OPA

BARONA RESERVATION, Calif., Nov. 17 U.S. Newswire -- Interior Secretary Gale Norton today surveyed fire damage suffered by the Barona Band of Mission Indians at the Barona Reservation. Approximately 6,300 acres of tribal land was burned as the Cedar fire spread across the community on Oct. 25,2003. The fire consumed 39 homes, two schools and reservation's electrical and telephone infrastructure. Secretary Norton said the Bureau of Indian Affairs has provided $723,000 in emergency assistance for dislocated tribal members in Southern California affected by October fires.

The BIA has approved 564 applications for emergency assistance - of which at least 32 have been approved for Barona tribal, members. The assistance is distributed at $1,000 per tribal family and is provided to pay for shelter, food and clothing while a family is dislocated. ' "While no one can replace the memories and heartache that these fires have caused, the Bureau of Indian Affairs has responded by providing emergency assistance to tribal members throughout Southern California," Secretary Norton said. BIA's Southern California Agency has been a lead group in conducting weekly informational meetings with tribal leaders and members affected by the fire all across Indian Country.

The Agency has also arranged individual meetings between FEMA and tribal leaders regarding housing assistance, "The people of the Barona reservation are beginning to recover," Secretary Norton said. New replacement home construction is in the planning stage. On November 10, tribal members were given five floor plans to choose from for their replacement home. The tribe will build the homes and members will buy these homes and a pay a mortgage to the tribe. "The electrical service is back at the Barona Reservation and the healing is underway. It will take time and it will take perseverance. I thank the tribal leaders and members, BIA employees and countless others across Southern California Indian Country for working so selflessly and heroically to restore the community's, rebuild the infrastructure and foundations and renew spirits," Secretary Norton concluded.

Thirteen federally recognized tribes were affected by the recent fires in Southern California tribes. The following list is the tribes and a brief description of the losses:

-- Barona Band of Mission Indians - All 6,296 acres of reservation land burned. 35-40 homes and a daycare center lost.

-- San Pasqual Band of Diegueno Indians - 2 deaths and all 1,380 acres of reservation land burned. All of the approximately 70 homes on the reservation were burned.

-- Rincon Band of Mission Indians - Over 20 homes lost and three-quarters of the 4,269 acre reservation were scorched.

-- San Manuel Band of Mission Indians - All 700 acres burned with 2 homes destroyed.

-- Capitan Grande Band of Diegueno Mission Indians - All 15,753 acres of reservation land burned.

-- Viejas Band of Mission Indians - 1,609 acres burned.

-- Inaja-Cosmit Reservation - All 852 acres burned.

-- Santa Ysabel Band of Mission Indians - 150 of 15,527 acres burned.

-- La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians - More than 2,000 acres of the 8,541, acre reservation burned.

-- Sycuan Band of Mission Indians - 30 acres burned.

-- Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay Indians (formerly the Cuyapaipe Band of Mission Indians) was evacuated and five acres burned.

-- The Mesa Grande Band of Mission Indians (1,802 total reservation acres) was evacuated, but there was no damage to the reservation.

-- La Posta Reservation, San Diego County. The reservation was evacuated, but there was no damage to the reservation.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs announces that it has lifted a moratorium that has been in effect since 1997, on the sale of chat from the Tar Creek Superfund site located in northeastern Oklahoma. The lifting of the moratorium will lead the way to assist with the clean up of the area and provide a financial gain for the Indian landowners. Chat has commercial value, even though it is mine waste. It resembles a fine gravel and can be used for a variety of purposes, including fill material, road bedding, and aggregate in concrete and asphalt. "We welcome the opportunity to clean-up the Tar Creek Superfund site and at the same time provide an economic benefit for individual tribal members," said Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Jim McDivitt, "It seems to be a good situation for all." The price for chat varies with market demand, but the large amount of chat estimated to be on Indian lands could potentially result in a significant financial windfall for the owners. To date, the BIA has identified approximately 110 Indian owners of this chat, primarily from the Quapaw Tribe.

The Tar Creek area is part of the mineral rich Tri-State Mining District, at one time containing some of the richest deposits of lead and zinc ore in the United States. At the present, the richest deposits are gone and large scale mining has ceased, leaving large piles of chat. Widespread lead contamination of the area compelled the U.S. EPA to declare Tar Creek a Superfund site, and to place it on the National Priorities List (NPL).

Because of this fact, a moratorium was imposed on the sale of chat found on Indian lands on October 6, 1997 by the Deputy Commissioner-Indian Affairs. Since then, two positive steps helped to make the decision to lift the moratorium. The U.S. EPA and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued a fact sheet, dated December 9, 1999, which listed chat use guidelines, including acceptable use of Mining Waste. The DEQ then issued Mine Tailings Usage Guidelines for Residential Properties, dated May 11, 2000. These guidelines serve as the basis to reassure the BIA that the sale of chat from the site has the appropriate regulatory oversight so that once sold the chat is used in a safe manner. The BIA will require anyone purchasing the Indian-owned chat to abide by the guidelines established by the US EPA and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

The lifting of the moratorium was signed by Jim McDivitt Acting Assistant-Secretary Indian Affairs on August 20, 2001.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of the Interior (DOI) is continuing its schedule of presentations to employees of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians (OST) on the reorganization of both agencies. This week, employees of the Pacific and Eastern Regions will be briefed on June 18, 2003, in Sacramento, Calif., and Nashville, Tenn. Briefings for Colorado-area employees will take place on June 19 in Lakewood, Colo. The Department is seeking to increase accountability and efficiency in its trust management functions by reorganizing the agencies that manage Indian trust funds and assets. Presentations are being held this month at the Bureau’s 12 regional offices and other locations around the nation.

Employees will be briefed on the Department’s plan for reorganization of the BIA and OST, and on the Comprehensive Trust Management Plan (CTMP) at morning sessions on Wednesday and in an afternoon session on Thursday. The CTMP describes how the new BIA and OST organizational structures will improve the delivery of trust services when the reorganization is completed. Tribal leaders from each region will also be briefed on the reorganization effort in subsequent sessions.

In 2002, the Department and the Tribes together undertook an ambitious effort to change the way the BIA and OST deliver trust and non-trust services to Tribes, tribal service populations and trust beneficiaries. The Plan is based on agreements reached with the Joint Tribal Leaders/DOI Task Force established by Secretary Gale Norton to examine and recommend proposals for improving service delivery to recipients and beneficiaries.

CREDENTIALS: Press registration will be provided. Please bring your sanctioned media credentials and if possible, wear on your shirt collar or around your neck for easy viewing. This will assist our staff. Press seating will be provided.

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WASHINGTON – Acting Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Aurene M. Martin today announced that an employee at the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) was named as a finalist for the 2003 Service to America Medals, a national awards program to honor the groundbreaking achievements of federal employees. Special Agent John Oliveria, a Law Enforcement Agent at BIA, is one of 28 national finalists for the awards due to his work in developing initiatives to fight child abuse and sexual assault cases in American Indian communities while in federal service.

“I want to commend Special Agent John Oliveria for being named a finalist for the 2003 Service to America Medals,” said Assistant Secretary Martin. “He is a dedicated public servant and outstanding BIA employee committed to aiding American Indian victims of child abuse throughout Indian Country.”

Special Agent Oliveria is a finalist for the Justice Medal, which recognizes a federal employee who has made a significant contribution to the nation in activities related to law enforcement, criminal justice, and civil rights.

“It is all too easy to overlook the important and daily contributions of the men and women in our federal workforce, but they are the heroes behind the headlines who make our nation work,” said Partnership for Public Service President and CEO Max Stier. “Now more than ever, our country needs dedicated, effective federal employees and Special Agent Oliveria has nobly answered this call to serve.”

The nine Service to America Medals awardees will be announced at a dinner and awards ceremony at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., on October 15, 2003. Awardees will be selected by a panel of national leaders.

The Service to America Medals were created in 2002 by the Partnership for Public Service, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to recruiting and retaining excellence in the federal civil service, and the Atlantic Media Company, publisher of The Atlantic Monthly, National Journal and Government Executive magazines. For more information about the Service to America Medals and the Partnership for Public Service, visit www.govexec.com/pps.

The Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs has responsibility for fulfilling the Department’s trust responsibilities to individual and tribal trust beneficiaries, as well as promoting the self-determination and economic well-being of the nation’s 562 Federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes. The Assistant Secretary also oversees the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which is responsible for providing education, law enforcement and social services to approximately 1.4 million individual American Indians and Alaska Natives from the Federally recognized tribes.

Los Angeles, CA - Deputy Secretary of the Interior Steven Griles today joined representatives of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the San Luis Rey Indian Water Authority, the City of Escondido and the Vista Irrigation District to sign Principles of Agreement for the San Luis Rey Indian Water Settlement Act.

"The agreement on these principles represents a significant step toward the fulfillment of a decades-old promise to secure a permanent source of water for the Pala, Pauma, Rincon, San Pasqual and La Jolla reservations," Griles said. "This agreement is one more example of Interior's commitment to help strengthen Tribal economies and fulfill our Trust obligations."

"I commend all of the parties for their involvement and hard work in reaching an agreement. I want to recognize the negotiation leadership provided by the Department's San Luis Rey implementation team with the able assistance of the Bureau of Reclamation and the Bureau of Land Management," Griles added.

"This is a tremendously important agreement and an important day for the San Luis Rey Indian Tribes. This agreement represents a missing piece of the puzzle that dates back 100 years and it lays the basis for water to be delivered to the reservations," Bob Pelcyger, attorney for the San Luis Water Authority, said.

Under the California 4.4 plan, the Secretary of the Interior is working with the Tribes, the State of California and local water districts to execute a number of required agreements. The agreement to implement the San Luis Rey Water Settlement Act, and the securing of water for these Tribes, is one of those important agreements.

Following extensive discussions, the parties involved have agreed that the water to which the San Luis Rey Tribes are entitled - which will become available through the lining of the All American and Coachella canals will be made available for leasing by the Metropolitan Water District.

"I am delighted that the principles of this agreement not only moves us a step closer to a solution for Southern California water, but is also a significant step in securing benefits for these Tribes that have waited such a long time," Griles said.

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(WASHINGTON) - Secretary Norton today praised the Senate's confirmation of David Anderson, a nationally recognized entrepreneur and American Indian leader, as Interior's Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.

"Dave Anderson's inspiring vision, proven management expertise and compassion for Indian issues will help us improve our ability to support tribal governments," Secretary Norton said in commending the Senate's action. "Dave's innovative leadership and dedication to constant improvement will serve him well as assistant secretary for Indian Affairs."

The Senate confirmed Anderson on December 9. President Bush had nominated Anderson in September.

"I am deeply honored and humbled to accept the position as Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs. There are many opportunities and challenges ahead, and my first order of business is to continue to immerse myself in the issues at hand and to work hand-in-hand with the American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments, as well as the Bureau of Indian Affairs to determine the immediate goals and priorities of these organizations," said David Anderson. "Next, I look forward to setting the stage for a new positive direction in Indian Country for our youth, one that is full of achievement and accomplishment. Our youth need to know that there isn't anything that we can't accomplish as Indian people if we start believing in ourselves and start taking full responsibility for own destinies."

The Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs is responsible for fulfilling Interior's trust responsibilities and promoting self-determination on behalf of the 562 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments. The Assistant Secretary also oversees the Bureau of Indian Affairs, an agency with 10,500 employees nationwide, which is responsible for providing services to about 1.4 million individual American Indians and Alaska Natives from the federally recognized tribes. Anderson, a member of the Chippewa and Choctaw tribes and an enrolled member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Lake Superior Band of Ojibwa, is a successful entrepreneur, expert in revitalizing failing companies, and founder and chairman of Famous Dave's of America, Inc. - one of the nation's fastest growing chains of family restaurants. With his confirmation,

Anderson steps down as chairman of the Board of Directors and his other capacities with Famous Dave's. Well-known for his dedication to the American Indian community, Anderson has donated more than $6 million to Indian advancement projects.

To help disadvantaged American Indian children, the Anderson Family established the Youth Skills Foundation in 1999 with a $1.4 million gift. Proceeds from Anderson's award winning BBQ cookbook are donated to the foundation.

In 2001, Anderson also founded the Life Skills Center for Leadership, offering life-changing programs for at-risk Indian youth and young adults. Television personality Oprah Winfrey was so impressed that her Angel Network awarded a $25,000 grant to the Life Skills Center in 2002.

During his business career, Anderson founded three publicly traded companies on Wall Street, created more than 18,000 new jobs, and reorganized a number of failing businesses in Indian Country, enabling them to become financially successful operations.

In 1982, Anderson, as chief executive officer for the Lac Courte Oreilles Chippewa tribal enterprises, built a team that successfully turned reservation businesses into profitable and stable operations. Under his leadership, gross revenues increased from $3.9 million to $8 million. This achievement was recognized by President Reagan's Commission on Indian Reservation Economics. Anderson has served on numerous national and state commissions, including the American Indian Education Foundation (2003); Presidential Advisory Council for Tribal Colleges and Universities (2001); National Task Force on Reservation Gambling (1983); Council on Minority Business Development for the State of Wisconsin (1983); Wisconsin Council on Tourism (1983) and Harvard University's Native American Program.

Having weathered the changing fortunes of an entrepreneurial career, Anderson also has used his life experiences to help others. As a public speaker he shares his optimism and inspiration with youth groups and community organizations. "No matter how tough things may seem today, if you hold fast to your dreams and work hard, tomorrow's rewards will always come," Anderson has said. His numerous honors include being named a Bush Leadership Fellow (1985); recognized as Minnesota and Dakota's Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst and Young, NASDAQ, and USA Today; Restaurateur of the Year by Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine (1998); and chosen an Olympic Torch Carrier of the 2002 Winter Olympics by his community.

Anderson received a master's degree in Public Administration from Harvard University at the John F. Kennedy School of Government in 1986. He lives in Edina, Minnesota, with his wife.

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WASHINGTON – The Department of the Interior will hold a tribal consultation meeting on draft DOI Indian trust management regulations on March 29, 2006, at the Doubletree Hotel, Lloyd Center in Portland, Ore., starting at 8:00 a.m. (local time). The consultation meetings are a component of the Department’s implementation of its Fiduciary Trust Model to improve and reform Indian trust management for the benefit of all Indian beneficiaries.

The Department has provided a draft of the proposed trust management regulations to tribal leaders. At the upcoming meeting, tribal leaders and other attendees will have an opportunity to provide comments on the following draft rules:

• Probate of Indian Estates (25 CFR 15; 43 CFR 4)
• Tribal Probate Codes (25 CFR 18) [New]
• Life Estates and Future Interests (25 CFR 179)
• Land Records and Title Documents (25 CFR 150)
• Conveyances of Trust and Restricted Land, Removal of Trust or Restricted Status (25 CFR 152)

The intent of this initiative is to clarify existing regulations and create new regulations to improve services to Indian trust beneficiaries, facilitate productive use of Indian lands, promote consolidation and reduce fractionation of Indian trust asset interests and incorporate changes to the probate process under the American Indian Probate Reform Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-374).

WHEN: Wednesday, March 29 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (local time)

WHERE: Doubletree Hotel, Lloyd Center, 1000 N.E. Multnomah St., Portland, Ore. Phone: 1-800-996-0510

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WASHINGTON, D.C.- Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today presented President's Rank Awards or Secretary's Executive Leadership Awards to 36 Senior Executive Service employees of the Department of the Interior at a ceremony at the main Interior building.

Secretary Kempthorne said the awards recognize executives who exemplify Interior's core values­ "Stewardship for America with Integrity and Excellence."

"I am proud of this department and all our employees," the Secretary noted. "In every area of our vast mandate - from endangered species conservation to offshore oil and gas development to the world's finest system of national parks - you serve the American people with distinction."

Presidential Rank Awards:

Secretary Kempthorne presented Presidential Rank Awards to thirteen employees. Each year, the President of the United States recognizes and celebrates a small group of career Senior Executives and Senior Professionals with the President's Rank Award for exceptional long-term accomplishments. Winners of this prestigious award are strong leaders, professionals, and scientists who achieve results and consistently demonstrate strength, integrity, industry, and a relentless commitment to excellence in public service.

There are two categories of rank awards: Distinguished and Meritorious. Award winners are chosen through a rigorous selection process. They are nominated by their agency heads, evaluated by boards of private citizens, and approved by the President. The evaluation criteria focus on leadership and results. All recipients receive a framed certificate signed by the President.

Secretary's Executive Leadership Awards

The Secretary's Executive Leadership Award, an annual career SES performance honor, was established by the Interior Department's Executive Resources Board to recognize superior accomplishment of performance objectives and excellence in leadership. Career SES members are recommended for the Secretary's Executive Leadership Award with the concurrence of the appropriate assistant secretary. Final selections are made by the Executive Resources Board.

Criteria for the Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards include extraordinary accomplishment of the performance elements that comprise the SES member's annual performance plan and demonstration of excellence in leading change, driving results, leading people, achieving business acumen, and building coalitions and communication.

Alphabetical Listing of Awardees

Presidential Rank

1. James F. Devine Distinguished Senior Professional (ST), Senior Advisor for Science Applications, U.S. Geological Survey
2. Mary L. Kendall Meritorious Executive (SES), Deputy Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General
3. Suzette M. Kimball Meritorious Executive (SES), Director of the Eastern Region, U.S. Geological Survey
4. P. Patrick Leahy Distinguished Executive (SES), (Retired) Acting Director! Associate Director for Geology, U.S. Geological Survey
5. Thomas P. Lonnie Meritorious Executive (SES), State Director - Alaska Office, Bureau of Land Management
6. Mamie A. Parker Meritorious Executive (SES) (Retired), Assistant Director for Fisheries and Habitat Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
7. Robert O. Rye Meritorious Senior Professional (ST), Research Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey
8. Carl B. Schreck Meritorious Senior Professional (ST), Research Fishery Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey
9. Paul B. Smyth Meritorious Executive (SES), Deputy Solicitor, Office of the Solicitor
10. Debra E. Sonderman Meritorious Executive (SES), Director, Office of Acquisition and Property Management Office of Policy Management and Budget
11. Willie R. Taylor Meritorious Executive (SES), Director, Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance Office of Policy Management and Budget
12. Steve Thompson Distinguished Executive (SES), Regional Director - California, Nevada U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
13. Sandra L. Weisman Meritorious Executive (SES), Associate Director, Financial Management Directorate Office of Policy Management and Budget

Secretary's Executive Leadership Award Recipients

Gold

1. Abraham E. Haspel, Assistant Deputy Secretary, Office of the Secretary
2. Nina Rose Hatfield, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Policy Management and Budget
3. Pamela K. Haze, Director, Office of Budget
4. Melinda J. Loftin, Director, Office of Ethics, Office of the Solicitor http://www.doi.gov/news/08 News Releases/080528a.html 6/5/2008 U.S. Department of the Interior - News Release - Secretary Kempthorne Presents Presidential and ...
5. William McDonald, Regional Director, Pacific Northwest, Bureau of Reclamation
6. Grayford F. Payne, Chief Financial Officer, Indian Affairs
7. Elaine Y Zielinski, State Director - Arizona, Bureau of Land Management

Silver

1. Henry R. Bisson, Acting Senior Advisor for Alaska Affairs; Deputy Director of Operations, Bureau of Land Management
2. Debbie Lynn Clark, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs
3. Lawrence J. Jensen, Deputy Solicitor
4. Jane Lyder, Legislative Counsel, Office of Congressional/Legislative Affairs,Office of the Secretary
5. Pamela R. Malam, Associate Director for Human Capital, U.S. Geological Survey
6. Robert W. Middleton, Ph.D., Director, Indian Energy Resources Development, Indian Affairs
7. Mary Jane A. Miller, Director, Office of Budget Management, Indian Affairs
8. Linda S.C. Rundell, State Director - New Mexico, Bureau of Land Management
9. George T. Skibine, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Policy and Economic Development, Indian Affairs
10. Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Bronze

1. Bert T. Edwards, Director, Office of Historical Trust Accounting, Office of the Secretary
2. Daniel L. Fletcher, Director, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Office of Financial Management, Office of Policy Management and Budget
3. Sam D. Hamilton, Regional Director, Southeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
4. Robert P. LaBelle, Deputy Associate Director, Offshore Minerals Management, Minerals Management Service
5. C. Bruce Sheaffer, Comptroller, National Park Service
6. Michael J. Tollefson, Superintendent, Yosemite National Park, National Park Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of President Obama’s commitment to fulfilling this nation’s trust responsibilities to American Indians and Alaska Natives, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will convene the first meeting of the Commission established to undertake a forward looking, comprehensive evaluation of Interior’s trust management.

The first meeting of the National Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform will be a two-day event held on Thursday and Friday, March 1-2, 2012, in Washington, DC. [Please note the new location in the details below.] Each day’s session will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendance is open to the public, but limited space is available. Members of the public and media who wish to attend should RSVP to: trustcommission@ios.doi.gov.

The meeting will mark the first time the five recently-named members of the commission meet to move forward on their comprehensive evaluation of Interior’s management and administration of the nearly $4 billion in trust assets, as well as recommendations for improvement. Building upon the progress made with the historic Cobell Settlement, the reform commission will help usher in a new era of trust administration, stressing responsive, customer-friendly, accountable and transparent management of these substantial funds and assets.

The Commission website and meeting agenda is at:

http://www.doi.gov/cobell/commission/index.cfm

Information and images of the Commission members are at:

http://www.doi.gov/cobell/Commission-Bios.cfm

The public notice of the Commission is here.

WASHINGTON – Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk was awarded the 2012 Governmental Leadership Award from the National Congress of American Indians for his leadership on behalf of the tribal nations and his work building the foundation for a new era in nation-to-nation relations.

“I am very humbled and honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Assistant Secretary Echo Hawk. “The work we do at Indian Affairs is a rewarding experience in and of itself. It reminds me daily of my civic duty and loyalty towards my tribe, my people, my heritage, Indian Country and America. It also gives me great pleasure to see our youth doing great things in the classroom and being recognized for their tremendous efforts.”

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) held its 14th Annual Leadership Awards Ceremony on March 6, 2012.

The NCAI also honored the Bureau of Indian Education’s Wingate High School, N.M. team for its 2011-2012 Tribal Exchange competition. As part of a Bureau of Indian Education program to develop financial skills, the Wingate team built a mock stock portfolio. Their mock investments made $14,000 in eight weeks. The Wingate High School team receiving the award included Nigel Nakai, Kayla Platero, Alicia Billey, Frances Shorty and their Advisor Bruce Lewis.

The program aims at building the financial management skills that future Tribal officials will need to lead their nations in today’s increasingly complex global economy. Despite America’s diverse financial sector, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation noted that 44.5 percent of Native people are unbanked or underbanked - almost double the national rate. The U.S. Treasury Department reported in 2001 that 86 percent of tribal lands lacked a single financial institution, including a simple ATM.

In 2008, the NCAI launched a partnership with the Stock Market Game to develop the Tribal Exchange competition. The Exchange teaches valuable financial life skills and team building while facilitating inter-tribal connections for American Indian and Alaska Native students. The program is funded through a grant from the Bureau of Indian Education, which allows students attending BIE schools to participate in the program for free. More than 1,500 students have participated since the program’s inception.

“The awards given tonight acknowledge the tremendous efforts and attitudes we appreciate across Indian Country," said Jefferson Keel, the President of NCAI. “We need leadership that understands our needs so that Indian Country becomes stronger in years to come, leaders who are willing to devote a commitment to a more prosperous tomorrow—the honorees tonight all possess these needed attitudes.”

The Tribal Exchange is a 10-week program that runs through the fall semester and is open to Native students in grades four through twelve. Students are organized in teams of school clubs or classes. Teams are generally comprised of three to five students to ensure that all students play an important role in the decision-making processes of the game. Each team is given $100,000 in game money to invest in a stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. The game rules specify that each team must have at least two stocks and one bond or mutual fund in their portfolio to be eligible. The team that increases the value of the investment most by the end of the game period wins.

The Bureau of Indian Education has partnered with NCAI for the last three years to provide students with an experience of building a stock portfolio without being on Wall Street.

The Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs discharges the duties of the Secretary of the Interior with the authority and direct responsibility to strengthen the government-to-government relationship with the nation’s 566 federally recognized tribes, advocate policies that support Indian self-determination, protect and preserve Indian trust assets, and administer a wide array of laws, regulations and functions relating to American Indian and Alaska Native tribes, tribal members and individual trust beneficiaries. The Assistant Secretary oversees the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education. For more information, visit www.indianaffairs.gov.

The Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs oversees the BIE which implements federal education laws such as the No Child Left Behind Act throughout the BIE school system. The bureau also serves post secondary students through higher education scholarships and support funding to 26 tribal colleges and universities and two tribal technical colleges. It also directly operates two post secondary institutions: Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kan., and the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute in Albuquerque, N.M.

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