four directions and are located near the walkway’s entrance.

CREDENTIALS: This invitation is extended to working media representatives, who are required to display sanctioned media credentials for admittance to the event.

-DOI-

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.

Tribal leaders have said that organizational changes are needed in the administration of Indian Affairs programs and services to better meet the needs of the federally recognized tribes throughout Indian Country. The Department of the Interior’s Indian Affairs officials have heeded these concerns and undertaken an extensive review of the organization of the Office of the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE).

The culmination of this review is a draft Administrative Organizational Assessment Report compiled by an independent, third-party contractor. The draft report identifies several ways to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of services to Indian Country. The goal is to support a consolidated organization while improving Interior responsiveness to all Tribal needs. The BIA and BIE are seeking tribal input on ways to streamline their respective organizations to meet budgetary constraints and to increase efficiency.

More information and materials can be found at: http://www.bia.gov/WhoWeAre/ASIA/Consultation/index.htm

CREDENTIALS: All media must present government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) and valid media credentials.

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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.

Tribal leaders have said that organizational changes are needed in the administration of Indian Affairs programs and services to better meet the needs of the federally recognized tribes throughout Indian Country. The Department of the Interior’s Indian Affairs officials have heeded these concerns and undertaken an extensive review of the organization of the Office of the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE).

The culmination of this review will be a draft Administrative Organizational Assessment Report compiled by an independent, third-party contractor. The draft report identifies several ways to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of delivering services to Indian Country. The goal is to support a consolidated organization while improving Interior responsiveness to all Tribal needs. The BIA and BIE are seeking tribal input on ways to streamline their respective organizations to meet budgetary constraints and increase efficiency.

More information and materials can be found at: http://www.bia.gov/WhoWeAre/ASIA/Consultation/index.htm

CREDENTIALS:All media must present government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) and valid media credentials.

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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.

“Anthony Polk was a BIA fire operations and fuels technician at the Fort Yuma Agency with his final assignment being a wildland fire engine boss. On behalf of the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Office of Indian Affairs, the BIA, and the BIE it is with great sadness we join the nation in mourning the loss of such a brave and courageous man.

I know that he was well regarded by all who knew him and that he had called on the public to honor the loss of a fellow firefighter in 2008. The service and commitment of the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting Indian Country is a selfless duty embodied by Mr. Polk. Firefighters must endure long hours, difficult conditions and danger. Their actions and self-sacrifice truly represent the values most highly revered by our tribal cultures and traditional leadership of putting one’s self second to the needs of the community.”

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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.

Tribal leaders have said that organizational changes are needed in the administration of Indian Affairs programs and services to better meet the needs of the federally recognized tribes throughout Indian Country. The Department of the Interior’s Indian Affairs officials have heeded these concerns and undertaken an extensive review of the organization of the Office of the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE).

The culmination of this review will be a draft Administrative Organizational Assessment Report compiled by an independent, third-party contractor. The draft report identifies several ways to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of delivering services to Indian Country. The goal is to support a consolidated organization while improving Interior responsiveness to all Tribal needs. The BIA and BIE are seeking tribal input on ways to streamline their respective organizations to meet budgetary constraints and increase efficiency.

More information and materials can be found at: http://www.bia.gov/WhoWeAre/ASIA/Consultation/index.htm

CREDENTIALS:

All media must present government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) and valid media credentials.

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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.

Tribal leaders have said that organizational changes are needed in the administration of Indian Affairs programs and services to better meet the needs of the federally recognized tribes throughout Indian Country. The Department of the Interior’s Indian Affairs officials have heeded these concerns and undertaken an extensive review of the organization of the Office of the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE).

The culmination of this review will be a draft Administrative Organizational Assessment Report compiled by an independent, third-party contractor. The draft report identifies several ways to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of delivering services to Indian Country. The goal is to support a consolidated organization while improving Interior responsiveness to all Tribal needs. The BIA and BIE are seeking tribal input on ways to streamline their respective organizations to meet budgetary constraints and increase efficiency.

More information and materials can be found at: http://www.bia.gov/WhoWeAre/ASIA/Consultation/index.htm

CREDENTIALS: All media must present government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) and valid media credentials.

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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.

Tribal leaders have said that organizational changes are needed in the administration of Indian Affairs programs and services to better meet the needs of the federally recognized tribes throughout Indian Country. The Department of the Interior’s Indian Affairs officials have heeded these concerns and undertaken an extensive review of the organization of the Office of the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE).

The culmination of this review will be a draft Administrative Organizational Assessment Report compiled by an independent, third-party contractor. The draft report identifies several ways to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of delivering services to Indian Country. The goal is to support a consolidated organization while improving Interior responsiveness to all Tribal needs. The BIA and BIE are seeking tribal input on ways to streamline their respective organizations to meet budgetary constraints and increase efficiency.

More information and materials can be found at: http://www.bia.gov/WhoWeAre/ASIA/Consultation/index.htm

CREDENTIALS: All media must present government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) and valid media credentials.

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WASHINGTON – 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.

In March, DOI held listening sessions in St. Louis, Mo.; Denver, Co.; Houston, Texas; and Washington D.C. CBI analyzed the input from these four public listening sessions, along with interviews with potential stakeholders and written comments that were submitted to DOI. This input has formed the basis of CBI’s independent Stakeholder Assessment, which is available for review on the USEITI web page at www.doi.gov/EITI.

USEITI is a key element of President Obama’s Open Government Partnership commitments, and active public involvement is vital to its success. Interested persons are urged to take advantage of the various opportunities to comment on the Stakeholder Assessment and formation of the MSG responsible for overseeing implementation of USEITI. Comments can be submitted:

• by visiting the USEITI web page at www.doi.gov/EITI
• via email to EITI@ios.doi.gov
• by mail to: EITI Comments c/o US Department of the Interior 1801 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Suite 400 Washington, DC 20006
• or by attending one of several public meetings as follows:

Session 1—Anchorage, Alaska Public Listening Session, 6:00-8:00pm ADT, May 30, 2012, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 3801 Centerpoint Drive, Suite 100, Anchorage, AK, 99503-5820, tel. 907- 334-5200

Session 2—Public Webinar, 1:00-3:00pm EDT, June 1, 2012, see www.doi.gov/EITI for details

Session 3—Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Public Listening Session, 1:00-3:00pm EDT, June 11, 2012, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Building 3, Parkway Center, Conference Room, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA, 15220, tel. 412-937-2828

Session 4—New Orleans, Louisiana Public Listening Session, 1:00-3:00pm CDT, June 12, 2012, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Room 135, New Orleans, LA, 70123-2394, tel. 800-200-4853

Session 5—Washington, DC Public Workshop, 10:00am-4:00pm EDT, June 22, 2012, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C St, NW, Rooms 7000A and B, Washington DC, 20240, tel. 202-254-5573

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. For further information on EITI, please visit the Department’s EITI webpage at http://www.doi.gov/EITI .

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