Land Acquisitions in the State of Alaska Tuesday, December 23, 2014. 79 FR 76888-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 7247358
SUMMARY: This rule deletes a provision in the Department of the Interior's land-into-trust regulations that excludes from the scope of the regulations, with one exception, land acquisitions in trust in the State of Alaska.
Tribal Transportation Program Friday, December 19, 2014. 79 FR 76192-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 7202253
SUMMARY: This proposed rule would update the Tribal Transportation Program regulations (formerly the Indian Reservation Roads Program) to comply with the current surface transportation authorization, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century, as extended, reflect changes in the delivery options for the program that have occurred since the regulation was published in 2004, remove certain sections that were provided for informational purposes only, and make technical corrections.
Secretarial Election Procedures Wednesday, December 17, 2014. 79 FR 75103-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 7146576
SUMMARY: This notice announces that the Department of the Interior will extend the comment period on the proposed amending regulations governing Secretarial elections and petitioning procedures to January 16, 2015.
Attorney General Guidelines Stating Principles for Working With Federally Recognized Indian Tribes Friday, December 12, 2014. 79 FR 73905-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 6985803
SUMMARY: The Attorney General is issuing guidelines stating principles for working with federally recognized Indian tribes.
Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program; Tribal Transit Program Tuesday, December 9, 2014. 79 FR 73134-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 6879520
SUMMARY: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the availability of approximately $5 million in funding provided by the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program (Tribal Transit Program (TTP)), as authorized by 49 U.S.C. Section 5311(j), as amended by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), Public Law 112-41 (July 6, 2012). This notice is a national solicitation for project proposals and includes the selection criteria and program eligibility information for Fiscal Year 2014 projects. FTA may choose to fund the program for more or less than the announcement amount, including applying any FY 2015 appropriations or other funding toward projects proposed in response to the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).
Workforce Investment Act; Native American Employment and Training Council, Meeting Tuesday, December 9, 2014. 79 FR 73104-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 6879501
SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 10 (a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (Public Law 92-463), as amended, and Section 166 (h)(4) of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) [29 U.S.C. 2911(h)(4)], notice is hereby given of the next meeting of the Native American Employment and Training Council (Council), as constituted under WIA. Despite our efforts to get this meeting notice published at least fifteen days before the first day of the meeting, we were unable to do so. The meeting notice was published in the Federal Register on December 5, 2014, and information about this meeting has been disseminated through the Employment and Training Administration's Web site and list serves.
Workforce Investment Act; Native American Employment and Training Council, Meeting Friday, December 5, 2014. 79 FR 72214-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 6808728
SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (Public Law 92-463), as amended, and Section 166(h)(4) of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) [29 U.S.C. 2911(h)(4)], notice is hereby given of the next meeting of the Native American Employment and Training Council (Council), as constituted under WIA.
Indian Gaming Friday, December 5, 2014. 79 FR 72200-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 6808720
SUMMARY: This notice publishes the Class III Amended and Restated Tribal-State Compact between the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians [FN1] and the State of California taking effect. [FN1] The Tribe is identified as the Viejas (Baron Long) Group of Capitan Grande Band of Mission Indians of the Viejas Reservation in the Department's List of Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible to Receive Services from the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs, 79 FR 4748, 4749 (January 29, 2014).
Payment for Physician and Other Health Care Professional Services Purchased by Indian Health Programs and Medical Charges Associated With Non-Hospital-Based Care, Friday, December 5, 2014. 79 FR 72160-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 6808777
SUMMARY: This proposed rule would amend Indian Health Service (IHS) Purchased and Referred Care (PRC), formally known as the Contract Health Services (CHS), regulations to apply Medicare payment methodologies to all physician and other health care professional services and non-hospital-based services that are either authorized under such regulations or purchased by urban Indian organizations. Specifically, it proposes that the health programs operated by IHS, Tribe, Tribal organization, or urban Indian organization (collectively, I/T/U programs) will pay the lowest of the amount provided for under the applicable Medicare fee schedule, prospective payment system, or Medicare waiver; the amount negotiated by a repricing agent, if available; or the usual and customary billing rate. Repricing agents may be used to determine whether IHS may benefit from savings by utilizing negotiated rates offered through commercial health care networks. This proposed rule seeks comment on how to establish reimbursement that is consistent across Federal health care programs, aligns payment with inpatient services, and enables the IHS to expand beneficiary access to medical care.
Indian Child Welfare Act; Designated Tribal Agents for Service of Notice Thursday, December 4, 2014. 79 FR 72009-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 6790289
SUMMARY: The regulations implementing the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) provide that Indian tribes may designate an agent other than the tribal chairman for service of notice of proceedings under ICWA. This notice includes the current list of designated tribal agents for service of notice.
Administration for Native Americans; Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority Thursday, December 4, 2014. 79 FR 72002-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 6790283
SUMMARY: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has reorganized the Administration for Native Americans (ANA). This reorganization creates the Division of Policy and makes other technical changes to reflect the current functions within ANA. The realignment of functions better reflects the current work environment and priorities within ANA, manifests ANA's commitment to Federal/Tribal government-to-government relationships, and promotes self-determination for all Native Americans. The statement of mission, organization, functions, and delegations of authority conforms to and carries out the statutory requirements of the Native American Programs Act (NAPA).
Indian Education Discretionary Grant Programs; Professional Development Program and Demonstration Grants for Indian Children Program Wednesday, December 3, 2014. 79 FR 71930-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 6769284
SUMMARY: The Secretary proposes to revise the regulations that govern the Professional Development program and the Demonstration Grants for Indian Children program (Demonstration Grants program), authorized under title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA). The proposed regulations would govern the grant application process for new awards for each program for the next fiscal year in which competitions are conducted for that program and subsequent years. For the Professional Development program, the regulations would enhance the project design and quality of services to better meet the objectives of the program; establish post-award requirements; and govern the payback process for grants in existence on the date these regulations become effective. For the Demonstration Grants program, we propose new priorities, including one for native youth community projects, and application requirements.
Tribal Consultation Policy Wednesday, December 3, 2014. 79 FR 71816-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 6769253
SUMMARY: This notice announces an interim policy outlining the guiding principles for all Treasury bureaus and offices engaging with Tribal Governments on matters with Tribal implications. The policy will be updated periodically and refined as needed to reflect ongoing engagement and collaboration with Tribal partners.
Tribal Policy Statement Monday, December 1, 2014. 79 FR 71136-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 6722099
SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is making available for public comment the proposed Policy Statement, "NRC Tribal Policy Statement." The proposed policy statement establishes principles to be followed by the NRC to ensure effective government-to-government interactions with American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, and to encourage and facilitate Tribal involvement in the areas over which the Commission has jurisdiction. The NRC is committed to an open and collaborative regulatory environment in the development and implementation of activities that have Tribal implications and welcomes comments as a means of fostering meaningful consultation and coordination with Indian Tribes.
Request for Applications; Tribal Issues Advisory Group Friday, November 28, 2014. 79 FR 70934-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 6694610
SUMMARY: The Commission has decided to establish a Tribal Issues Advisory Group as an ad hoc advisory group pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 995 and Rule 5.4 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure. Having adopted a formal charter for the Tribal Issues Advisory Group, the Commission is constituting the at-large voting membership of the advisory group under that charter. To be eligible to serve as an at-large voting member, an individual must have expertise, knowledge, and/or experience in the issues considered by the Tribal Issues Advisory Group as indicated in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. The Commission hereby invites any individual who is eligible to be appointed to the at-large voting membership of the Tribal Issues Advisory Group to apply. Applications should be received by the Commission not later than January 9, 2015. Applications may be sent to the Commission as indicated in the ADDRESSES section below.
Request for Nominations To Serve on the Special Trustee Advisory Board Friday, November 28, 2014. 79 FR 70888-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 6694573
SUMMARY: The Special Trustee for American Indians requests nominations of candidates to serve on the Special Trustee Advisory Board (Advisory Board). The Advisory Board provides advice on all matters within the jurisdiction of the Special Trustee and consists of nine members.
Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations Under Cobell Settlement Monday, November 24, 2014. 79 FR 69879-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 6603664
SUMMARY: The Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations has released its 2014 Status Report that details what the Program has been doing to execute terms of the Cobell Settlement. The Program continues to actively engage tribes and individuals across Indian Country to raise awareness of the Program and will host a listening session on March 19, 2015, in Laveen, Arizona. We hope to receive feedback on the Report from tribes and individuals.
Council for Native American Farming and Ranching; Meeting Monday, November 24, 2014. 79 FR 69831-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 6603609
SUMMARY: This notice announces a forthcoming meeting of The Council for Native American Farming and Ranching (CNAFR) a public advisory committee of the Office of Tribal Relations (OTR). Notice of the meetings are provided in accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2). This will be the second meeting of the 2014- 2016 CNAFR term and will consist of, but not limited to: Hearing public comments; update on USDA programs and activities; and discussion of committee priorities. This meeting will be open to the public.
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee: Meeting Thursday, November 20, 2014. 79 FR 69125-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 6469158
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, (5 U.S.C. Appendix 1-16), of a meeting of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee (Review Committee). The Review Committee will meet on March 3-4, 2015. All meetings will be open to the public.
Privacy Act of 1974, as Amended; Notice To Amend an Existing System of Records Friday, November 14, 2014. 79 FR 68292-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 5870969
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, the Department of the Interior is issuing a public notice of its intent to amend the Bureau of Indian Affairs Privacy Act system of records titled, Trust Asset and Accounting Management System?Interior, BIA-04. The amendment would update the system location, categories of individuals covered, categories of records, authority for maintenance, storage, safeguards, retention and disposal, system manager and address, notification procedures, records access and contesting procedures, records source categories. It would also update the routine uses to include activities related to land consolidation of fractionated lands. The system provides the Bureau of Indian Affairs and tribal users access to trust asset data and trust asset management tools to create, modify, and maintain records relating to land ownership, contracts and leases, and beneficial owners.
National Environmental Policy Act: Implementing Procedures; Additions to Categorical Exclusions for Bureau of Indian Affairs (516 DM 10) Friday, November 14, 2014. 79 FR 68287-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 5870966
SUMMARY: This notice announces proposed additions to the categorical exclusions (CE) included in the Departmental Manual 516 DM 10. The three proposed CEs pertain to limited timber harvesting on Indian lands.
Proposed Adoption of Administration for Native Americans Program Policies and Procedures Thursday, November 6, 2014. 79 FR 65974-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 5684669
SUMMARY: The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) invites public comment pursuant to Section 814 of the Native American Programs Act of 1974 (NAPA), as amended, which requires ANA to provide members of the public with the opportunity to comment on proposed changes in interpretive rules, general statements of policy, and rules of agency procedure or practice that affect programs, projects, and activities authorized under the NAPA, and to give notice of the final adoption of such changes at least 30 days before the changes become effective. In accordance with notice requirements of NAPA, ANA herein describes its proposal to fund projects, beginning in Fiscal Year (FY) 2015, under Alaska-Specific SEDS.
Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority Wednesday, November 5, 2014. 79 FR 65671-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 5588205
SUMMARY: Part G, of the Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as amended at 70 FR 60350, October 17, 2005, and most recently as amended at 75 FR 38112, July 1, 2010 is hereby amended to establish an Office of Human Resources (OHR) and transfer the functions and staff from the Program Integrity and Ethics Staff (renamed as Division of Personnel Security and Ethics), Division of Commissioned Personnel Support, and Division of Human Resources, from the Office of Management Services and the Division of Health Professions Support, from the Office of Public Health Support to the Office of Human Resources within the IHS Headquarters (HQ) organizational structure. The OHR will ensure a competent work force appropriately assigned to carry out the IHS mission. The changes will relocate major human resources (HR) components within a single organization that reports to the Director, IHS. The Office will provide leadership and accountability of Agency personnel requirements, recruitment and retention, management, and training and development objectives and activities to support the Agency's mission.
Office of Human Resources (OHR) (GAN)
Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: EGUs in Indian Country and U.S. Territories; Multi-Jurisdictional Partnerships Tuesday, November 4, 2014. 79 FR 65482-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 5518191
SUMMARY: On June 18, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed emission guidelines for states to follow in developing plans to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired electric generating units (EGUs). In this supplemental action, the EPA is proposing emission guidelines for U.S. territories and areas of Indian country with existing fossil fuel-fired EGUs. Specifically, the EPA is proposing rate-based goals for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for U.S. territories and areas of Indian country with existing fossil fuel-fired EGUs, as well as guidelines for plans to achieve those goals. The EPA is also soliciting comment on authorizing jurisdictions (including any states, territories and areas of Indian country) without existing fossil fuel-fired EGUs subject to the proposed emission guidelines to partner with jurisdictions (including any states) that do have existing fossil-fuel fired EGUs subject to the proposed emission guidelines in developing multi-jurisdictional plans. The EPA is also soliciting comment on the treatment of renewable energy, demand-side energy efficiency and other new low- or non-emitting electricity generation across international boundaries in a state plan. This supplemental proposed rule would continue progress already underway to reduce CO2 emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired power plants in the United States.
Rights-of-Way on Indian Land Tuesday, November 4, 2014. 79 FR 65360-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 5518179
SUMMARY: This document announces that the Department will accept comments on the proposed rule governing rights-of-way on Indian land until November 28, 2014. The proposed rule would comprehensively update and streamline the process for obtaining BIA grants of rights-of-way on Indian land, while supporting tribal self-determination and self-governance.
Marine Mammals; Subsistence Taking of Northern Fur Seals; St. George Island, Alaska Tuesday, November 4, 2014. 79 FR 65327-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 5518120
SUMMARY: This final rule modifies the subsistence harvest regulations for the Eastern Pacific stock of northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) based on a petition from the Pribilof Island Aleut Community of St. George Island, Traditional Council (Council). The final rule authorizes Pribilovians of St. George Island to harvest up to 150 male young of the year fur seals annually during a new autumn harvest season from all breeding and hauling grounds, consistent with traditional practices, to meet the community's nutritional and cultural needs. Harvests of sub-adult male fur seals will continue to be authorized during the summer season as under existing regulations, and will be allowed at additional locations. The total number of fur seals harvested annually will remain within the range of 300-500 male animals that has been in place since 1997. Harvests will be coordinated between NMFS and the Council under an existing co-management agreement.
Native American Programs Friday, October 31, 2014. 79 FR 64726-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 5474922
SUMMARY: The Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration for Native Americans (ANA) is seeking comments, data, and information from the public related to planned revisions and amendments to regulations implementing the Native American Programs Act of 1974 (the NAPA). ANA anticipates making revisions and amendments to update and revise procedures and policies involved in executing the requirements of 42 U.S.C. 2991b, 2991b-1, 2991b-2, 2991b-3, 2991d, 2991g, 2991h, 2992, and 2992b-1 (Section 803, 803A, 803B, 803C, 805, 809, 810, 811, and 814 of the NAPA) currently found in our regulations. ANA is interested in receiving feedback to this advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) about potential means of streamlining applicable regulations, removing undue burdens, and clarifying procedures and policies related to accessing programs. We are also interested in receiving recommendations related to the activities of the Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans as an advocate on behalf of Native Americans.
Proposed Priorities, Requirements, Definitions, and Selection Criteria State Tribal Education Partnership Program Friday, October 31, 2014. 79 FR 64716-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 5474919
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education proposes priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection criteria for the State Tribal Education Partnership (STEP) program. The Assistant Secretary may use one or more of these priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection criteria for competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2015 and later years. We propose this action to enable tribal educational agencies (TEAs) to administer formula grant programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), and to improve the partnership between TEAs and the State educational agencies (SEAs) and local educational agencies (LEAs) that educate students from the affected tribe.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Modifications of the West Coast Commercial and Tribal Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Actions 1B10 through 1B23 Tuesday, October 28, 2014. 79 FR 64129-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 5426145
SUMMARY: NOAA Fisheries announces 14 inseason actions in the ocean salmon fisheries. These inseason actions modified the commercial salmon fisheries in the area from the U.S./Canada border to U.S./Mexico border and the treaty Indian fishery north of Cape Falcon, Oregon.
Meeting of the National Coordination Committee on the American Indian/Alaska Native Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Sexual Assault Response Team Initiative Friday, October 24, 2014. 79 FR 63644-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 5388029
SUMMARY: The National Coordination Committee on the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)?Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Initiative ("National Coordination Committee" or "Committee") will meet to carry out its mission to provide advice to assist the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) to promote culturally-relevant, victim-centered responses to sexual violence within AI/AN communities.
Secretarial Election Procedures Monday, October 20, 2014. 79 FR 62587-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 5307374
SUMMARY: This document announces tribal consultation meetings on the proposed rule amending regulations governing Secretarial elections and petitioning procedures.
Announcing the Award of Four Single-Source Expansion Supplement Grants Under the Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program for the Tribal Early Learning Initiative Thursday, October 16, 2014. 79 FR 62158-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 5218949
SUMMARY: This announces the award of single-source program expansion supplement grants to the following Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) grantees to support their ongoing participation in the Tribal Early Learning Initiative, by the Office of Child Care, in the Administration for Children and Families (ACF): Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma in Durant, OK, Pueblo of San Felipe in San Felipe Pueblo, NM, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in Pablo, MT, and White Earth Band of Chippewa Indians in White Earth, MN.
The program expansion supplement awards will support expanded efforts by the grantees to identify and analyze systems to improve their effectiveness and efficiency as models for use across early childhood programs; to share their action plans to improve outcomes; to continue the implementation of, and expand the development of, concrete community plans; and to develop peer learning relationships.
Secretarial Election Procedures Thursday, October 9, 2014. 79 FR 61021-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 5025009
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs is proposing to amend its regulations governing Secretarial elections and procedures for tribal members to petition for Secretarial elections. This proposed rule reflects changes in the law and the requirement that regulations be written in plain language.
Rights-of-Way on Indian Land Wednesday, October 8, 2014. 79 FR 60794-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 4980869
SUMMARY: This notice announces that the Department will accept comments on the proposed rule governing rights-of-way on Indian land until November 3, 2014.
Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program New Annual Premium Tuesday, October 7, 2014. 79 FR 60492-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 4961847
SUMMARY: The Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee program (Section 184 program) provides access to sources of private financing for Indian families, Indian housing authorities, and Indian tribes that otherwise could not acquire housing financing because of the unique legal status of Indian land, by guaranteeing loans to eligible persons and entities. Over the last 5 years, the Section 184 program has doubled the number of loans and eligible families being assisted by the program. For HUD to continue to meet the increasing demand for participation in this program, HUD is exercising its new statutory authority to implement an annual premium to the borrower in the amount of 0.15 percent of the remaining loan balance until the unpaid principal balance, excluding the upfront loan guarantee fee, reaches 78 percent of the lower of the initial sales price or appraised value based on the initial amortization schedule. Effective November 15, 2014 the new annual premium of 0.15 percent of the remaining loan balance will apply to all new loan guarantees, including refinances. This notice also provides guidance on the cancellation of the annual premium when the loan reaches the 78 percent loan-to-value ratio.
Announcement of an Open Public Hearing Friday, October 3, 2014. 79 FR 59762-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 4925350
SUMMARY: This notice sets forth the schedule of an upcoming public hearing conducted by a subcommittee comprised of NACIE members. The purpose of this public hearing is to receive public comments and/or recommendations and/or suggestions to the Council on the improvement of Federal education programs that include Indian children or adults as participants or that may benefit Indian children or adults, and recommendations concerning the funding of any such program.
Tribal Consultation Meeting Wednesday, October 1, 2014. 79 FR 59274-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 4827994
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, Public Law 110-134, notice is hereby given of one 1-day Tribal Consultation Session to be held between the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Head Start leadership and the leadership of Tribal Governments operating Head Start (including Early Head Start) programs. The purpose of this Consultation Session is to discuss ways to better meet the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native children and their families, taking into consideration funding allocations, distribution formulas, and other issues affecting the delivery of Head Start services in their geographic locations [42 U.S.C. 9835, Section 640(l)(4)].
Final Policy on Conferring With Urban Indian Organizations Monday, September 29, 2014. 79 FR 58359-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 4794051
SUMMARY: The Indian Health Service (IHS or "the Agency") is issuing this Notice to implement the final Policy for conferring with Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs). In March 2010, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) was reauthorized and amended as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (together, the Affordable Care Act), Public Law 111-152. One of the changes made to the IHCIA was to create a new requirement that the IHS "confer" with UIOs, to the maximum extent practicable, in carrying out the IHCIA.
Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996: Request for Information Thursday, September 25, 2014. 79 FR 57489-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 4733430
SUMMARY: On June 12, 2013, HUD published a Federal Register document that established the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Formula Negotiated Rulemaking Committee, 2013 (Committee). The purpose of the Committee is to develop regulatory changes to the funding formula for the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) program authorized by the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996. As part of its charter, the Committee is reviewing whether the current data source for the needs variables, which is the U.S. Decennial Census, should be updated or revised. HUD and the Committee are considering all relevant data sources, including the American Community Survey (ACS), and how each data source might be used or modified, to serve as the source of the data upon which the needs variables of the IHBG formula would be based. This Request for Information requests interested members of the public to provide information regarding alternate data sources, including ACS, which might serve as the basis upon which the needs variables of the IHBG formula could be based.
Advisory Board for Exceptional Children Meeting Wednesday, September 24, 2014. 79 FR 57123-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 4705873
SUMMARY: In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) is announcing that the Advisory Board for Exceptional Children (Advisory Board) will hold its next meeting in Washington, DC. The purpose of the meeting is to meet the mandates of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 for Indian children with disabilities.
Grants to Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities, Din?E College, and Tribally Controlled Postsecondary Career and Technical Institutions Monday, September 15, 2014. 79 FR 54936-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 4490883
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Education provides financial and technical assistance to tribally controlled colleges and universities and Din?E College. In collaboration with the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, we have prepared a discussion draft that updates the policies and procedures for administration and oversight of these assistance programs and revises regulatory language to conform to statutory amendments. This notice announces tribal consultation sessions and a comment period on the preliminary discussion draft.
Workforce Investment Act; Native American Employment and Training Council Wednesday, September 10, 2014. 79 FR 53787-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 4419186
SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 10 (a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (Pub. L. 92-463), as amended, and Section 166 (h)(4) of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) [29 U.S.C. 2911(h)(4)], notice is hereby given of the next meeting of the Native American Employment and Training Council (Council), as constituted under WIA.
Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Fee-to-Trust Transfer of Property and Subsequent Development of a Resort/Hotel and Ancillary Facilities in the City of Taunton, MA and Tribal Government Facilities in the Town of Mashpee, MA by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Friday, September 5, 2014. 79 FR 53077-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 4371213
SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) as lead agency, with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe (Tribe) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers serving as cooperating agencies, is making available for public review the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) regarding the Tribe's application for the conveyance into trust of 170 acres
Notice of public meeting Friday, September 5, 2014. 79 FR 53015-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 4371146
SUMMARY: This notice announces a forthcoming meeting of The Council for Native American Farming and Ranching (CNAFR), a public advisory committee of the Office of Tribal Relations (OTR). Notice of the meetings are provided in accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2). This will be the first meeting of the 2014-2016 CNAFR term and will consist of, but not limited to: Hearing public comments; update of USDA programs and activities; and discussion of committee priorities. This meeting will be open to the public.
Possible formation of Tribal Issues Advisory Group Wednesday, August 20, 2014. 79 FR 49380-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 4076528
SUMMARY: The Commission is interested in forming a new Tribal Issues Advisory Group, on an ad hoc or continuing basis, or establishing other means to study issues that have been raised in recent years related to the operation of the federal sentencing guidelines in Indian Country and areas that have significant American Indian population. Therefore, the Commission hereby requests comment on the merits of forming such a group, including comment on the scope, duration, and potential membership of any such advisory group.
Rights-of-Way on Indian Land Wednesday, August 13, 2014. 79 FR 47402-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 3920421
SUMMARY: On June 17, 2014, we published a proposed rule to revise regulations governing rights-of-way on Indian land. We have since received several requests for extension of the comment period. This notice extends the comment deadline by 45 days and announces the addition of a public hearing on the proposed rule.
Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for the 2014-15 Season Monday, August 11, 2014. 79 FR 46940-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 3889343
SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter, Service or we) proposes special migratory bird hunting regulations for certain Tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and ceded lands for the 2014-15 migratory bird hunting season.
Related News Story: 5th Cir. applies RFRA to Indian religious ceremonies subject to the MBTA and Eagle Protection Act (Lexology) 8/21/14
Approval of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Navajo Nation; Regional Haze Requirements for Navajo Generating Station Friday, August 8, 2014. 79 FR 46514-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 3868179
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is promulgating a source-specific Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) requiring the Navajo Generating Station (NGS), a coal-fired power plant located on the Navajo Nation near Page, Arizona, to achieve reductions in oxides of nitrogen (NOX) required under the Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) provisions of the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Regional Haze Rule (RHR). On February 5, 2013, EPA issued a proposed BART determination for NGS and an alternative to BART. In a supplemental proposal on October 22, 2013, EPA proposed to approve a new alternative plan, based on an agreement developed by a group of stakeholders known as the Technical Work Group (TWG). EPA is finalizing the alternative to BART described in our supplemental proposal. This rule is consistent with the TWG Agreement, including a lifetime cap in total emissions of NOX from NGS over 2009-2044 (2009-2044 NOX Cap). Our final action will achieve greater emissions reductions than BART and is expected to significantly reduce the impact of NGS on visibility at 11 mandatory Class I Federal areas. The operator of NGS must implement one of several alternative operating scenarios to achieve the necessary emission reductions to comply with the 2009-2044 NOX Cap.
Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes; National Indian Health Outreach and Education II. Wednesday, August 6, 2014. 79 FR 45817-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 3836671
SUMMARY: The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting competitive applications for two limited competition cooperative agreements under the National Indian Health Outreach and Education (NIHOE) program: The Behavioral Health--Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Intervention (MSPI)/Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative (DVPI) outreach and education award and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) outreach and education award. The Behavioral Health--MSPI/DVPI outreach and education award is funded by IHS and is authorized under the Snyder Act, codified at 25 U.S.C. 13; the Transfer Act, codified at 42 U.S.C. 2001; the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, Public Law 113-76. The HIV/AIDS outreach and education award is funded by the Office of the Secretary (OS), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Funding for the HIV/AIDS award will be provided by OS via an Intra-Departmental Delegation of Authority dated May, 29, 2014 to IHS to permit obligation of funding appropriated by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, Public Law 113-76. Each award is funded through a separate funding stream by each respective Agency's appropriations. The awardee is responsible for accounting for each of the two awards separately and must provide two separate financial reports (one for each award), as indicated below. This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under 93.933.
Request for Applications: The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program Wednesday, August 6, 2014. 79 FR 45756-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 3836633
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, State and Private Forestry, Cooperative Forestry staff, requests applications for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (Community Forest Program or CFP). This is a competitive grant program whereby local governments, qualified nonprofit organizations, and Indian tribes are eligible to apply for grants to establish community forests through fee simple acquisition of private forest land from a willing seller. The purpose of the program is to establish community forests by protecting forest land from conversion to non-forest uses and provide community benefits. Some of these benefits include sustainable forest management; clean air, water, wildlife habitat, and other environmental benefits: forest-based educational programs; service as models of effective forest stewardship; and recreational benefits secured with public access. Private forest land that is at least five acres in size, suitable to sustain natural vegetation, and at least 75 percent forested is considered eligible lands for grants funded under this program. The lands must also be threatened by conversion to non-forest use, must not be held in trust by the United States on behalf of any Indian tribe, must not be tribal allotment lands, must be offered for sale by a willing seller, and if acquired by an eligible entity, must provide defined community benefits under CFP and allow public access.
Proclaiming Certain Lands as Reservation for the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians of Washington Tuesday, August 5, 2014. 79 FR 45456-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 3811789
SUMMARY: This notice informs the public that the Assistant Secretary-- Indian Affairs proclaimed approximately 63.96 acres, more or less, as the Stillaguamish Indian Reservation.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish Tuesday, August 5, 2014. 79 FR 45426-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 3811760
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) have submitted five Hatchery and Genetic Management Plans, to be considered jointly, to NMFS pursuant to the limitation on take prohibitions for actions conducted under Limit 6 of the 4(d) Rule for salmon and steelhead promulgated under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The plans specify the propagation of five species of salmon and steelhead in the Elwha River of Washington state. This document serves to notify the public of the availability for comment of the proposed evaluation of the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) as to whether implementation of the joint plans will appreciably reduce the likelihood of survival and recovery of Puget Sound Chinook salmon and Puget Sound steelhead.
Hearing and Re-Petition Authorization Processes Concerning Acknowledgment of American Indian Tribes Wednesday, July 30, 2014. 79 FR 44150-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 3726028
SUMMARY: On June 19, 2014, we announced a proposed rule pertaining to hearings on negative proposed findings for Federal acknowledgment of Indian tribes. Our proposed rule is related to a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) proposed rule. 79 FR 30766 (May 29, 2014). Requests for extension of the comment period were submitted for both proposed rules. Because BIA is extending the comment period for its proposed rule, we are extending the comment deadline for our proposed rule as well.
Related News Stories: Tribes criticize veto provisions in BIA federal recognition rule (Indianz) 7/30/14
Federal Acknowledgment of American Indian Tribes Wednesday, July 30, 2014. 79 FR 44149-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 3726027
SUMMARY: On May 22, 2014, the Department of the Interior announced the availability of a proposed rule to revise regulations governing the process and criteria by which the Secretary acknowledges an Indian tribe. We have since received several requests for extension of the comment period and additional public hearings. This notice extends the comment deadline by 60 days and announces the addition of two more public hearings and two more tribal consultation sessions on the proposed rule.
Related News Stories: Tribes criticize veto provisions in BIA federal recognition rule (Indianz) 7/30/14
Notice of Tribal Consultation Tuesday, July 29, 2014. 79 FR 44090-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 3705275
SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Tribal Government Relations (OTGR) will host a Tribal Consultation on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between VA and the Indian Health Service (IHS) and how the MOU has affected health care for Veterans. The consultation session will be held on September 8, 2014, at Hyatt Regency Albuquerque, 330 Tijeras NW., Albuquerque, New Mexico from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
Office of Tribal Self-Governance Program, Negotiation Cooperative Agreement Tuesday, July 29, 2014. 79 FR 44049-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 3705239
SUMMARY: The Indian Health Service (IHS) Office of Tribal Self-Governance (OTSG) is accepting limited competition Negotiation Cooperative Agreement applications for the Tribal Self-Governance Program (TSGP). This program is authorized under Title V of the Indian Self- Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), 25 U.S.C. Sec. 458aaa-2(e). The program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA), available at https://www.cfda.gov/, under 93.444.
Office of Tribal Self-Governance Program; Planning Cooperative Agreement Tuesday, July 29, 2014. 79 FR 44043-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 3705238
SUMMARY: The Indian Health Service (IHS) Office of Tribal Self-Governance (OTSG) is accepting limited competition Planning Cooperative Agreement applications for the Tribal Self-Governance Program (TSGP). This program is authorized under Title V of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), 25 U.S.C. 458aaa-2(e). This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA), available at https://www.cfda.gov/, under 93.444.
Sovereignty in Indian Education Grant Program Thursday, July 24, 2014. 79 FR 43061-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 3615719
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Education announces the availability of competitive grants to tribes and their tribal education agencies to promote tribal control and operation of bureau-funded schools on their reservations. This notice invites tribes with three or more Bureau of Indian Education-funded schools to submit grant proposals.
Notice of An Open Teleconference Meeting Wednesday, July 23, 2014. 79 FR 42781-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 3591653
SUMMARY: This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of an upcoming teleconference meeting of the National Advisory Council on Indian Education (the Council) and is intended to notify the general public of the meeting. This notice also describes the functions of the Council. Notice of the Council's meetings is required under Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Date and Time: August 4, 2014?1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
General Permits and Permits by Rule for the Federal Minor New Source Review Program in Indian Country Thursday, July 17, 2014. 79 FR 41846-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 3507359
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing general permits for use in Indian country pursuant to the Indian Country Minor New Source Review (NSR) rule for new or modified true minor sources in the following six source categories: Concrete batch plants, boilers, stationary spark ignition engines, stationary compression ignition engines, graphic arts and printing operations, and sawmills. In the alternative, the EPA is also proposing a permit by rule for use in Indian country for new or modified true minor sources in one of the six source categories: Graphic arts and printing operations.
Notice of Request for Tribal Nominees for the U.S. Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (USEITI) Advisory Committee Monday, July 14, 2014. 79 FR 40775-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 3386352
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of the Interior (Interior) is seeking nominations for individuals to be considered as Committee members and/or alternates to serve on the U.S. Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (USEITI) Advisory Committee (Committee). This notice solicits nominees representing Tribal governments and individual Indian mineral owners to fill two vacancies in the Government sector. Nominations should include a resume providing relevant contact information and an adequate description of the nominee's qualifications, including information that would enable the Department of the Interior to make an informed decision regarding meeting the membership requirements of the Committee. Nominees are encouraged to include supporting letters from constituencies, associations, Tribal Councils, or other organizations that indicate support for the nominee.
Request for Nominations to the Board of Trustees Tuesday, July 8, 2014. 79 FR 38559-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 3051115
SUMMARY: The Board directs the Administration of the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development, including soliciting, accepting, and disposing of gifts, bequests, and other properties for the benefit of the Institute. The Institute, established under Public Law 99-498 (20 U.S.C. 4411 et seq.), provides scholarly study of and instruction in Indian art and culture, and establishes programs which culminate in the awarding of degrees in the various fields of Indian art and culture.
Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes; Tribal Management Grant Program Thursday, July 3, 2014. 79 FR 38039-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 2965752
SUMMARY: The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting competitive grant applications for the Tribal Management Grant (TMG) program. This program is authorized under 25 U.S.C. 450h(b)(2) and 25 U.S.C. 450h(e) of the Indian Health Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), Public Law (Pub. L.) 93-638, as amended. This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under 93.228.
Proclaiming Certain Lands as Reservation for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community of Minnesota Tuesday, July 1, 2014. 79 FR 37343-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 2927880
SUMMARY: This notice informs the public that the Assistant Secretary-- Indian Affairs proclaimed approximately 569.01 acres, more or less, as an addition to the Reservation for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community of Minnesota on June 20, 2014.
Funding Opportunity Announcement for Family Violence Prevention and Services/Grants for Domestic Violence Shelters/Grants to Native American Tribes (Including Alaska Native Villages) and Tribal Organizations Tuesday, July 1, 2014. 79 FR 37322-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 2770683
SUMMARY: This FOA governs the proposed award of formula grants under the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) to Native American tribes (including Alaska Native villages) and tribal organizations. The purpose of these grants is to:(1) assist tribes in efforts to increase public awareness about, and primary and secondary prevention of, family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence; and(2) assist tribes in efforts to provide immediate shelter and supportive services for victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and their dependents (42 U.S.C. 10401, et. seq.). This FOA announces formula awards and is not open for competition.
Land Acquisitions in the State of Alaska Tuesday, July 1, 2014 . 79 FR 37254-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 2927970
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is extending the comment period on the proposed rule for land acquisitions in Alaska, which was published in the Federal Register on May 1, 2014. The original comment period would end June 30, 2014; however, the BIA has received several requests for extension. BIA has reviewed these requests and determined that a 30-day extension is appropriate.
Related News Stories: Judge stays holding of Alaska land in trust (Court House News) 7/2/14. Interior Department extends deadline for public comment on proposed rule to take land into trust for Alaska native tribes (DOI News Release) 7/1/14
Advisory Board for Exceptional Children Monday, June 23, 2014. 79 FR 35567-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 2803342
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) is announcing that the Advisory Board for Exceptional Children (Advisory Board) will hold its next meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The purpose of the meeting is to meet the mandates of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA) for Indian children with disabilities.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services Projects for American Indians With Disabilities Monday, June 23, 2014. 79 FR 35502-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 2803403
SUMMARY: The Secretary proposes to amend the definition of ``reservation'' under the regulations governing the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services (AIVRS) program in one of two ways. The first proposed amendment, ``Alternative A,'' would conform the definition to the Department's current interpretation and practices. In order to be eligible for a grant, a federally or State recognized tribe must be located on a Federal or State reservation. The statutory definition of ``reservation'' includes Federal or State Indian reservations; public domain Indian allotments; former Indian reservations in Oklahoma; and land held by incorporated Native groups, regional corporations, and village corporations under the provisions of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. The Department's ``Alternative A'' definition would also include as a reservation ``defined areas of land recognized by a State or the Federal Government where there is a concentration of tribal members and on which the tribal government is providing structured activities and services.'' The second proposed amendment to the regulatory definition of ``reservation,'' ``Alternative B,'' would limit the areas of land the Department considers to be reservations to those that are listed in the statutory definition of ``reservation'': Federal or State Indian reservations; public domain Indian allotments; former Indian reservations in Oklahoma; or land held by incorporated Native groups, regional corporations, and village corporations under the provisions of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. The Secretary seeks comment on both alternatives.
Procedures for Reestablishing a Government-to-Government Relationship With the Native Hawaiian Community Friday, June 20, 2014. 79 FR 35296-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 2770683
SUMMARY: The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) is considering whether to propose an administrative rule that would facilitate the reestablishment of a government-to-government relationship with the Native Hawaiian community, to more effectively implement the special political and trust relationship that Congress has established between that community and the United States. The purpose of this advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) is to [[Page 35297]] solicit public comments on whether and how the Department of the Interior should facilitate the reestablishment of a government-to- government relationship with the Native Hawaiian community. In this ANPRM, the Secretary also announces several public meetings in Hawaii and several consultations with federally recognized tribes in the continental United States to consider these issues.
Hearing and Re-Petition Authorization Processes Concerning Acknowledgment of American Indian Tribes Thursday, June 19, 2014 . 79 FR 35129-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 2758699
SUMMARY: This proposed rule revises the process and criteria for Federal acknowledgment of Indian tribes. This rulemaking would establish procedures for a new category of expedited hearing for petitioners who receive a negative proposed finding for Federal acknowledgment and request a hearing. This rule would also establish procedures for a new re-petition authorization process for petitioners whose petitions have been denied. This proposed rule is related to a Bureau of Indian Affairs proposed rule that would revise processing of petitions for Federal acknowledgment of Indian tribes.
Indian Oil Valuation Amendments Thursday, June 19, 2014. 79 FR 35102-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 2758696
SUMMARY: ONRR proposes to amend its regulations governing the valuation, for royalty purposes, of oil produced from Indian leases. The proposed rule would clarify the major portion valuation requirement found in the existing regulations for oil production. The proposed rule would represent recommendations of the Indian Oil Valuation Negotiated Rulemaking Committee. This proposed rule also contains new reporting requirements to implement the changes to the major portion valuation requirement.
Rights-of-Way on Indian Land Tuesday, June 17, 2014. 79 FR 34455-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 2705919
SUMMARY: This proposed rule would comprehensively update and streamline the process for obtaining BIA grants of rights-of-way on Indian land, while supporting tribal self-determination and self-governance. This proposed rule would also further implement the policy decisions and approaches established in the leasing regulations, which BIA finalized in December 2012, by applying them to the rights-of-way context where applicable. This publication also announces the dates and locations for tribal consultation sessions to discuss this proposed rights-of-way rule.
Review of New Sources and Modifications in Indian Country Amendments to the Registration and Permitting Deadlines for True Minor Sources Monday, June 16, 2014. 79 FR 34231-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 2637022
SUMMARY: EPA is issuing final amendments to the ``Federal Minor New Source Review Program in Indian Country'' (we refer to this new source review rule as the ``Indian Country Minor NSR Rule''). We are amending the Indian Country Minor NSR Rule in two ways. First, we are extending the NSR minor source permitting deadline for true minor sources in the oil and natural gas sector from September 2, 2014, to March 2, 2016. Second, we are changing the registration deadline for new true minor sources in the oil and natural gas sector to conform with the changes to the NSR minor source permitting deadline. We are also eliminating a requirement for all true minor sources that begin operation before September 2, 2014, to obtain a minor NSR permit 6 months after EPA publishes a general permit because the provision no longer affects any source.
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act Regulations, Definition of Indian Tribe Wednesday, June 11, 2014. 79 FR 33592-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 2584371
SUMMARY: The Department is confirming the interim final rule published and effective on July 5, 2011, removing the definition of Indian tribe because it is inconsistent with the statutory definition of that term. The July 5, 2011, publication stated that we would review comments on the interim final rule and either confirm the rule or initiate a proposed rulemaking. We are confirming the rule without change.
Related News Stories: DOI adopts rule to remove Native corporations from NAGPRA (Indianz.com) 6/12/14
2014 Final Fee Rate and Fingerprint Fees Tuesday, June 3, 2014. 79 FR 31981-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 2448732
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given, pursuant to 25 CFR 514.2, that the National Indian Gaming Commission has adopted its 2014 final annual fee rates of 0.00% for tier 1 and 0.070% (.00070) for tier 2. These rates shall apply to all assessable gross revenues from each gaming operation under the jurisdiction of the Commission. If a tribe has a certificate of self-regulation under 25 CFR part 518, the 2014 final fee rate on Class II revenues shall be one-half of the annual fee rate, which is 0.035% (.00035). The final fee rates being adopted here are effective June 1st, 2014 and will remain in effect until new rates are adopted. Pursuant to 25 CFR 514.16, the National Indian Gaming Commission has also adopted its fingerprint processing fees of $22 per card, which is the same as the fingerprint fees announced in March 2014.
Review of New Sources and Modifications in Indian Country?Amendments to the Federal Indian Country Minor New Source Review Rule Friday, May 30, 2014. 79 FR 31035-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 2214178
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing final amendments to the federal minor New Source Review (NSR) program in Indian country. We refer to this NSR rule as the ``federal Indian country minor NSR program.'' We are amending this rule in two ways. First, we are expanding the list of emissions units and activities that are exempt from the federal Indian country minor NSR program by adding several types of low-emitting units and activities. Second, we have clarified construction-related terms by defining ``commence construction'' and ``begin construction'' to better reflect the regulatory requirements associated with construction activities. We believe both of these changes will simplify the program, and result in less burdensome implementation without detriment to air quality in Indian country. Finally, we have reconsidered the advance notification period for relocation of a true minor source in response to a petition on the rule from the American Petroleum Institute, the Independent Petroleum Association of America and America's Natural Gas Alliance, but we are not changing that provision.
Federal Acknowledgment of American Indian Tribes Thursday, May 29, 2014. 79 FR 30224-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 2171382
SUMMARY: This proposed rule would revise regulations governing the process and criteria by which the Secretary acknowledges an Indian tribe. The revisions seek to make the process and criteria more transparent, promote consistent implementation, and increase timeliness and efficiency, while maintaining the integrity of the process. The current process has been criticized as ``broken'' or in need of reform. Specifically, the process has been criticized as too slow (a petition can take decades to be decided), expensive, burdensome, inefficient, intrusive, less than transparent and unpredictable. The proposed rule would reform the process by, among other things, institutionalizing a phased review that allows for faster decisions; reducing the documentary burden; allowing for a hearing on the proposed finding to promote transparency and process integrity; establishing the Assistant Secretary's final determination as final for the Department to promote efficiency; and establishing objective standards, where appropriate, to ensure transparency and predictability. This publication also announces the dates and locations for tribal consultation sessions and public meetings on this proposed rule.
Request for Nominations: National Advisory Council on Indian Education (NACIE) Tuesday, May 27, 2014. 79 FR 29799-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 2121336
SUMMARY: The Obama Administration is seeking nominations for individuals to fill vacant seats and serve on the National Advisory Council on Indian Education (NACIE).
Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations under Cobell Settlement. Friday, May 23, 2014. 79 FR 29799-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 2121421
SUMMARY: The Office of the Secretary previously announced that it will conduct a listening session on the status of implementation of the Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations. The purpose of the session is to meet with Indian tribes to discuss progress to date and receive feedback. Indian landowners may also attend to provide input. This notice corrects the previously published notice to provide RSVP and testimony information and an agenda.
Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996: Negotiated Rulemaking Committee; Notice of Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Meetings Friday, May 23, 2014. 79 FR 29700-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 2121421
SUMMARY: This document announces the fourth, fifth, and sixth meetings of the negotiated rulemaking committee.
Notice of Funding Availability for the Tribal Transportation Program Safety Funds Wednesday, May 14, 2014. 79 FR 27676-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 1897944
SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of funding and requests grant applications for FHWA's Tribal Transportation Program Safety Funds (TTPSF). In addition, this notice identifies selection criteria, application requirements, and technical assistance during the grant solicitation period for the TTPSF. The TTPSF is authorized within the Tribal Transportation Program (TTP) under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP- 21). The FHWA will distribute these funds as described in this notice on a competitive basis in a manner consistent with the selection criteria.
Change of Address; Indian Child Welfare Act Tuesday, May 13, 2014. 79 FR 27189-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 1879396
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is amending its regulations to reflect a change of address for filing copies of Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) notices to the Eastern Regional Director and to update the titles of ``Area Directors'' to ``Regional Directors.'' This technical amendment is a nomenclature change that updates and corrects BIA officials' titles and the address for filing ICWA notices to the Eastern Regional Director.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Swinomish Indian Tribal Community; Tribal Implementation Plan Friday, May 2, 2014. 79 FR 25049-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 1713320
SUMMARY: The EPA is proposing to approve a Tribal implementation plan (TIP) submitted by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community (SITC or the Tribe). The TIP was submitted to the EPA on June 28, 2012, and supplementary submittals were received on September 24, 2013, November 18, 2013, and January 28, 2014. The TIP establishes regulations for open burning that will apply to all persons within the exterior boundaries of the Swinomish Reservation (the Reservation). The EPA approved the SITC for treatment in the same manner as a State (TAS) to regulate open burning on the Swinomish Reservation under the Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act) on February 16, 2010. This action proposes to federally approve the TIP. If the EPA finalizes this approval, the provisions of the TIP would become federally enforceable. Upon the effective date of a final action to approve the TIP, the SITC's open burning TIP would replace the Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) provisions regulating open burning within the exterior boundaries of the Swinomish Reservation.
Meeting of the National Coordination Committee on the American Indian/Alaska Native Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Sexual Assault Response Team Initiative Thursday, May 1, 2014. 79 FR 21956-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 1692311
SUMMARY: The National Coordination Committee on the American Indian/ Alaska Native (AI/AN) Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)--Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Initiative (``National Coordination Committee'' or ``Committee'') will meet to carry out its mission to provide valuable advice to assist the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) to promote culturally relevant, victim-centered responses to sexual violence within AI/AN communities.
Land Acquisitions in the State of Alaska, May 1, 2014. 79 FR 24648-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 1692362
SUMMARY: This proposed rule would delete a provision in the Department of the Interior's land-into-trust regulations that excludes from the scope of the regulations, with one exception, land acquisitions in trust in the State of Alaska.
Related News Stories: Department of the Interior proposes regulations to make trust land acquisitions for Alaska Natives (NARF) 04/30/14
Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations Under Cobell Settlement Wednesday, April 30, 2014. 79 FR 24445-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 1679322
SUMMARY: The Office of the Secretary will conduct a listening session on the status of implementation of the Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations. The purpose of the session is to meet with Indian tribes to discuss progress to date and receive feedback. Indian landowners may also attend to provide input.
Funding Opportunity: American Indians Into Medicine Tuesday, April 29, 2014. 79 FR 23983-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 1666098
SUMMARY: The IHS, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is responsible for providing Federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). The mission of the IHS is to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of AI/AN. The IHCIA authorizes the IHS to administer programs that are designed to attract and recruit qualified individuals into health professions needed at IHS facilities. The programs administered are designed to encourage AI/AN to enter health professions and to ensure the availability of health professionals to serve AI/AN populations
Employment and Training Administration Notice of a Meeting: Native American Employment and Training Council Friday, April 18, 2014. 79 FR 21956-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 1494820
SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (Pub. L. 92-463), as amended, and Section 166(h)(4) of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) [29 U.S.C. 2911(h)(4)], notice is hereby given of the next meeting of the Native American Employment and Training Council (Council), as constituted under WIA.
Administration for Native Americans; Notice of Meeting Thursday, April 17, 2014. 79 FR 21764-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 1478959
SUMMARY: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) will host a Tribal Consultation to consult on ACF programs and tribal priorities. June 16, 2014.
Fiscal Year 2013 Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program Project Selections Tuesday, April 15, 2014. 79 FR 21346-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 1411640
SUMMARY: The US. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the selection of projects with Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 appropriations for the Tribal Transit Program (TTP). On May 9, 2013 FTA published a Federal Register Notice (78 FR 27284) announcing the availability of the funding for the program. The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) authorizes approximately $5 million for federally recognized Indian Tribes or Alaska Native villages, groups, or communities as identified by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) in the U.S. Department of the Interior for public transportation. Combined with available funding from prior years, FTA is allocating a total of approximately $5.05 million to selected projects in this notice. The TTP supports capital projects, operating costs and planning activities that are eligible under the Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program (Section 5311). FTA funds may only be used for eligible purposes defined under 49 U.S.C 5311 and described in the proposed FTA Circular 9040.1G, and consistent with the specific eligibility and priorities established in the May 2013 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) .
Restrictions on Legal Assistance With Respect to Criminal Proceedings Tuesday, April 15, 2014. 79 FR 21148-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 1411658
SUMMARY: This final rule updates the Legal Services Corporation (LSC or Corporation) regulation on legal assistance with respect to criminal proceedings. The Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 (TLOA) amended the LSC Act to authorize LSC funds to be used for representation of persons charged with any criminal offense in tribal courts. This proposed rule will bring the regulations into alignment with the amended provisions of the LSC Act. The proposed rule will also revise the conditions under which LSC recipients can accept or decline court appointments to represent defendants in criminal proceedings.
Indian Education Study Group Thursday, March 27, 2014. 79 FR 20165-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 1391771
SUMMARY: his notice announces a forthcoming meeting of The Council for Native American Farming and Ranching (CNAFR), a public advisory committee of the Office of Tribal Relations (OTR). Notice of the meetings are provided in accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended in 5 U.S.C. Appendix 2. This session will be the sixth meeting of the CNAFR and will consist of, but not be limited to, hearing public comments, updating the Council on USDA programs and activities, discussing subcommittee reports, and a discussion of committee priorities. This meeting will be open to the public.
Indian Health Service Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority Wednesday, April 9, 2014. 79 FR 19626-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 1369805
SUMMARY: Part GFJ, of the Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as amended at 52 FR 47053-67, December 11, 1987, as amended at 60 FR 56606, November 9, 1995, as amended at 61 FR 67048, December 19, 1996, as amended at 69 FR 41825, July 12, 2004, as amended at 70 FR 24087, May 6, 2005 70 FR 60350, October 17, 2005, and most recently amended at 71 FR 69570, December 1, 2006, is hereby amended to reflect a reorganization of the Navajo Area Indian Health Service (IHS). The purpose of this re-organization proposal is to update the current approved Navajo Area IHS organization structure due to the decrease in Area shares from Federal facilities transitioning to Public Law 93-638 Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act facilities...
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee: Nomination Solicitation Tuesday, April 8, 2014. 79 FR 19355-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 1350038
SUMMARY: The National Park Service is soliciting nominations for one member of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee. The Secretary of the Interior will appoint the member from nominations submitted by Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, and traditional Native American religious leaders. The nominee must be a traditional Indian religious leader. Nominations must include the following information. 1. Nominations by traditional religious leaders: Nominations must be submitted with the nominator's original signature and daytime telephone number. The nominator must state that he or she meets the definition of traditional religious leader. 2. Nominations by Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations: Nominations must be submitted on official tribal or organization letterhead with the nominator's original signature and daytime telephone number. The nominator must be the official authorized by the tribe or organization to submit nominations in response to this solicitation. The nomination must include a statement that the nominator is so authorized. 3. A nomination must include the following information: a. the nominee's name, postal address, daytime telephone number, and email address; b. nominee's resume or brief biography emphasizing the nominee's NAGPRA experience and ability to work effectively as a member of an advisory board; and c. that the nominee meets the definition of traditional religious leader found at 10 CFR 10.2(d)(3).
Reimbursement Rates for Calendar Year 2014 Tuesday, April 8, 2014. 79 FR 19345-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 1350022
SUMMARY: Notice is given that the Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS), under the authority of sections 321(a) and 322(b) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 248 and 249(b)), Public Law 83-568 (42 U.S.C. 2001(a)), and the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), has approved the following rates for inpatient and outpatient medical care provided by IHS facilities for Calendar Year 2014 for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and beneficiaries of other Federal programs, and for recoveries under the Federal Medical Care Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. 2651-2653). The Medicare Part A inpatient rates are excluded from the table below as they are paid based on the prospective payment system. Since the inpatient rates set forth below do not include all physician services and practitioner services, additional payment shall be available to the extent that those services are provided.
Re-Establishment of the Council for Native American Farming and Ranching Monday, March 31, 2014. 79 FR 18004-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 1268148
SUMMARY: The Department of Agriculture is announcing the re- establishment of the Council for Native American Farming and Ranching (Council). The purpose of the Council is to provide recommendations to the Secretary on how to eliminate barriers to Native American participation in Farm Service Agency farm loan programs and other farm programs. The Council will discuss issues related to the participation of Native American farmers and ranchers in USDA farm loan programs and transmit recommendations concerning any changes to FSA regulations or internal guidance or other measures. The Council is necessary and in the public interest. The Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations for individuals to be considered Council members. Candidates who wish to be considered for membership on the Council for Native American Farmers and Ranchers should submit an AD-755 application form and resume to the Secretary of Agriculture. Cover letters should be addressed to the Secretary of Agriculture. The application form and more information about advisory Councils can be found at usda.gov/advisory_committees.xml.
Hearing of the Advisory Committee of the Attorney General's Task Force on American Indian/Alaska Native Children Exposed to Violence Friday, March 28, 2014. 79 FR 17577-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 1247521
SUMMARY: This is an announcement of the third hearing of the Advisory Committee of the Attorney General's Task Force on American Indian/ Alaska Native Children Exposed to Violence (hereafter referred to as the AIAN Advisory Committee). The AIAN Advisory Committee is chartered to provide the Attorney General with valuable advice in the areas of American Indian/Alaska Native children's exposure to violence for the purpose of addressing the epidemic levels of exposure to violence faced by tribal youth. Based on the testimony at four public hearings, on comprehensive research, and on extensive input from experts, advocates, and impacted families and tribal communities nationwide, the AIAN Advisory Committee will issue a final report to the Attorney General presenting its findings and comprehensive policy recommendations in the fall of 2014.
Indian Education Study Group Thursday, March 27, 2014. 79 FR 17177-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 1232831
SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Education (ED), will conduct a series of consultation sessions with Indian tribes to review and provide feedback on the draft actionable recommendations prepared by the American Indian Education Study Group.
Land Acquisitions; Kaw Nation of Oklahoma Friday, March 14, 2014. 79 FR 14529-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 977118
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire 21.54 acres more or less of land in trust for the Kaw Nation of Oklahoma for gaming and other purposes on March 10, 2014.
Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996: Negotiated Rulemaking Committee Third Meeting Thursday, March 13, 2014. 79 FR 14204-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 954236
SUMMARY: This notice announces the third meeting of the negotiated rulemaking committee. DATES: The meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2014, Thursday, April 24, 2014, and Friday, April 25, 2014. On each day, the session will begin at approximately 8:30 a.m., and adjourn at approximately 5 p.m.
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee: Meetings Wednesday, March 12, 2014, 79 FR 14081-01 (PDF), 2014 WL 936077
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. Appendix 1-16), of three meetings of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee (Review Committee). The Review Committee will meet on April 10, 2014, from 2 p.m. until approximately 6 p.m. EDT via teleconference; November 20-21, 2014, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST in Washington, DC; and on December 11, 2014, from 2 p.m. until approximately 4 p.m. EST via teleconference, if necessary. All meetings will be open to the public.
Notice for Public Comment on the Adoption of Program Policies and Procedures for the Native Asset Building Initiative, a Joint Funding Opportunity Announcement Between the Administration for Native Americans and the Office of Community Services Friday, March 7, 2014. 79 FR 13060-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 883370
SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 814 of the Native American Programs Act of 1974 (NAPA), as amended, the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) is required to provide members of the public an opportunity to comment on changes in interpretive rules, general statements of policy, and rules of agency procedure or practice that affect programs, projects, and activities authorized under the NAPA. In accordance with notice requirements of NAPA, ANA herein describes its planned changes to interpretive rules, general statements of policy, and rules of agency procedure or practice as they relate to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for the Native Asset Building Initiative, HHS-2014-ACF-ANA-NO-0786 (hereinafter referred to as NABI). Projects funded under this initiative receive two grant awards from two Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Program Offices--ANA and the Office of Community Services (OCS). Grantees under the NABI program implement economic capacity building projects that are targeted toward increasing the economic stability of low-income individuals and families, through the establishment of Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) and related services that motivate individuals to save, invest, and accumulate assets. NABI is part of a national Assets for Independence (AFI) demonstration project, authorized under the Assets for Independence Act of 1998, to test, demonstrate, and develop knowledge about the impact of IDAs and related services. For additional information about NABI, please see the Health and Human Services (HHS) Grants Forecast at the following link: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/hhsgrantsforecast/index.cfm?switch=grant.view&gff_grants_forecastInfoID=66481.
Proclaiming Certain Lands as Reservation for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe of Washington State Wednesday, March 5, 2014. 79 FR 12523-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 824568
SUMMARY: This notice informs the public that the Assistant Secretary-- Indian Affairs proclaimed approximately 20.16 acres, more or less, as an addition to and becoming a part of the Reservation of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe on 2/24/14 . This notice is published in the exercise of authority delegated by the Secretary of the Interior to the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs by part 209 of the Departmental Manual.
Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program Increase in the Loan Guarantee Fee Wednesday, March 5, 2014. 79 FR 12520-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 824565
SUMMARY: This final rule revises the regulations governing the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee program (Section 184 program) to conform to a recent statutory change. The 2013 Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act amends section 184(d) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 by authorizing HUD to increase the fee for the guarantee of Section 184 loans up to 3 percent of the principal obligation of the loan and to establish the amount of the fee by publishing a notice in the Federal Register. This final rule amends the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program regulations to reflect this new authority. By notice published elsewhere in today's Federal Register, HUD is exercising this authority to increase the loan guarantee fee to 1.5 percent of the principal obligation from the current rate of 1 percent.
Conforming Amendment to the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program Regulations Wednesday, March 5, 2014. 79 FR 12520-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 824565
SUMMARY: The Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee program (Section 184 program) provides access to sources of private financing for Indian families, Indian housing authorities, and Indian tribes that otherwise could not acquire housing financing because of the unique legal status of Indian land, by guaranteeing loans to eligible persons and entities. Over the last 5 years, the Section 184 program has doubled the number of loans and eligible families being assisted by the program. For HUD to continue to meet the increasing demand for participation in this program, HUD is exercising its new authority to increase the loan guarantee fee to 1.5 percent of the principal obligation from the current rate of 1 percent.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2014 Tribal Fishery for Pacific Whiting Friday, February 28, 2014. 79 FR 11385-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 769027
SUMMARY: NMFS issues this proposed rule for the 2014 Pacific whiting fishery under the authority of the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP), the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), and the Pacific Whiting Act of 2006. This proposed rule would allocate 17.5 percent of the U.S. Total Allowable Catch of Pacific whiting for 2014 to Pacific Coast Indian tribes that have a Treaty right to harvest groundfish.
2014 Preliminary Fee Rate and Fingerprint Fees Thursday, February 27, 2014. 79 FR 11122-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 722450
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given, pursuant to 25 CFR 514.2, that the National Indian Gaming Commission has adopted its 2014 preliminary annual fee rates of 0.00% for tier 1 and 0.072% (.00072) for tier 2. These rates have not changed since 2013 and shall apply to all assessable gross revenues from each gaming operation under the jurisdiction of the Commission. If a tribe has a certificate of self- regulation under 25 CFR part 518, the 2014 preliminary fee rate on Class II revenues shall be one-half of the annual fee rate, which is 0.036% (.00036). Pursuant to 25 CFR 514.16, the National Indian Gaming Commission has also adopted its fingerprint processing fees of $22 per card. Both the preliminary fee rate and fingerprint fees being adopted here are effective March 1st, 2014 and will remain in effect until new rates are adopted.
Land Acquisitions; Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria of California Thursday, February 27, 2014 . 79 FR 11122-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 722449
SUMMARY: This document makes a technical correction to the acreage estimate and the land description contained in the notice published on Wednesday, February 5, 2014, 79 FR 6917. The notice concerns the final agency determination to acquire approximately 626.55 acres of land in trust for the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria of California for gaming and other purposes.
Contract Support Costs Friday, February 21, 2014. 79 FR 9915-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 652396
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs, in conjunction with the Acting Director, Indian Health Service (IHS), will conduct a consultation session with Indian tribes to work together to identify long-term solutions concerning contract support costs (CSC) as it relates to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 Consolidated Appropriations Act.
List of Programs Eligible for Inclusion in Fiscal Year 2014 Funding Agreements To Be Negotiated With Self-Governance Tribes by Interior Bureaus Other Than the Bureau of Indian Affairs Thursday, February 20, 2014. 79 FR 8205-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 637960
SUMMARY: This notice lists programs or portions of programs that are eligible for inclusion in Fiscal Year 2014 funding agreements with self-governance Indian tribes and lists programmatic targets for each of the non-Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) bureaus in the Department of the Interior, pursuant to the Tribal Self-Governance Act.
Tribal Consultation Meeting Thursday, February 20, 2014. 79 FR 9743-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 637956
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, Public Law 110-134, notice is hereby given of four 1-day Tribal Consultation Sessions to be held between the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Head Start leadership and the leadership of Tribal Governments operating Head Start (including Early Head Start) programs. The purpose of these Consultation Sessions is to discuss ways to better meet the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native children and their families, taking into consideration funding allocations, distribution formulas, and other issues affecting the delivery of Head Start services in their geographic locations [42 U.S.C. 9835, Section 640(l)(4)].
Notice of Final Issuance on the Adoption of Administration for Native Americans (ANA) Program Policies and Procedures Friday, February 14, 2014. 79 FR 8975-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 556521
SUMMARY: The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) is issuing final interpretive rules, general statements of policy, and rules of agency organization, procedure, or practice relating to the following Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs): Social and Economic Development Strategies (hereinafter referred to as SEDS), Sustainable Employment and Economic Development Strategies (hereinafter referred to as SEEDS), Native Language Preservation and Maintenance (hereinafter referred to as Language Preservation), Native Language Preservation and Maintenance--Esther Martinez Immersion (hereinafter referred to as Language--EMI), and Environmental Regulatory Enhancement (hereinafter referred to as ERE).
Pilot Project for Tribal Jurisdiction Over Crimes of Domestic Violence?Announcement of Successful Applications Wednesday, February 12, 2014, 79 FR 8487-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 530119
SUMMARY: The Associate Attorney General, exercising authority delegated by the Attorney General, is granting the requests of three Indian tribes to be designated as participating tribes under section 204 of the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended, on an accelerated basis, under the voluntary pilot project described in section 908(b)(2) of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013.
Related News Stories: Native American tribes begin, for the first time, to prosecute non-Indian wife abusers (All Gov) 2/9/14. New law offers protection to abused Native American women (Washington Post) 2/8/14.
National Indian Gaming Commission Notice of Tribal Consultations Tuesday, February 11, 2014. 79 FR 8205-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 508416
SUMMARY: The purpose of this document is to publish the schedule for government-to-government consultation on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and the NIGC's efforts to remain current with gaming technology.
Final EPA Plan for the Federal Certification of Applicators of Restricted Use Pesticides Within Indian Country; Notice of Implementation Thursday, February 6, 2014. 79 FR 7185-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 460679
SUMMARY: In the Federal Register of May 18, 2011, EPA issued a notice of intent to implement a Federal program to certify applicators of restricted use pesticides (RUPs) in Indian country where no other certification plan applies. The program will be administered by EPA. In that notice, EPA solicited comments from the public on EPA's Proposed Federal Plan for Certifying Applicators of Restricted Use Pesticides within Indian Country (EPA plan). EPA received comments from four commenters. EPA also issued a notice of intent to implement a similar plan in EPA Region 8, the Proposed Federal Plan for Certification of Applicators of Restricted Use Pesticides Within EPA Region 8 Indian Country (EPA Region 8 plan) in the Federal Register of April 20, 2011. EPA received comments from seven commenters on the EPA Region 8 plan. A complete summary of the comments and the Agency responses is available in the docket. EPA has decided to merge these plans into one EPA plan and hereby implements the final EPA plan. Applicators must hold the appropriate Federal certification under the final EPA plan to apply RUPs in Indian country where no other EPA-approved or EPA-implemented certification plan applies.
Land Acquisitions; Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria of California Wednesday, February 5, 2014. 79 FR 6917-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 412626
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire approximately 626.55 acres of land in trust for the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria of California for gaming and other purposes on January 24, 2014.
Final Determination Against Federal Acknowledgment of the Tolowa Nation Thursday, January 30, 2014. 79 FR 4748-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 317279
SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior (Department) gives notice that the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs (AS-IA) declines to acknowledge the petitioner known as the Tolowa Nation (Petitioner 85) as an Indian tribe within the meaning of Federal law. The AS-IA makes this final determination (FD) because the petitioner does not satisfy one of the seven mandatory criteria in the applicable regulations (25 CFR 83.7), specifically criterion 83.7(b), and therefore, does not meet the requirements for a government-to-government relationship with the United States. Based on the limited nature and extent of comment, and consistent with previous practices, the Department did not produce a separate detailed report or other summary under the criteria pertaining to this FD. This notice is the FD.
Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible To Receive Services From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs Wednesday, January 29, 2014. 79 FR 4748-02, (PDF), 2014 WL 296753
SUMMARY: This notice publishes the current list of 566 tribal entities recognized and eligible for funding and services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs by virtue of their status as Indian tribes. The list is updated from the notice published on May 6, 2013 (78 FR 26384).
Notice of Deadline for Submitting Completed Applications To Begin Participation in the Tribal Self-Governance Program in Fiscal Year 2015 or Calendar Year 2015 Monday, January 27, 2014. 79 FR 3862-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 268490
SUMMARY:In this notice, the Office of Self-Governance (OSG) establishes a March 1, 2014, deadline for Indian tribes/consortia to submit completed applications to begin participation in the tribal self-governance program in fiscal year 2015 or calendar year 2015.
Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects Thursday, January 23, 2014. 79 FR 3862-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 232434
SUMMARY:The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) owns, or has an interest in, irrigation projects located on or associated with various Indian reservations throughout the United States. We are required to establish irrigation assessment rates to recover the costs to administer, operate, maintain, and rehabilitate these projects. We are notifying you that we have adjusted the irrigation assessment rates at several of our irrigation projects and facilities to reflect current costs of administration, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation.
Proposed Finding for Federal Acknowledgment of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe Thursday, January 23. 2014. 79 FR 3860-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 232433
SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior (Department) gives notice that the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs (AS-IA) proposes to determine that the petitioner known as the Pamunkey Indian Tribe (Petitioner 323), 331 Pocket Road, King William, VA 23086, c/o Mr. Kevin M. Brown, is an Indian tribe within the meaning of Federal law. This notice is based on a proposed finding (PF) that the petitioner satisfies the seven mandatory criteria for acknowledgment set forth in the applicable regulations, and thus, meets the requirements for a government-to-government relationship with the United States.
Related News Stories: Pamunkey Indian tribe one step closer to federal recognition (Indian Country Today) 1/17/14
Proposed Finding Against Acknowledgment of the Meherrin Indian Tribe Thursday, January 23, 2014. 79 FR 3859-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 232432
SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior (Department) gives notice that the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs (AS-IA) proposes to determine that the petitioner known as the ``Meherrin Indian Tribe'' (MTB), Petitioner 119b, is not an Indian tribe within the meaning of Federal law. This notice is based on an investigation which determined that the petitioner does not satisfy criterion 83.7(e) as set forth in the applicable regulations, and therefore, does not meet the requirements for a government-to-government relationship with the United States.
Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects Thursday, January 23, 2014. 79 FR 3862-01, (PDF), 2014 WL 232434
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) owns, or has an interest in, irrigation projects located on or associated with various Indian reservations throughout the United States. We are required to establish irrigation assessment rates to recover the costs to administer, operate, maintain, and rehabilitate these projects. We are notifying you that we have adjusted the irrigation assessment rates at several of our irrigation projects and facilities to reflect current costs of administration, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation.
Proposed Finding for Federal Acknowledgment of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe Thursday, January 23. 2014. 79 FR 3860-01, (PDF), 2013 WL 232433
SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior (Department) gives notice that the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs (AS-IA) proposes to determine that the petitioner known as the Pamunkey Indian Tribe (Petitioner 323), 331 Pocket Road, King William, VA 23086, c/o Mr. Kevin M. Brown, is an Indian tribe within the meaning of Federal law. This notice is based on a proposed finding (PF) that the petitioner satisfies the seven mandatory criteria for acknowledgment set forth in the applicable regulations, and thus, meets the requirements for a government-to-government relationship with the United States.
Related News Stories: Pamunkey Indian tribe one step closer to federal recognition (Indian Country Today) 1/17/14
Proposed Finding Against Acknowledgment of the Meherrin Indian Tribe Thursday, January 23, 2014. 79 FR 3859-01, (PDF), 2013 WL 232432
SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior (Department) gives notice that the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs (AS-IA) proposes to determine that the petitioner known as the ``Meherrin Indian Tribe'' (MTB), Petitioner 119b, is not an Indian tribe within the meaning of Federal law. This notice is based on an investigation which determined that the petitioner does not satisfy criterion 83.7(e) as set forth in the applicable regulations, and therefore, does not meet the requirements for a government-to-government relationship with the United States.
Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects Wednesday, January 22, 2014. 79 FR 3614-01, (PDF), 2013 WL 218314
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) owns or has an interest in irrigation projects located on or associated with various Indian reservations throughout the United States. We are required to establish irrigation assessment rates to recover the costs to administer, operate, maintain, and rehabilitate these projects. We request your comments on the proposed rate adjustments.
General Permits and Permits by Rule for the Federal Minor New Source Review Program in Indian Country Tuesday, January 14, 2014 79 FR 2546-0, (PDF), 2014 WL 109060
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing general permits for use in Indian country pursuant to the Indian Country Minor New Source Review (NSR) rule for new or modified minor sources in the following five source categories: Hot mix asphalt (HMA) plants; stone quarrying, crushing, and screening (SQCS) facilities; auto body repair and miscellaneous surface coating operations; gasoline dispensing facilities (GDFs); and petroleum dry cleaning facilities. In the alternative, the EPA is also proposing permits by rule for use in Indian country for new or modified minor sources in three of the source categories: Auto body repair and miscellaneous surface coating operations; GDFs; and petroleum dry cleaning facilities. The EPA is also proposing certain changes to the Indian Country Minor NSR rule. The proposed changes include: Extending the deadline by when true minor sources in the oil and gas sector must receive minor source NSR permits; and allowing general permits and permits by rule for specific categories to create synthetic minor sources.
Related Article: Revisions proposed to Indian Country Minor Source NSR Program, 23 No. 5 AIRPOLC 2.13 (2013)
Organization, Function, and Delegations of Authority; Part G; Proposed Functional Statement Friday, January 10, 2014 79 FR 1882-02, (PDF), 2013 WL 70006
SUMMARY: The Indian Health Service is announcing the name change of the Aberdeen Area Indian Health Service to the Great Plains Area Indian Health Service at the request of Tribes served by the Aberdeen Area Indian Health Service.
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
Visit the Archives for the Indian Law Bulletins to see regulations from previous years.
Indian Law Bulletins are a current awareness service of the National Indian Law Library. The purpose of the Indian Law Bulletins is to provide succinct and timely information about new developments in Indian Law. See the About page for more information.
A note about links used in this document
Blue links on this page go to information available for free on the Internet. Green links go to information available on Westlaw which require a Westlaw account. The library is not affiliated with Thomson Reuters or Westlaw.
