Mission Statement
To promote and advocate maximum Indian participation in the programs and services conducted by the Federal Government for Indians; and to encourage and support the development of tribal capacity to better manage the opportunities and responsibilities of self-determination.
The Self Determination Services within the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) serves the primary contract with the contractual relationship between the Secretary of the Interior and the Alaska Native Tribes. After the 1950’s policies of tribal termination and the 1960 era of civil rights, Congress expanded recognition and application of Tribal Self Governments much like the Reorganization Indian Act of 1934. In 1975, the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), as amended, delegated the authority to Indian Tribes to assume administrative responsibility for federally funded programs designed to benefit, primarily, the services which are administered by the BIA. Currently, the Self Determination office provides guidance and technical support to Tribal Officials, BIA senior management, and agency staff.
Budgets and programs are listed in the Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Priority Allocation (President’s Budget) annually.
If you have any questions, please contact:
George Rutherford, Self Determination Officer, Senior Awarding Official
- 907-271-1712 or George.Rutherford@bia.gov
Rose Ellis, Self Determination Specialist, Awarding Official
- 907-271-4019 or Rose.Ellis@bia.gov
Shannon Jones, Self Determination Specialist, Awarding Official
- 907-271-4544 or Shannon.Jones@bia.gov
Kimberly Dixon, Self Determination Specialist
- 907-271-4171 or Kimberly.Dixon@bia.gov
Stacy Harding, Self Determination Specialist
- 907-271-3518 or Stacy.Harding@bia.gov
Veranna Lythgoe, Self Determination Specialist
- 907-271-1706 or Veranna.Lythgoe@bia.gov
Edna Matthew, Self Determination Specialist
- 907-271-4086 or Edna.Matthew@bia.gov
John Fitzpatrick, Self Determination Assistant
- 907-271-4170 or john.fitzpatrick@bia.gov
Self Determination was implemented and is regulated by the following:
Title I of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.) as amended; indirect contract support funds law pursuant to 25. U.S.C section 5325(a)(3)(ii) and direct contract cost pursuant 5325(a)3(a)(i).
