Proclaiming Certain Lands as Reservation for the Tonto Apache Tribe of Arizona
80 FR 81353, (PDF)
SUMMARY: This notice informs the public that the Assistant Secretary-- Indian Affairs proclaimed approximately 292.77 acres, more or less, an addition to the reservation of the Tonto Apache Indian Tribe of Arizona on December 21, 2015.
Rights-of-Way on Indian Land
80 FR 79258, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is announcing the extension of the effective date of the final rule published November 19, 2015 governing rights-of-way on Indian land, which was scheduled to take effect on December 21, 2015. Tribes and industry have requested additional time to prepare for implementation of the rule. The final rule will now take effect on March 21, 2016. The BIA is also announcing an extension of the compliance date by which documentation of past assignments must be submitted from the originally stated date of April 18, 2016 to July 17, 2016. The final rule comprehensively updates and streamlines the process for obtaining Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) grants of rights-of-way on Indian land and BIA land, while supporting tribal self-determination and self-governance.
HEARTH Act Approval of Gila River Indian Community Regulations
80 FR 77655, (PDF)
SUMMARY: On November 20, 2015, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Gila River Indian Community leasing regulations under the HEARTH Act. With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into the following types of leases without BIA approval: Commercial leases and solar resource leases.
Request for Public Comment on the Proposed Adoption of Administration for Native Americans Program Policies and Procedures
80 FR 76294, (PDF)
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 proposed changes in interpretive rules and general statements of policy, and to give notice of the proposed adoption of such changes at least 30 days before the changes become effective. In accordance with notice requirements of NAPA, ANA herein describes its proposed interpretive rules, general statements of policy, and rules of agency procedure or practice as they relate to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA) for the following programs: (1) Social and Economic Development Strategies (hereinafter referred to as SEDS) (HHS-2014-ACF-ANA-NA-0776); (2) Social and Economic Development Strategies- Alaska (hereinafter referred to as SEDS-AK) (HHS-2015-ACF- ANA-NK-0960); (3) Native Asset Building Initiative (hereinafter referred to as NABI) (HHS-2015-ACF-ANA-NO-0954); (4) Sustainable Employment and Economic Development Strategies (hereinafter referred to as SEEDS) (HHS-2014-ACF-ANA-NE-0779); (5) Native Language Preservation and Maintenance (hereinafter referred to as Language Preservation) (HHS-2014-ACF-ANA-NL-0778); (6) Native Language Preservation and Maintenance--Esther Martinez Immersion (hereinafter referred to as Language--EMI) (HHS-2014-ACF-ANA-NB-0780); (7) Environmental Regulatory Enhancement (hereinafter referred to as ERE) (HHS-2014-ACF-ANA-NR- 0777); and new FOAs for FY2016--(8) Native Language Community Coordination Demonstration Project (hereinafter referred to as NLCC) (HHS-2016-ACF-ANA-NS-1168); and (9) Native Youth Initiative for Leadership, Empowerment, and Development (hereinafter referred to as Native Youth I-LEAD) (HHS-2016-ACF-ANA-NC-1167) . This notice of public comment also provides additional information about ANA's plan for administering the programs.
Sovereignty in Indian Education
80 FR 76031, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) announces the availability of enhancement funds to tribes and their tribal education departments (TEDs) to promote tribal control and operation of BIE- funded schools on their reservations. This notice invites tribes with at least one BIE-funded school on their reservation/Indian land to submit grant proposals.
Highly Fractionated Indian Land (HFIL) Loan Program
80 FR 74966, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is implementing the HFIL Loan Program to provide revolving loan funds to eligible intermediary lenders familiar with Indian Lands. The intermediary lenders will provide loan funds to qualified individuals, entities, and tribes to purchase highly fractionated Indian land consistent with the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill). FSA is also requesting public comments on the rule.
Receipt of Documented Petitions for Federal Acknowledgment of American Indian Tribes
80 FR 74123, (PDF)
SUMMARY: Under Part 83 of Title 25 of the Code of Federal Regulations (25 CFR part 83), the Department of the Interior (Department) gives notice of three groups that have each filed a documented petition for Federal acknowledgment as an American Indian tribe with the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs. The Department seeks comment and evidence from the public on the petitions listed below.
Rights-of-Way on Indian Land
80 FR 72491, (PDF)
SUMMARY: This final rule comprehensively updates and streamlines the process for obtaining Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) grants of rights- of-way on Indian land, while supporting tribal self-determination and self-governance. This final rule further implements 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. The rule also applies to BIA land.
Johnson-O'Malley Program
80 FR 68465, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) will be conducting three consultation sessions to obtain oral and written comments on issues concerning the Johnson O'Malley (JOM) program. The sessions continue the previous dialogues conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and BIE in 2012 and 2015.
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee: Notice of Nomination Solicitation
80 FR 70256, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The National Park Service is seeking nominations for one member of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee (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 need not be a traditional Indian religious leader.
Proclaiming Certain Lands as Reservation for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe
80 FR 70250, (PDF)
SUMMARY: This notice informs the public that through the issuance of the Record of Decision on April 22, 2013 announcing the decision to acquire the subject property in trust, the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs proclaimed such subject property as the initial reservation of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe of Washington on November 6, 2015. The subject property was accepted by the United States in trust for the Tribe on March 9, 2015. Now that the subject property is held in trust by the United States for the Tribe, the Department is implementing its 2013 decision to proclaim the subject property as the initial reservation of the Tribe.
Disposition of Unclaimed Human Remains, Funerary Objects, Sacred Objects, or Objects of Cultural Patrimony
80 FR 68465, (PDF)
SUMMARY: This final rule provides procedures for the disposition of unclaimed human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony excavated or discovered on, and removed from, Federal lands after November 16, 1990. It implements section 3(b) of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
National Native American Heritage Month, 2015
80 FR 68417, (PDF)
SUMMARY: A proclamation by the President of the United States, Barack Obama, designating November as National Native American Heritage Month.
Council for Native American Farming and Ranching Meeting
80 FR 65983, (PDF)
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 held during fiscal year 2016 and will consist of, but not be limited to: Hearing public comments, update of USDA programs and activities, and discussion of committee priorities. This meeting will be open to the public.
Notice of Intent To Award-Grant Awards for the Provision of Civil Legal Services to Eligible Low-Income Clients Beginning January 1, 2016
80 FR 65248, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) hereby announces its intention to award grants and contracts to provide economical and effective delivery of high quality civil legal services to eligible low-income clients, beginning January 1, 2016.
Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves
80 FR 64325-01, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The National Park Service is amending its regulations for sport hunting and trapping in national preserves in Alaska. This rule provides that the National Park Service does not adopt State of Alaska management actions or laws or regulations that authorize taking of wildlife, which are related to predator reduction efforts (as defined in this rule). This rule affirms current State prohibitions on harvest practices by adopting them as federal regulation. The rule also prohibits the following activities that are allowed under State law: Taking any black bear, including cubs and sows with cubs, with artificial light at den sites; taking brown bears and black bears over bait; taking wolves and coyotes during the denning season; harvest of swimming caribou or taking caribou from a motorboat while under power; and using dogs to hunt black bears. The rule also simplifies and updates procedures for closing an area or restricting an activity in National Park Service areas in Alaska; updates obsolete subsistence regulations; prohibits obstructing persons engaged in lawful hunting or trapping; and authorizes the use of native species as bait for fishing.
Acceptance of Retrocession of Jurisdiction for the Yakama Nation
80 FR 63583, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Department of Interior (Department) has accepted retrocession to the United States of partial civil and criminal jurisdiction over the Yakama Nation from the State of Washington.
Secretarial Election Procedures
80 FR 63094, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs is amending its regulations governing Secretarial elections and procedures for tribal members to petition for Secretarial elections. This rule reflects changes in the law and the requirement that regulations be written in plain language. The rule also clarifies how tribes may remove Secretarial election requirements from their governing documents.
Proposed Renewal of Information Collection: OMB Control Number 1035-0003, Application To Withdraw Tribal Funds From Trust Status
80 FR 63253, (PDF)
SUMMARY: In compliance with section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians, Department of the Interior, announces the proposed renewal of a public information collection required by The American Indian Trust Fund Management Reform Act of 1994, ``Application to Withdraw Tribal Funds from Trust Status, 25 CFR 1200,'' OMB Control No. 1035-0003, and that it is seeking comments on its provisions. After public review, the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians will submit the information collection to Office of Management and Budget for renewal.
Family Violence Prevention and Services Programs
80 FR 61889, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Administration for Children and Families proposes to revise regulations applying to the Family Violence Prevention and Services Programs. These proposed revisions would update existing rules to reflect statutory changes, would update procedures for soliciting and awarding grants, and would make other changes to increase clarity and reduce potential confusion over statutory and regulatory standards. The proposed revisions would codify standards already used by the program in the Funding Opportunity Announcements and awards, in technical assistance, in reporting requirements, and in sub-regulatory guidance.
Indian Gaming
80 FR 61425, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), announces the availability of the following 15 Skin Notation Profiles [DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Nos. 2015– 191 to 2015–195 and 2015–226 to 2015– 235].
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
80 FR 61471, (PDF)
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of the renewal of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), section 166 Indian and Native American Programs Charter that is necessary and in the public interest. Accordingly, the U.S. Department of Labor (the Department), Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has renewed the NAETC Charter for two years with revisions. The revisions are not intended to change the purpose or the Council's original intent. The revisions include language regarding the use of proxies and changes to the membership balance plan. The Council Charter expired on September 9, 2015.
Notice To Propose the Redesignation of the Service Delivery Area for the Aquinnah Wampanoag Indian Tribe
80 FR 60158, (PDF)
SUMMARY: This document extends the comment period for the notice to propose Redesignation of the Service Delivery Area for the Aquinnah Wampanoag Indian Tribe, which was published in the Federal Register on August 24, 2015. The comment period for the notice, which would have ended on September 23, 2015, is extended by 30 days.
Indian Gaming
80 FR 60171, (PDF)
SUMMARY: This publishes notice of the Extension of the Class III gaming compact between the Rosebud Sioux Tribe of the Rosebud Indian Reservation and the State of South Dakota.
Proclaiming Certain Lands as Reservation for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community of Minnesota
80 FR 59812, (PDF)
SUMMARY: This notice informs the public that the Assistant Secretary-- Indian Affairs proclaimed approximately 104.40 acres, more or less, as an addition to the Reservation of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community of Minnesota on September 22, 2015.
Procedures for Reestablishing a Formal Government-to-Government Relationship With the Native Hawaiian Community
80 FR 59113, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) is proposing an administrative rule to facilitate the reestablishment of a formal 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 proposed rule does not attempt to reorganize a Native Hawaiian government or draft its constitution, nor does it dictate the form or structure of that government. Rather, the proposed rule would establish an administrative procedure and criteria that the Secretary would use if the Native Hawaiian community forms a unified government that then seeks a formal government-to-government relationship with the United States. Consistent with the Federal policy of indigenous self-determination and Native self-governance, the Native Hawaiian community itself would determine whether and how to reorganize its government.
Proposed Appointment to the National Indian Gaming Commission
80 FR 58773, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act provides for a three-person National Indian Gaming Commission. One member, the Chair, is appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Two associate members are appointed by the Secretary of the Interior. Before appointing members, the Secretary is required to provide public notice of a proposed appointment and allow a comment period. Notice is hereby given of the proposed appointment of E. Sequoyah Simermeyer as an associate member of the National Indian Gaming Commission for a term of 3 years.
Migratory Bird Hunting; Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for the 2015-16 Late Season
80 FR 58157, (PDF)
SUMMARY: This rule prescribes special late-season migratory bird hunting regulations for certain tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and ceded lands. This rule responds to tribal requests for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) recognition of their authority to regulate hunting under established guidelines. This rule allows the establishment of season bag limits and, thus, harvest at levels compatible with populations and habitat conditions.
Notice of final agency determination
80 FR 57848, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs made a final determination to acquire approximately 321.35 acres of land, more or less, in Barnstable and Bristol Counties, Massachusetts, in trust for gaming and other purposes for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe on September 18, 2015.
Tribal Consultation Meeting
80 FR 57216, (PDF)
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, Public Law 110-134, notice is hereby given of two 1-day Tribal Consultation Sessions to be held between the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families, OHS 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 Tribal Consultation Policy
80 FR 57434, (PDF)
SUMMARY: This notice announces a 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.
Notice of meeting
80 FR 57216, (PDF)
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.
Draft policy for public notice and comment; reopening of comment period
80 FR 57014, (PDF)
SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are reopening the comment period for the draft Native American Policy, which we announced for public comment in the Federal Register on August 2, 2015. The purpose of this Policy is to further the United States' trust responsibility to Indian tribes by establishing a framework on which to base our continued interactions with federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native Corporations. The Policy recognizes the sovereignty of federally recognized tribes; states that the Service will work on a government-to-government basis with tribal governments; and includes guidance on co-management, access to and use of cultural resources, capacity development, law enforcement, and education.
Announcement of the Award of a Single Source Emergency Grant to the Oglala Sioux Tribe in Pine Ridge, SD
80 FR 55121-01, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Administration for Native Americans (ANA) announces the award of a single source emergency grant in the amount of $400,000 to the Oglala Sioux Tribe to provide empowerment activities for youth in order to address the critically high levels of youth suicide on the reservation since December 2014.
National Advisory Council on Indian Education; Public Teleconference Meeting
80 FR 55106-01, (PDF)
SUMMARY: This notice sets forth the schedule of an upcoming public meeting conducted by the National Advisory Council on Indian Education NACIE). Notice of the meeting is required by section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act and intended to notify the public of its opportunity to attend.
Migratory Bird Hunting; Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for the 2015-16 Early Season
80 FR 52663-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 5093740
SUMMARY: This rule prescribes special early-season migratory bird hunting regulations for certain Tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and ceded lands. This rule responds to Tribal requests for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) recognition of Tribal authority to regulate hunting under established guidelines. This rule allows the establishment of season bag limits and, thus, harvest, at levels compatible with populations and habitat conditions.
Section 306D Water Systems for Rural and Native Villages in Alaska
80 FR 52606-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 5093723
SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is modifying its existing regulations to establish a separate regulation for making grants to rural or Native Alaskan Villages under the Rural Alaska Village Grant (RAVG) Program. The existing RAVG regulation will be relocated to its own section and modified to conform with streamlined processes established through a Memorandum of Understanding among USDA, RUS; The United States Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health Service (IHS); The State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC); and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC). The grants will be provided directly to a rural or Native Alaskan Village or jointly with either DEC or ANTHC for the development and construction of water and wastewater systems to improve the health and sanitation conditions in those Villages through removal of dire sanitation conditions.
Sovereignty in Indian Education
80 FR 52333-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 5048081
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) announces the availability of enhancement funds to tribes and their tribal education agencies to promote tribal control and operation of BIE-funded schools on their reservations. This notice invites tribes with at least one BIE-funded school on their reservation/Indian land to submit grant proposals.
Tribal Education Department Grant Program
80 FR 52332-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 5048080
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) announces the availability of grants to tribes and their tribal education departments (TEDs) for projects defined under 25 U.S.C. 2020. This notice invites tribes with BIE-funded schools on or near Indian lands to submit grant proposals.
HEARTH Act Approval of Makah Indian Tribe of the Makah Indian Reservation
Regulations
80 FR 51836-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 5014015
SUMMARY: On August 18, 2015, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Makah Indian Tribe of the Makah Indian Reservation leasing regulations under the HEARTH Act. With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into the following type of leases without BIA approval: Residential, business, wind and solar development, and other authorized purposes.
HEARTH Act Approval of Squaxin Island Tribe Regulations
80 FR 51835-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 5014014
SUMMARY: On August 20, 2015, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Squaxin Island Tribe leasing regulations under the HEARTH Act. With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into business leases without BIA approval.
Meeting on American Indian/Alaska Native Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
Health Issues
80 FR 51824-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 5014001
SUMMARY: The Indian Health Service (IHS) is continuing to seek broad public input as it continues efforts to advance and promote the health needs of the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community.
Notice To Propose the Redesignation of the Service Delivery Area for the Wampanoag
Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah)
80 FR 51281-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 4984445
SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the Indian Health Service (IHS) proposes to expand the geographic boundaries of the Service Delivery Area for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) of Massachusetts. The Aquinnah service delivery area is currently comprised of members of the Tribe residing in Martha's Vineyard, Dukes County in the State of Massachusetts. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) recognized the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head on February 10, 1987. Martha's Vineyard, Dukes County was designated as the Aquinnah service delivery area in the Wampanoag Tribal Council of Gay Head, Inc., Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1987, Public Law 100-95.
Oglala Sioux Tribe; Major Disaster and Related Determinations
80 FR 50306-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 4913586
SUMMARY: This is a notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the Oglala Sioux Tribe (FEMA-4237-DR), dated August 7, 2015, and related determinations.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Tejon Indian Tribe's Proposed Trust Acquisition and Casino Project, Kern County, California
80 FR 48559-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 4751285
SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) as lead agency and the Tejon Indian Tribe (Tribe) as cooperating agency intend to gather information necessary to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Tribe's Proposed Trust Acquisition and Casino Project, Kern County, California. This notice also opens public scoping to identify potential issues, concerns and alternatives to be considered in the EIS.
Gathering of Certain Plants or Plant Parts by Federally Recognized Indian Tribes for Traditional PurposesReopening of Public Comment Period
80 FR 48280-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 4737608
SUMMARY: The National Park Service is reopening the public comment period for the proposed rule to amend its regulations to authorize agreements between the National Park Service and federally recognized Indian tribes to allow the gathering and removal of plants or plant parts by designated tribal members for traditional purposes. Reopening the comment period for 45 days will allow more time for the public to review the proposal and submit comments.
Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System
80 FR 48200-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 4720722
SUMMARY: The Administration for Children and Families proposes to revise the Statewide and Tribal Automated Child Welfare Information System regulations. This proposed rule will remove the requirement for a single comprehensive system and allow title IV-E agencies to implement systems that support current child welfare practice. It also proposes to establish requirements around design, data quality, and data exchange standards in addition to aligning these regulations with current and emerging technology developments to support the administration of title IV-E and IV-B programs under the Social Security Act.
HEARTH Act Approval of Seminole Tribe of Florida Regulations
80 FR 47949-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 4710692
SUMMARY: On January 8, 2015, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Seminole Tribe of Florida leasing regulations under the HEARTH Act. With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into the following type of leases without BIA approval: Business and residential ordinances.
Revised Interpretation of Clean Water Act Tribal Provision
80 FR 47430-02, (PDF), 2015 WL 4653132
SUMMARY: Waters on the majority of Indian reservations do not have water quality standards under the Clean Water Act to protect human health and the environment. Only 40 of over 300 federally recognized tribes with reservations have completed the process of obtaining EPA's approval to be treated in a manner similar to a state (TAS), and adopting standards for their waters that EPA has approved. EPA proposes to streamline how tribes apply for TAS for the water quality standards program and other Clean Water Act regulatory programs. The proposal would reduce the burden on applicant tribes and advance cooperative federalism by facilitating tribal involvement in the protection of reservation water quality as intended by Congress. Since 1991, EPA has followed a cautious approach that requires applicant tribes to demonstrate inherent authority to regulate waters and activities on their reservations under principles of federal Indian common law. The Agency has consistently stated that its approach was subject to change in the event of further congressional or judicial guidance addressing tribal authority under section 518 of the Clean Water Act. Having received such guidance, EPA proposes to conclude definitively that section 518 includes an express delegation of authority by Congress to eligible Indian tribes to administer regulatory programs over their entire reservations. This reinterpretation would eliminate the need for applicant tribes to demonstrate inherent authority to regulate under the Act, thus allowing tribes to implement the congressional delegation of authority unhindered by requirements not specified in the statute. The reinterpretation would also bring EPA's treatment of tribes under the Clean Water Act in line with EPA's treatment of tribes under the Clean Air Act, which has similar statutory language addressing tribal regulation of Indian reservation areas. This action would not revise any regulatory text. Regulatory provisions would remain in effect requiring tribes to identify the boundaries of the reservation areas over which they seek to exercise authority and allowing the adjacent state(s) to comment to EPA on an applicant tribe's assertion of authority. As a streamlining step, the proposed interpretive rule would have no significant cost.
Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed 2016-17 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations (Preliminary) With Requests for Indian Tribal Proposals; Notice of Meetings
80 FR 47388-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 4641193
SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter the Service or we) proposes to establish annual hunting regulations for certain migratory game birds for the 2016-17 hunting season. We annually prescribe outside limits (frameworks) within which States may select hunting seasons. This proposed rule provides the regulatory schedule, announces the Service Migratory Bird Regulations Committee and Flyway Council (SRC) meetings, describes the regulatory alternatives for the 2016-17 duck hunting seasons, and requests proposals from Indian tribes that wish to establish special migratory game bird hunting regulations on Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. Migratory game bird hunting seasons provide opportunities for recreation and sustenance; aid Federal, State, and tribal governments in the management of migratory game birds; and permit harvests at levels compatible with migratory game bird population status and habitat conditions.
Equal Participation of Faith-Based Organizations in HUD Programs: Implementation of E.O. 13559
80 FR 47302-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 4641189
SUMMARY: This rule proposes to revise HUD's regulation that covers the equal participation of faith-based (religious) organizations in HUD Programs, including all of HUD's Native American Programs, as well as several program-specific regulations regarding the equal participation of faith-based organizations. These revisions are being undertaken to implement Executive Order 13559, Fundamental Principles and Policymaking Criteria for Partnerships with Faith-Based and Other Neighborhood Organizations. Executive Order 13559 revised Executive Order 13279, Equal Protection of the Laws for Faith-Based and Community Organizations, which provides the legal basis for HUD's current equal participation regulations. This rule implements changes to Executive Order 13279 made by Executive Order 13559, including changes to specific terminology, additional beneficiary protections, and clarifications on the responsibilities of intermediaries. In addition to proposing regulatory amendments to implement Executive Order 13559, HUD is also publishing for public comment a sample notice of beneficiary protections for use by faith-based organizations.
Office of Tribal Relations; Council for Native American Farming and Ranching
80 FR 46950-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 4641078
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 fourth meeting of the 2014-2016 CNAFR 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.
Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for the 2015-16 Season
80 FR 46218-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 4609910
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 2015-16 migratory bird hunting season.
Native American Policy for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
80 FR 46043-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 4599050
SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) issues this draft Native American policy for public comment. The purpose of this policy is to further the United States' trust responsibility to Indian tribes by establishing a framework on which to base our continued interactions with federally recognized tribes as well as interactions with Alaska Native Corporations. The policy recognizes the sovereignty of federally recognized tribes; states that the Service will work on a government- to-government basis with tribal governments; and includes guidance on co-management, access to and use of cultural resources, capacity development, law enforcement, and education.
Final Decision on Remand Against Federal Acknowledgment of the Duwamish Tribal Organization
80 FR 45230-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 4538870
SUMMARY: This notice announces that the Department of the Interior (Department) through the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs (AS-IA) issued corrections to the ``Summary under the Criteria and Evidence for Final Decision on Judicial Remand'' dated July 2, 2015 (Final Decision on Remand) that declined to acknowledge that the Duwamish Tribal Organization (DTO), c/o Cecile Maxwell-Hansen, is an Indian tribe within the meaning of Federal law. This notice supplements the notice of final decision on remand published in the Federal Register on July 8, 2015.
Administration for Native Americans; Notice of Meeting
80 FR 44970-02, (PDF), 2015 WL 4512693
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.
Proposed Directives on American Indian and Alaska Native Relations Forest Service Manual 1500, Chapter 1560 and Forest Service Handbook 1509.13, Chapter 10
80 FR 44019-02, (PDF), 2015 WL 4481801
SUMMARY: The Forest Service proposes to revise its internal Agency directives for American Indian and Alaska Native Relations to establish better direction for the Agency to work effectively with Indian tribes. Specifically, the proposed directives modify Forest Service staff roles and responsibilities, establish staff training standards, describe authorities for working with Indian tribes, delineate consultation procedures, explain the historical trust and treaty responsibility underlying the government-to-government relationship, and outline Dispute Resolution options within the Forest Service. The proposed directives cross reference to other Forest Service directives, including those detailing aspects of Business Operations, National Forest System Management, State and Private Forestry, and Research and Development. The proposed directives were reorganized and revised to be consistent with the 2013 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Departmental Regulation No. 1350-002 ``Tribal Consultation, Coordination, and Collaboration''; Report to the Secretary, USDA Policy and Procedures Review and Recommendations: Indian Sacred Sites (2012), legislation (including the Culture and Heritage Cooperation Authority provisions of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 [Public Law 110-246; the Farm Bill]), and input from Forest Service Field staff. The directives were last revised in 2004, with an Interim Directive issued in 2012. These proposed directives have tribal implications as defined by Executive Order 13175, ``Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments.'' The 120-day consultation with Tribes was conducted from June 6, 2013, to November 27, 2013, consistent with the Executive Order and the current Forest Service directives. Tribal consultation [[Page 44020]] continued after October 6, 2013, and will end at the same time as the public comment period. All comments received so far have been supportive of the revised directives. Tribal consultation and public comment are invited and will be considered by the Agency in determining the scope of the final directives.
Division of Behavioral Health, Office of Clinical and Preventive Services; Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Initiative; Correction
80 FR 43447-02, (PDF), 2015 WL 4452237
SUMMARY: The Indian Health Service published a document in the Federal Register on July 8, 2015, for the FY 2015 Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Initiative. The notice contained four incorrect broad objectives for Purpose Area #2.
Meeting on American Indian/Alaska Native Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health Issues
80 FR 43447-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 4452236
SUMMARY: The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking broad public input as it begins efforts to advance and promote the health needs of the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community.
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: Designation of an Approved Native American Tribal Card Issued by the Seneca Nation of Indians as an Acceptable Document To Denote Identity and Citizenship for Entry in the United States at Land and Sea Ports of Entry
80 FR 40076-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 4158862
SUMMARY: This notice announces that the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection is designating an approved Native American Tribal Card issued by the Seneca Nation of Indians to U.S. and Canadian citizens as an acceptable travel document for purposes of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. The approved card may be used to denote identity and citizenship of Seneca Nation of Indians members entering the United States from contiguous territory or adjacent islands at land and sea ports of entry.
2020 Census Tribal Consultation Meetings
80 FR 39993-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 4158815
SUMMARY: Pursuant to Executive Order 13175, the Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) plans to conduct eight tribal consultation meetings and one national webinar with federally recognized tribes across the country between October 2015 and April 2016. These meetings will provide a forum for tribes to share insights, make recommendations and discuss concerns related to the 2020 Census. The Census Bureau's procedures for outreach, notice and consultation will ensure involvement of tribes, to the extent practicable and permitted by law, before making decisions or implementing policies, rules or programs that affect federally recognized tribal governments. The Census Bureau requests that interested members of the public comment with any questions or topics they would like to see considered in these meetings. For a list of dates, locations and times please check http://webdev.ssd.census.gov/aian/census_2020/. These meetings are open to members of federally recognized tribes by invitation.
Final Determination for Federal Acknowledgment of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe
80 FR 39144-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 4091600
SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior (Department) gives notice the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs (AS-IA) has determined to acknowledge the Pamunkey Indian Tribe (Petitioner #323) as an Indian tribe within the meaning of Federal law. This notice is based on a determination that affirms the reasoning, analysis, and conclusions in the Proposed Finding (PF), as modified by additional evidence. The petitioner has submitted more than sufficient evidence to satisfy each of the seven mandatory criteria for acknowledgment set forth in the regulations under 25 CFR 83.7, and, therefore, meets the requirements for a government-to-government relationship with the United States. Based on the limited nature and extent of comments and consistent with prior practices, the Department did not produce a separate detailed report or other summary under the criteria pertaining to this final determination (FD). The proposed finding, as supplemented by this notice, is affirmed and constitutes the FD.
Related News Story: Pamunkey nation looks to future after gaining federal recognition (Virginia Gazette) 7/07/15. U.S. grants federal recognition to Virginia's Pamunkey tribe (The Daily Progress) 7/02/15.
Final Decision on Remand Against Federal Acknowledgment of the Duwamish Tribal
Organization
80 FR 39142-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 4091599
SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior (Department) gives notice that the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs (AS-IA) declines to acknowledge that the Duwamish Tribal Organization (DTO), c/o Cecile Maxwell-Hansen, is an Indian tribe within the meaning of Federal law. This notice follows a Final Decision on Remand (FD on Remand) that the petitioner does not satisfy all seven mandatory criteria in the either the 1978 or 1994 regulations, 25 CFR part 83. Therefore, the DTO does not meet the requirements for a government-to-government relationship with the United States. The Department issues the FD on Remand in response to judicial review in Hansen v. Salazar, 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 40622 (3/ 22/2013).
Related News Stories: Duwamish Tribe denied federal recognition (Seattle Times) 7/04/15
Federal Acknowledgment of American Indian Tribes
[see additional information on these rules at the BIA website.]
80 FR 37862-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3958651
SUMMARY: This rule revises 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 and substantive rigor of the process. For decades, the current process has been criticized as ``broken'' and 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. This rule reforms the process by, among other things, institutionalizing a phased review that allows for faster decisions; reducing the documentary burden while maintaining the existing rigor of the process; allowing for a hearing on a negative proposed finding to promote transparency and integrity; enhancing notice to tribes and local governments and enhancing transparency by posting all publicly available petition documents on the Department's Web site; establishing the Assistant Secretary's final determination as final for the Department to promote efficiency; and codifying and improving upon past Departmental implementation of standards, where appropriate, to ensure consistency, transparency, predictability and fairness.
Related News Story: Department of the Interior announces final federal recognition process to acknowledge Indian tribes (Char-Koosta News) 7/02/15
Requests for Administrative Acknowledgment of Federal Indian Tribes
80 FR 37538-02, (PDF), 2015 WL 3958642
SUMMARY: This policy guidance establishes the Department's intent to make determinations to acknowledge Federal Indian tribes within the contiguous 48 states only in accordance with the regulations established for that purpose at 25 CFR part 83. This notice directs any unrecognized group requesting that the Department acknowledge it as an Indian tribe, through reaffirmation or any other alternative basis, to petition under 25 CFR part 83 unless an alternate process is established by rulemaking following the effective date of this policy guidance.
Indian Gaming
80 FR 36572-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3943044
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) published a notice in the Federal Register of June 4, 2015 (80 FR 31918), containing a list of approved Tribal-State Class III gaming compacts. The notice contained incorrect spellings for two tribes.
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) published a notice in the Federal Register of June 4, 2015 (80 FR 31918), containing a list of approved Tribal-State Class III gaming compacts. The notice contained incorrect spellings for two tribes.
SUMMARY: On January 22, 2015, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Cowlitz Indian Tribe leasing regulations under the HEARTH Act. With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into the following type of leases without BIA approval: Business leases.
HEARTH Act Approval of Ho-Chunk Nation Regulations
80 FR 36572-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3880449
SUMMARY: On February 4, 2015, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Ho-Chunk Nation leasing regulations under the HEARTH Act. With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into the following type of leases without BIA approval: Business, residential, and agricultural ordinances.
HEARTH Act Approval of Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians Regulations
80 FR 36571-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3880448
SUMMARY: On April 4, 2014, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians leasing regulations under the HEARTH Act. With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into the following type of leases without BIA approval: Business leases.
HEARTH Act Approval of Rincon Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Regulations
80 FR 36570-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3880447
SUMMARY: On June 4, 2015, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Rincon Band of Luiseno Mission Indians leasing regulations under the HEARTH Act. With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into the following type of leases without BIA approval: Business leases.
HEARTH Act Approval of Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Regulations
80 FR 36569-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3880446
SUMMARY: On September 23, 2014, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians leasing regulations under the HEARTH Act. With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into the following type of leases without BIA approval: Business leases.
HEARTH Act Approval of Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma Regulations
80 FR 36568-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3880445
SUMMARY: On June 3, 2015, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma leasing regulations under the HEARTH Act. With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into the following type of leases without BIA approval: Business leases.
HEARTH Act Approval of Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians Regulations
80 FR 36567-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3880444
SUMMARY: On November 10, 2013, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians leasing regulations under the HEARTH Act. With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into the following type of leases without BIA approval: Business leases.
HEARTH Act Approval of Wichita and Affiliated Tribes Regulations
80 FR 36566-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3880443
SUMMARY: On April 8, 2014, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes leasing regulations under the HEARTH Act. With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into the following type of leases without BIA approval: Business leases.
HEARTH Act Approval of Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians Leasing Regulations
80 FR 36565-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3880442
SUMMARY: On April 11, 2013 (amended November 24, 2014), the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians leasing regulations under the HEARTH Act. With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into the following type of leases without BIA approval: Residential leases.
HEARTH Act Approval of Kaw Nation Regulations
80 FR 36564-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3880441
SUMMARY: On December 13, 2013, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Kaw Nation leasing regulations under the HEARTH Act. With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into the following type of leases without BIA approval: Business leases.
HEARTH Act Approval of Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay Indians Regulations
80 FR 36563-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3880440
SUMMARY: On December 10, 2013, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay Indians leasing regulations under the HEARTH Act. With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into the following type of leases without BIA approval: business leases.
HEARTH Act Approval of Citizen Potawatomi Nation Regulations
80 FR 36562-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3880439
SUMMARY: On November 10, 2013, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Citizen Potawatomi Nation leasing regulations under the HEARTH Act. With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into the following type of leases without BIA approval: Business leases.
HEARTH Act Approval of Pueblo of Sandia Leasing Regulations
80 FR 36561-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3880438
SUMMARY: On March 14, 2013, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Pueblo of Sandia leasing regulations under the HEARTH Act. With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into the following type of leases without BIA approval: Business leases.
HEARTH Act Approval of Ak-Chin Indian Community Leasing Regulations
80 FR 36560-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3880437
SUMMARY: On November 10, 2013, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Ak-Chin Indian Community leasing regulations under the HEARTH Act. With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into the following type of leases without BIA approval: Business leases.
HEARTH Act Approval of Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Regulations
80 FR 36558-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3880436
SUMMARY: On April 4, 2014, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe leasing regulations under the HEARTH Act. With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into the following type of leases without BIA approval: Business leases.
HEARTH Act Approval of Oneida Indian Nation Regulations
80 FR 36557-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3880435
SUMMARY: On January 28, 2015, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Oneida Indian Nation leasing regulations under the HEARTH Act. With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into the following type of leases without BIA approval: Business leases.
HEARTH Act Approval of Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut Regulations
80 FR 36556-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3880434
SUMMARY: On April 8, 2014, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut leasing regulations under the HEARTH Act. With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into the following type of leases without BIA approval: Business leases.
HEARTH Act Approval of Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Leasing Regulations
80 FR 36555-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3880433
SUMMARY: On February 1, 2013, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria leasing regulations under the HEARTH Act. With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into the following type of leases without BIA approval: Business leases.
NOTICES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORNative American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee: Meeting
80 FR 34169-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3645443
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, (5 U.S.C. Appendix 1-16), of two meetings of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee (Review Committee). The Review Committee will meet on November 18-19, 2015, in Norman, OK, and if necessary, via teleconference, on December 14, 2015. All meetings will be open to the public.
Major Portion Prices and Due Date for Additional Royalty Payments on Indian Gas Production in Designated Areas Not Associated With an Index Zone
80 FR 33553-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3626851
SUMMARY: Final regulations for valuing gas produced from Indian leases, published August 10, 1999, require ONRR to determine major portion prices and notify industry by publishing the prices in the Federal Register. The regulations also require ONRR to publish a due date for industry to pay additional royalties based on the major portion prices. Consistent with these requirements, this notice provides major portion prices for the 12 months of calendar year 2013.
Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects
80 FR 33279-02, (PDF), 2015 WL 3610611
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.
Administration for Children and Families Office of Community Services; Notice of Meeting
80 FR 33270-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3610599
SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing that a collection of information entitled ``Survey of Health Care Practitioners for Device Labeling Format and Content'' has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
SUMMARY: On May 26, 2015, HUD published a notice in the Federal Register announcing the seventh meeting of the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) program negotiated rulemaking committee. The notice advised the public that the seventh meeting of the IHBG negotiated rulemaking committee will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2015, Wednesday, August 12, 2015, and Thursday, August 13, 2015. The published notice incorrectly listed the location for the meeting. This document corrects the address and location for the meeting.
Indian Gaming
80 FR 31991-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3507237
SUMMARY: The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC or Commission) makes corrections to various regulations previously issued. The Commission recently moved its headquarters resulting in the need to update the Commission's mailing address. Additionally, the current regulations contain outdated references to previous regulations that no longer exist. The amendments also correct various minor grammatical errors.
2015 Final Fee Rate and Fingerprint Fees
80 FR 31919-02, (PDF), 2015 WL 3489165
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given, pursuant to 25 CFR 514.2, that the National Indian Gaming Commission has adopted its 2015 final annual fee rates of 0.00% for tier 1 and 0.065% (.00065) 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 2015 final fee rate on Class II revenues shall be 0.0325% (.000325) which is one-half of the annual fee rate. The final fee rates being adopted here are effective June 1, 2015 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 $21 per card, which is the same as the fingerprint fees announced in March 2015.
Land Acquisitions; Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians of California
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
80 FR 31613-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 3466769
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire approximately 410.23 +/- acres of land in trust for the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians, California, for gaming and other purposes on May 19, 2015.
Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996: Negotiated
Rulemaking Committee; Notice of Seventh Meeting
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
80 FR 30004-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 2251728
SUMMARY: This Notice identifies unutilized, underutilized, excess, and surplus Federal property reviewed by HUD for suitability for use to assist the homeless.
Tribal Education Department Grant Program
Friday, May 15, 2015
80 FR 27999-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 2251728
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) announces the availability of grants to tribes and their tribal education departments for projects identified at 25 U.S.C. 2020. This notice invites tribes with BIE-funded schools on or near Indian lands to submit grant proposals.
Privacy Act Regulations
Thursday, May 14, 2015
80 FR 27623-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 2229999
SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior is proposing to amend its regulations to exempt certain records in the Indian Arts and Crafts Board system of records from one or more provisions of the Privacy Act because of criminal, civil, and administrative law enforcement requirements.
Whether A Group Asserting Residency on the Pinoleville Rancheria Is Eligible To
Organize as a Tribe Under the Indian Reorganization Act
Thursday, May 14, 2015
80 FR 27700-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 2229939
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Pacific Regional Director has received a request for an administrative determination as to whether the requesting group of people is eligible to organize as a tribe under the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA). This notice is given to advise the public that BIA Pacific Regional Office will be accepting comments on this group's request and any other matter relevant to the Pacific Regional Director's determination.
Leasing of Osage Reservation Lands for Oil and Gas Mining
Monday, May 11, 2015
80 FR 26994-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 2159441
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs is issuing its final revisions to the regulations addressing mineral development of the Osage minerals estate. This rule updates the leasing procedures and the rental, operations, safety and royalty requirements for oil and gas production on Osage mineral lands and is the result of a negotiated rulemaking.
Indian Oil Valuation Amendments
Friday, May 1, 2015
80 FR 24794-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 1941010
SUMMARY: ONRR is amending its regulations governing the valuation, for royalty purposes, of oil produced from Indian leases. This rule will expand and clarify the major portion valuation requirement found in the existing regulations for oil production. This rule represents the recommendations of the Indian Oil Valuation Negotiated Rulemaking Committee (Committee). This rule also changes the form filing requirements necessary to claim a transportation allowance for oil produced from Indian leases.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Friday, April 24, 2015
80 FR 22973-02, (PDF), 2015 WL 1848759
SUMMARY: On March 26, 2015, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced the availability for public review of a proposed evaluation of three Hatchery and Genetic Management Plans (HGMPs) submitted by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), with the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, the Lummi Nation, the Nooksack Tribe, the Stillaguamish Tribes, and the Tulalip Tribes pursuant to the protective regulations promulgated for Pacific salmon and steelhead under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The HGMPs specify the propagation of early-returning (``early'') winter steelhead in the Dungeness, Nooksack, and Stillaguamish River watersheds of Washington State. The availability of a draft environmental assessment (EA), evaluating the anticipated effects of NMFS' proposed determination on those HGMPs pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), was included in the announcement. The announcement opened a 30-day public comment period. Due to an issue with one of the email addresses provided for receipt of comments, comments submitted to EWSteelheadHatcheries.wcr@noaa.gov prior to April 14, 2015, may not have been received. Therefore, NMFS requests that any such comments be re-submitted. NMFS is extending the comment period to May 4, 2015, to facilitate this re-submittal.
Indian Education Discretionary Grants Program; Professional Development Program
and Demonstration Grants for Indian Children Program
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
80 FR 22403-02, (PDF), 2015 WL 1802402
SUMMARY: The Secretary amends 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 Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA). The regulations 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 enhance the project design and quality of services to 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, the regulations add new priorities, including a priority for native youth community projects (NYCPs), and new application requirements.
Gathering of Certain Plants or Plant Parts by Federally Recognized Indian Tribes
for Traditional Purposes
Monday, April 20, 2015
80 FR 21674-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 1754055
SUMMARY: The National Park Service proposes to authorize agreements between the National Park Service and federally recognized Indian tribes to allow the gathering and removal of plants or plant parts by designated tribal members for traditional purposes. The agreements would facilitate continuation of tribal cultural traditions on traditionally associated lands that are now included within units of the National Park System without a significant adverse impact to park resources and values. The proposed rule respects tribal sovereignty and the government-to-government relationship between the United States and the tribes, and would provide system-wide consistency to this aspect of National Park Service-tribal relations. The proposed rule would provide opportunities for tribal youth, the National Park Service, and the public to understand tribal traditions.
American Indian Education Study Group
Friday, April 17, 2015
80 FR 21261-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 1522123
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) published a notice in the Federal Register on March 25, 2015 (80 FR 15807), announcing that the American Indian Education Study Group (Study Group) will conduct four consultation meetings with Indian tribes to obtain oral and written comments. This notice announces an additional consultation meeting scheduled for May 1, 2015, making a total of five tribal consultations meetings.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act; Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
Thursday, April 16, 2015
80 FR 20690-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 1680630
SUMMARY: The Department of Labor (DOL) is proposing, through rulemaking, to implement titles I and III of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA). Through these regulations, the Department proposes to implement job training system reform and strengthen the workforce investment system of the nation to put Americans, particularly those individuals with barriers to employment, back to work and make the United States more competitive in the 21st Century. This proposed rule intends to provide guidance for statewide and local workforce investment systems that increase the employment, retention and earnings of participants, and increase occupational skill attainment by participants, and as a result, improve the quality of the workforce, reduce welfare dependency, and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the nation.
Injury Prevention Program; Announcement; New and Competing Continuation
Cooperative Agreement
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
80 FR 19994-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 1621286
SUMMARY: The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting competitive cooperative agreement (CA) applications for the Injury Prevention Program (IPP) for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). The program is authorized under 25 U.S.C. 13, Snyder Act, and 42 U.S.C., Section 301(a), Public Health Service Act, as amended. This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under 93.284.
Tribal Government To Government Consultation Policy: Solicitation of Public
Comment
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
80 FR 18858-02, (PDF), 2015 WL 1537805
SUMMARY: Consistent with Executive Order 13175, ``Consultation with Indian Tribal Governments,'' this notice requests public comment on HUD's tribal government-to-government consultation policy. The purpose of this tribal consultation policy is to enhance communication and coordination between HUD and federally recognized Indian tribes, and to outline guiding principles and procedures under which all HUD employees are to operate with regard to federally recognized Indian or Alaska Native tribes.
Delegation of Authority for the Office of Public and Indian Housing, Tuesday, April 7, 2015
80 FR 18858-02, (PDF), 2015 WL 1522132
SUMMARY: Section 7(d) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Act, as amended, authorizes the Secretary to delegate functions, powers and duties as the Secretary deems necessary. In this delegation of authority, the Secretary delegates authority to the Assistant Secretary, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and the General Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH) and authorizes the Assistant Secretary, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and the General Deputy Assistant Secretary to redelegate authority for the administration of certain PIH programs. This delegation revokes and supersedes all prior delegations of authority, including the delegation published on August 4, 2011.
Order of Succession for the Office of Public and Indian Housing
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
80 FR 18644-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 1522131
SUMMARY: In this notice, the Secretary designates the order of succession for the Office of Public and Indian Housing. This order of succession revokes and supersedes all prior orders of succession for the Office of Public and Indian Housing, including the Order of Succession published on August 4, 2011.
Reimbursement Rates for Calendar Year 2015
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
80 FR 18639-02, (PDF), 2015 WL 1522123
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 2015 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. Sec. Sec. 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.
Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes; National Indian Health Outreach
and Education II
Monday, April 6, 2015
80 FR 18414-02, (PDF), 2015 WL 1508565
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) outreach and education award and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) outreach and education award.
Approval of Tribal Implementation Plan and Designation of Air Quality Planning
Area; Pechanga Band of Luise�no Mission Indians
Friday, April 3, 2015
80 FR 18120-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 1479204
SUMMARY: he Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final action to revise the boundaries of the Southern California air quality planning areas to designate the reservation of the Pechanga Band of Luise[ntilde]o Mission Indians of the Pechanga Reservation, California as a separate air quality planning area for the 1997 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard. The EPA is also taking final action to approve the Tribe's tribal implementation plan (``TIP'') for maintaining the 1997 8-hour ozone standard within the Pechanga Reservation through 2025 because it meets the Clean Air Act's and the EPA's requirements for maintenance plans. Lastly, based in part on the approval of the maintenance plan, the EPA is granting a request from the Tribe to redesignate the Pechanga Reservation nonattainment area to attainment for the 1997 8-hour ozone standard because the area meets the statutory requirements for redesignation under the Clean Air Act.
Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System
Thursday, April 2, 2015
80 FR 17713-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 1461735
SUMMARY: On February 9, 2015, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to amend the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) regulations to modify the requirements for title IV-E agencies to collect and report data to ACF on children in out-of-home care and who were adopted or in a legal guardianship with a title IV-E subsidized adoption or guardianship agreement. However, we did not propose that title IV-E agencies report data in AFCARS on American Indian and Alaskan Native children related to the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA). In this notice, we are announcing that we intend to publish a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM), which will propose that title IV-E agencies collect and report additional ICWA-related data elements in AFCARS. We will consider the public comments on that SNPRM (related to ICWA-related data elements) and the February 9, 2015 NPRM (related to all other data elements) and issue one final rule on AFCARS.
Approval and Promulgation of Federal Implementation Plan for Oil and Natural Gas
Well Production Facilities; Fort Berthold Indian Reservation (Mandan, Hidatsa and
Arikara Nation), North Dakota; Correction
Monday, March 30, 2015
80 FR 16564-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 1396051
SUMMARY: This document contains corrections to the final rule, which published in the Federal Register on March 22, 2013 (78 FR 17836). Errors in the amendatory instruction are identified and corrected in this action.
Oil and Gas; Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and Indian Lands
Thursday, March 26, 2015
80 FR 16128-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 1325304
SUMMARY: On May 11, 2012, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) published in the Federal Register a proposed rule titled Oil and Gas; Well Stimulation, Including Hydraulic Fracturing, on Federal and Indian Lands. Because of significant public interest in hydraulic fracturing and this rulemaking, on May 24, 2013, the BLM published in the Federal Register a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking and request for comment titled Oil and Gas Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and Indian Lands. The BLM has used the comments on the supplemental proposed rule and the earlier proposed rule in drafting this final rule. Key changes to the final rule include the allowable use of an expanded set of cement evaluation tools to help ensure that usable water zones have been isolated and protected from contamination, replacement of the ``type well'' concept to demonstrate well integrity with a requirement to demonstrate well integrity for all wells, more stringent requirements related to claims of trade secrets exempt from disclosure, more protective requirements to ensure that fluids recovered during hydraulic fracturing operations are contained, additional disclosure and public availability of information about each hydraulic fracturing operation, and revised records retention requirements to ensure that records of chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing operations are retained for the life of the well. The final rule also provides opportunities for the BLM to coordinate standards and processes with individual states and tribes to reduce administrative costs and to improve efficiency.
Related Law Review Article: The Bureau of Land Management's finalized hydraulic fracturing rule on tribal lands: a responsibility or intrusion? Moran, Kerstie B. 39 Am. Indian L. Rev. 585 (2014-2015)
Office of the Associate Attorney General; Pilot Project for Tribal Jurisdiction
Over Crimes of Domestic Violence
Thursday, March 26, 2015
80 FR 16028-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 1325118
SUMMARY: The Associate Attorney General, exercising authority delegated by the Attorney General, is granting the requests of two Indian tribes to be designated as participating tribes under section 204 of the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1 968, 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.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Thursday, March 26, 2015
80 FR 15984-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 1325062
SUMMARY: NMFS is announcing the withdrawal of a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that was being prepared on two resource management plans (RMPs) and 114 supporting hatchery and genetic management plans (HGMPs) for Puget Sound hatchery programs. The plans were submitted to NMFS by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Puget Sound treaty tribes (referred to as the co- managers) for evaluation under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for threatened Puget Sound Chinook salmon and Puget Sound steelhead. Subsequent to the notice of intent to prepare an EIS in 2004, the co- managers have made important changes in hatchery programs for salmon and steelhead. Changes in the programs and updated information important for analysis are being reflected in revised joint RMPs that are generally organized on a watershed-specific basis. In light of this and the ongoing submissions of revised watershed-specific joint hatchery RMPs and considering public comments received on the draft EIS, NMFS has determined that it is appropriate to withdraw the draft EIS. NMFS will conduct NEPA reviews for the revised RMPs that are jointly submitted to NMFS by the co-managers.
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee: Meeting
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
80 FR 15809-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 1305994
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 April 13, 2015, from 2 p.m. until approximately 5 p.m. (Eastern) via teleconference. All meetings will be open to the public.
Indian Education Study Group
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
80 FR 15807-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 1305991
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) will be conducting consultation meetings to obtain oral and written comments on the restructuring of the BIE. The consultation meetings are a continuation of tribal consultations conducted by the Department of the Interior and the Department of Education in 2014.
Regulations for State Courts and Agencies in Indian Child Custody Proceedings
Friday, March 20, 2015
80 FR 14880-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 1254440
SUMMARY: This proposed rule would add a new subpart to the Department of the
Interior's (Department) regulations implementing the Indian Child Welfare Act
(ICWA), to improve ICWA implementation by State courts and child welfare agencies.
These regulations complement recently published Guidelines for State Courts and
Agencies in Indian Child Custody Proceedings, reflect recommendations made by the
Attorney General's Advisory Committee on American Indian/Alaska Native Children
Exposed to Violence, and address significant developments in jurisprudence since
ICWA's inception. This publication also announces the dates and locations for
tribal consultation sessions and public meetings to receive comment on this
proposed rule.
Related News Story: BIA schedules consultations and meetings for ICWA (Indianz) 3/18/15. Assistant Secretary Washburn answers call to strengthen implementation of Indian Child Welfare Act (DOI Press Release) 3/18/15.
Amended Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program
Thursday, March 19, 2015
80 FR 14418-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 1224461
SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 4(h) of the Northwest Power Act, the Council has amended its Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program (program). The final amended program may be found on the council's website.
Tribal Management Grant Program
Thursday, March 19, 2015
80 FR 13014-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 1224436
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 (CFDA) under 93.228.
Office of Tribal Relations; Council for Native American Farming and Ranching
Thursday, March 12, 2015
80 FR 12975-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 1050296
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 third meeting of the 2014-2016 CNAFR term and will consist of, but is not limited to: a public comment period; updates on USDA programs and activities; and discussion of committee priorities. This meeting will be open to the public.
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Pokagon Band of Potawatomi
Indians Fee-to-Trust Transfer for Tribal Village and Casino, City of South Bend,
St. Joseph County, Indiana
Thursday, March 12, 2015
80 FR 13014-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 1050385
SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), in cooperation with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians (Tribe), intends to file a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the Tribe's application requesting a fee-to-trust transfer of land located within the municipal limits of the City of South Bend, Indiana, for the construction of a tribal housing, government facilities, and a Class III gaming facility. This notice also announces that the DEIS is available for public review and that a public hearing will be held to receive comments.
Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects
Friday, March 6, 2015
80 FR 12197-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 930532
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.
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.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
80 FR 12000-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 913563
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.
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee:
Notice of
Nomination Solicitation
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
80 FR 11686-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 885290
SUMMARY: The National Park Service is seeking nominations for three members of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee (Review Committee). The Secretary of the Interior will appoint the members from nominations submitted by national museum organizations and national scientific organizations.
Johnson O'Malley Program
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
80 FR 11684-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 885286
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) will be conducting consultation meetings to obtain oral and written comments on potential issues about the Johnson O'Malley (JOM) program. The meetings are a continuation of meetings conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and BIE in 2012. As required by 25 U.S.C. 2011(b), the purpose of consultation is to provide Indian tribes, school boards, parents, Indian organizations and other interested parties with an opportunity to comment on potential issues raised during previous consultation meetings or being considered by the BIE on Indian education programs.
Final Priorities, Requirements, Definitions, and Selection Criteria - State Tribal
Education Partnership Program
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
80 FR 11550-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 885417
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education announces 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 take this action to enable tribal educational agencies (TEAs) to administer formula grant programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (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 tribes.
Notice of Deadline for Submitting Completed Applications To Begin Participation in
the Tribal Self-Governance Program in Fiscal Year 2016 or Calendar Year 2016
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
80 FR 11467-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 863143
SUMMARY: In this notice, the Office of Self-Governance (OSG) establishes a March 20, 2015, deadline for Indian tribes/consortia to submit completed applications to begin participation in the tribal self-governance program in Fiscal Year 2016 or Calendar Year 2016.
Availability of Funds for Climate Change Adaptation and Coastal Management to
Federally Recognized Indian Tribes
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
80 FR 11466-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 863142
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has funding available for support of tribal climate change adaptation and ocean and coastal management planning. Any federally recognized tribe (or tribal organization whose application is supported by a tribal resolution) may submit an application for these funds. The BIA is mailing application packets to each tribal leader. Funds will be awarded under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA).
Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations under Cobell Settlement
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
80 FR 11462-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 863140
SUMMARY: The Land Buy-Back Program (Program) for Tribal Nations will host a listening session on March 19, 2015, in Laveen, Arizona. The Program hopes to receive feedback from tribes and individuals on critical issues related to the Program as well as the 2014 Status Report.
Guidelines for State Courts and Agencies in Indian Child Custody Proceedings
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
80 FR 10146-02, (PDF), 2015 WL 765874
SUMMARY: These updated guidelines provide guidance to State courts and child welfare agencies implementing the Indian Child Welfare Act's (ICWA) provisions in light of written and oral comments received during a review of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Guidelines for State Courts in Indian Child Custody Proceedings published in 1979. They also reflect recommendations made by the Attorney General's Advisory Committee on American Indian/Alaska Native Children Exposed to Violence and significant developments in jurisprudence since ICWA's inception. The updated BIA Guidelines for State Courts and Agencies in Indian Child Custody Proceedings promote compliance with ICWA's stated goals and provisions by providing a framework for State courts and child [[Page 10147]] welfare agencies to follow, as well as best practices for ICWA compliance. Effective immediately, these guidelines supersede and replace the guidelines published in 1979.
Related News: BIA releases new ICWA guidelines to protect Native families and children (Indian Country Today) 2/26/15
Office of Tribal Self-Governance; Negotiation Cooperative Agreement
Wednesday, February 18, 2015. 80 FR 8666-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 661651
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. 458aaa- 2(e). This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA), available at https://www.cfda.gov/, under 93.444.
National Environmental Policy Act: Implementing Procedures; Additions to Categorical Exclusions for Bureau of Indian Affairs (516 DM 10)
Friday, February 13, 2015. 80 FR 8098-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 580931
SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and the Council on Environmental Quality regulations implementing NEPA, and Department of the Interior (Department) NEPA implementing regulations, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) in the Department is adding three categorical exclusions (CE) to the Departmental Manual 516 DM 10. The three proposed CEs pertain to timber harvesting on Indian lands.
Tribal Consultation Meeting
Wednesday, February 11, 2015. 80 FR 7608-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 535139
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)].
Workforce Investment Act; Native American Employment and Training Council
Tuesday, February 10, 2015. 80 FR 7499-03, (PDF), 2015 WL 514218
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.
Proposed Waiver and Extension of the Project Period for the Native American Career and Technical Education Program
Tuesday, February 10 2015. 80 FR 7439-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 514158
SUMMARY: For the Native American Career and Technical Education Program (NACTEP), the Secretary proposes to: (1) Waive the requirements that generally prohibit project period extensions involving the obligation of additional Federal funds; and (2) extend the project periods for current NACTEP grantees for up to an additional 24 months. This proposed extension and waiver would enable the 31 current NACTEP grantees to request and continue to receive Federal funding annually for fiscal year (FY) 2016 and possibly through FY 2017.
Revisions to the Clean Air Act Section 110 Submission Requirements for State Implementation Plans and Notice of Availability of an Option for Electronic Reporting
Tuesday, February 10, 2015. 80 FR 7336-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 514257
SUMMARY: In this final rule and notice of availability, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is revising the requirements for how state and tribal implementation plans (hereinafter, collectively referred to as SIPs) under the Clean Air Act (CAA) are required to be submitted to the EPA. Specifically, we are providing state, local and tribal air agencies (hereinafter, collectively referred to as states or air agencies) an option to submit SIPs, including any necessary supporting documents, using our new electronic SIP (eSIP) submission system, which is web-based. We are providing notification that electronic submission via the eSIP submission system is now our preferred method for air agencies to make SIP submissions, and that if a SIP submission is made through the eSIP submission system, all documents transmitted through the system will be considered part of the official SIP submission from the air agency. We are also simplifying submission requirements for those air agencies that still wish to make paper submissions by reducing the number of paper copies required, and providing non-binding guidelines for SIP submissions that will aid in SIP processing.
Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System
Monday, February 9, 2015. 80 FR 7132-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 502726
SUMMARY: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) proposes to amend the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) regulations. This notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) builds on an earlier proposed rule, published January 11, 2008 that addressed the requirements for State title IV-E agencies to collect and report data to ACF on children who are in out-of-home care and in subsidized adoption or guardianship arrangements with the State and AFCARS penalty requirements of the Adoption Promotion Act of 2003. This NPRM proposes many of the same changes and additions as the earlier NPRM and includes several new modifications to address changes made by the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, such as collecting and reporting data related to the title IV-E guardianship assistance program, sibling placement, the extension of title IV-E assistance to children age 18 or older, educational stability plans and transition plans for children in foster care and the inclusion of Tribal title IV-E agencies. Additionally, modifications were made to address new requirements in the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act, which was enacted on September 29, 2014 to include information on: Victims of sex trafficking, children in foster care who are pregnant or parenting, and children in non-foster family settings.
Tribal Policy Statement
Thursday, February 5, 2015. 80 FR 6553-02, (PDF), 2015 WL 457359
SUMMARY: On December 1, 2014, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requested public comment on the proposed ``NRC Tribal Policy Statement.'' The public comment period was originally scheduled to close on March 31, 2015. The NRC has decided to extend the public comment period to allow more time for members of the public to develop and submit their comments.
Meeting of the National Coordination Committee on the AI/AN SANE-SART Initiative. Thursday, January 29, 2015. 80 FR 4947-02, (PDF), 2015 WL 351308
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.
Extending Public Scoping Period for the Aiya Solar Project on the Moapa River Indian Reservation, Clark County, NV.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015. 80 FR 4589-02, (PDF), 2015 WL 332828
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is extending the public scoping period for the Aiya Solar Project on the Moapa River Indian Reservation.
Extending Public Scoping Period for the Snow Mountain Solar Project on the Las Vegas Paiute Indian Reservation, Clark County, NV.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015. 80 FR 4589-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 332827
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is extending the public scoping period for the Snow Mountain Solar Project on the Las Vegas Paiute River Indian Reservation.
Housing Improvement Program. Wednesday, January 28, 2015. 80 FR 4520-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 332893
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register of January 2, 2015, announcing proposed revisions to update the Housing Improvement Program. This document provides updates to the dates and locations of tribal consultation sessions.
Land Acquisitions; Transfer of Excess Federal Real Property. Tuesday, January 27, 2015. 80 FR 4307-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 310319
SUMMARY: This notice provides notification of the Department of the Interior's final agency determination to acquire approximately 226.49 acres, more or less, of land into trust for the Cherokee Nation. This notice is published in the exercise of authority delegated by the Secretary of the Interior to the Assistant Secretary?Indian Affairs by 209 Department Manual 8.1.
Advisory Board for Exceptional Children Meeting
Thursday, January 15, 2015. 80 FR 2121-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 167284
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.
Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible To Receive Services From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs
Wednesday, January 14, 2015. 80 FR 1942-02, (PDF), 2015 WL 154460
SUMMARY: This notice publishes the current list of 566 tribal entities *1943 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 January 29, 2014 (79 FR 4748).
Request for Nominations of Members To Serve on the Bureau of Indian Education Advisory Board for Exceptional Children
Wednesday, January 14, 2015. 80 FR 1935-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 154455
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act?Public Law 92-463, 5 United States Code, Appendix 2, Section 10 (a) (b); and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA), (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.), the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) requests nominations of individuals to serve on the Advisory Board for Exceptional Children (Advisory Board). There are six positions available. The BIE will consider nominations received in response to this request for nominations, as well as other sources. The "Supplementary Information" section for this notice provides committee and membership criteria.
Privacy Act of 1974, as Amended; Notice To Amend an Existing System of Records
Thursday, January 8, 2015. 80 FR 1043-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 82217
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 Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians Privacy Act system of records, "Individual Indian Money (IIM) Trust Funds-Interior, OS-02," to combine the existing system of records with the OST Privacy Act system of records, "Accounting Reconciliation Tool (ART)?Interior, OS-11" into one system of records for efficiency purposes and to promote the overall streamlining and management of Department of the Interior Privacy Act systems of records. This amendment will also update the system location, categories of individuals covered by the system, categories of records in the system, authority for maintenance of the system, storage, safeguards, retention and disposal, system manager and address, notification procedures, records access and contesting procedures, records source categories, and the routine uses to include activities related to land consolidation of fractionated lands.
Consolidated Federal Oil & Gas and Federal & Indian Coal Valuation Reform
Tuesday, January 6, 2015. 80 FR 608-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 55436
SUMMARY: The Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) proposes to change the regulations governing valuation for royalty purposes of oil and gas produced from Federal onshore and offshore leases and coal produced from Federal and Indian leases. The proposed rule also consolidates definitions for oil, gas, and coal product valuation into one subpart applicable to the Federal oil and gas and Federal and Indian coal subparts.
Approval of Tribal Implementation Plan and Designation of Air Quality Planning Area; Pechanga Band of Luise?o Mission Indians
Tuesday, January 6, 2015. 80 FR 436-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 55432
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to revise the boundaries of the Southern California air quality planning areas to designate the reservation of the Pechanga Band of Luise?no Mission Indians of the Pechanga Reservation, California as a separate air quality planning area for the 1997 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard. The EPA is also proposing to approve the Tribe's tribal implementation plan for maintaining the 1997 ozone standard within the Pechanga Reservation through 2025 because it meets the Clean Air Act's and the EPA's requirements for maintenance plans. Lastly, based in part on the proposed approval of the maintenance plan, EPA is proposing to grant a request from the Tribe to redesignate the Pechanga Reservation ozone nonattainment area to attainment for the 1997 8-hour ozone standard because the area meets the statutory requirements for redesignation under the Clean Air Act.
Housing Improvement Program
Friday, January 2, 2015. 80 FR 13-01, (PDF), 2015 WL 23559
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs is proposing to amend its regulations governing its Housing Improvement Program, which is a safety-net program that provides grants for repairing, renovating, or replacing existing housing and for providing new housing. This proposed rule is an important part of the Tiwahe initiative, which is designed to promote the stability and security of Indian families. The proposed rule would align the program with other Federal requirements, allow leveraging of housing funds to increase the number of families served and projects funded, and expedite processing of waiting lists for housing assistance.
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