Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations Thursday, December 20, 2012, 77 FR 75442-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 6608657
SUMMARY: The Cobell Class Action Settlement Agreement established a Trust Land Consolidation Fund to be used for acquiring fractional interests in trust and restricted fee lands. Based on tribal consultation in the spring and summer of 2011, the Department issued a draft plan dated January 2012. The Department has developed this Initial Implementation Plan for the Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations incorporating input received through subsequent consultations and public input. This notice announces consultation with Indian tribes on the Initial Implementation Plan and the Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations (Buy-Back Program).
Interim Policy Leasing for Renewable Energy Data Collection Facility on the Outer Continental Shelf off the Coast of Georgia, Friday, December 14, 2012, 77 FR 74512-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 6208816
SUMMARY: This Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) is being published as an initial step for the purpose of involving Federal agencies, states, tribes, local governments, and the public in the preparation of an EA. The EA will consider the environmental consequences associated with issuing a lease for an offshore data collection facility located on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), in accordance with applicable Department of the Interior (DOI) and Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations implementing the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Donlin Gold Project, Friday, December 14, 2012, 77 FR 74470-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 6208784
SUMMARY: The Alaska District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) intends to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to identify and analyze the potential impacts associated with the proposed Donlin Gold Project, which would be an open pit, hardrock gold mine located 10 miles north of the village of Crooked Creek, Alaska. The Corps is the lead Federal agency; the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Alaska Department of Natural Resources will serve as cooperating agencies in developing the EIS. The Tribal governments of Crooked Creek, Chuathbaluk, and Napaimute have also indicated their intention to serve as cooperating agencies. The Corps will be evaluating a permit application for work and/or discharges of pollutants under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. The EIS will be used as a basis for the permit decision in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Commercial Wind Leasing and Site Assessment Activities on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Offshore North Carolina, Thursday, December 13, 2012, 77 FR 74218-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 6186668
SUMMARY: BOEM is publishing this Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the purpose of involving Federal agencies, states, tribes, local governments, offshore wind energy developers, and the public in the Department of the Interior's (DOI) "Smart from the Start" wind energy initiative offshore North Carolina. The "Smart from the Start" wind energy initiative is designed to identify areas that appear to be suitable for wind energy leasing on the OCS, known as Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) and to obtain public and expert input that will inform DOI's decisionmaking with regard to issuing leases and approving site assessment activities in these areas, in accordance with applicable DOI regulations and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations implementing the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
Land Acquisitions; North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California, Monday, December 3, 2012, 77 FR 71611-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 5986847
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire approximately 305.49 acres of land in trust for gaming purposes for the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California on November 26, 2012.
Notice of Availability for the Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment for the Recycling of Scrap Metals Originating From Radiological Areas, Wednesday, December 12, 2012, 77 FR 71479-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 6137197
SUMMARY: The Department of Energy (DOE) announces the availability for public review and comment of the Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for the Recycling of Scrap Metals Originating from Radiological Areas. On September 28, 2011, the Secretary of Energy approved a recommendation, contingent on the completion of the appropriate National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review, to delegate authority to manage radiological clearance and release of scrap metal from radiological areas to each Under Secretary for sites under his or her cognizance, in accordance with the processes contained in DOE Order 458.1 (which replaces the order previously governing release procedures). This Draft PEA for the Recycling of Scrap Metals Originating from Radiological Areas analyzes the potential environmental impacts associated with resuming the clearance of scrap metal, originating from DOE radiological areas, for recycling pursuant to improved procedures designed to assure that clearance for release is limited to metals meeting stringent criteria. This Draft PEA also analyzes the reasonable alternatives to this proposal. Metals with volumetric radiological contamination, and scrap metals resulting from Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), are not included in the scope of this PEA.
Residential, Business, and Wind and Solar Resource Leases on Indian Land, Wednesday, December 5, 2012, 77 FR 72440-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 6019492
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is revising its regulations addressing non-agricultural surface leasing of Indian land. This rule adds new regulations to address residential leases, business leases, wind energy evaluation leases, and wind and solar development leases on Indian land, and removes the existing regulations for non-agricultural leases.
Notice of Availability of the Injury Assessment Plan for the Hanford Site, Richland, WA, Wednesday, December 5, 2012, 77 FR 72337-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 6019405
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), on behalf of the Hanford Natural Resource Trustee Council, announces the release of the Injury Assessment Plan for the Hanford Site. The Injury Assessment Plan describes the activities that constitute the currently proposed approach of the natural resource trustees (DOE, Department of the Interior (DOI), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, State of Washington, State of Oregon, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, and Nez Perce Tribe) for conducting the assessment of natural resources exposed to hazardous substances. DATES: Submit written comments on the Injury Assessment Plan on or before January 4, 2013.
Tribal Consultation Policy, Tuesday, December 4, 2012, 77 FR71833-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 5996297
SUMMARY: The Department of Labor (DOL) is issuing its final Tribal Consultation Policy. The Tribal Consultation Policy (hereinafter referred to as the ``policy'') establishes standards for improved consultation with federally-recognized Indian Tribes to the extent that no conflict exists with applicable federal laws or regulations. The policy applies to any Department action that affects federally- recognized Indian tribes and requires that the Department's government- to-government consultation involve appropriate Tribal and Departmental Officials. In addition to setting forth the final policy, this document also responds to comments on the proposed policy, which was published in the Federal Register on April 18, 2012 (77 FR 23283).
Land Acquisitions; Enterprise Rancheria of Maidu Indians of California, Monday, December 3, 2012, 77 FR 71612-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 5986848
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire approximately 40 acres of land in trust for gaming purposes for the Enterprise Rancheria of Maidu Indians of California on November 21, 2012.
Land Acquisitions; North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California, Monday, December 3, 2012, 77 FR 71611-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 5986847
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire approximately 305.49 acres of land in trust for gaming purposes for the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California on November 26, 2012.
Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2008: Amendments to Program Regulations, Monday, December 3, 2012, 77 FR 71513-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 5986952
SUMMARY: This final rule revises the regulations governing the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) program and the Title VI Loan Guarantee program. HUD negotiated this rule with active tribal participation under the procedures of the Negotiated Rulemaking Act of 1990, pursuant to the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2008. These regulatory changes implement statutory amendments and reflect the consensus decisions reached by HUD and the tribal representatives.
Tribal Consultation Consistent With Executive Order 13175; Request for Public Comment, Friday, November 30, 2012, 77 FR 71479-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 5954930
SUMMARY: This notice invites comments from the public on issues regarding the CDFI Fund's proposed report to assess the state of access to capital and credit in Native Communities as consistent with Executive Order 13175. The CDFI Fund will offer three opportunities to engage the public on this topic: (1) Through written comment; and (2) through two virtual meetings conducted as webcasts. All material submitted will be available for public inspection and copying. DATES: For the three opportunities, the dates are listed below. 1. All written public comments and submissions must be received by the CDFI Fund no later than February 28, 2013. 2. The CDFI Fund's first webcast will be held at 1:00 p.m. ET, January 15, 2013. Please RSVP for the event by emailing cdfihelp@cdfi.treas.gov and we will provide the call in information. 3. The CDFI Fund's second webcast will be held at 4:00 p.m. ET, January 17, 2013. Please RSVP for the event by emailing cdfihelp@cdfi.treas.gov and we will provide the call in information. ADDRESSES: Comments may be sent by mail to: Amber Kuchar, Associate Program Manager, CDFI Fund, U.S. Department of the Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20005, or by email to cdfihelp@cdfi.treas.gov.
Council for Native American Farming and Ranching, Friday, November 30, 2012, 77 FR 71396-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 5954838
SUMMARY: This notice announces a forthcoming meeting of The Council for Native American Farming and Ranching (CNAFR) a public advisory committee of the Office of Tribal Relations (OTR). Notice of the meetings are provided in accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2). This will be the second meeting of the CNAFR and will consist of, but not limited to: Hearing public comments; update of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) programs and activities; discussion of committee priorities; and the creation of Sub-committees. This meeting will be open to the public. DATES: The meeting will be held on December 13, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The meeting will be open to the public. Note that a period for public comment will be held on December 12, 2012, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and December 13, 2012 from 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Flamingo Las Vegas, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109. The public comment period and CNAFR meeting will take place within the Flamingo's Reno II room. Written Comments: Written comments may be submitted to: Joanna Mounce Stancil, Designated Federal Officer, Director, Office of Tribal Relations (OTR), 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Whitten Bldg., 500-A, Washington, DC 20250; by Fax: (202) 720-1058; or by email: John.Lowery@osec.usda.gov.
Advisory Board for Exceptional Children, Tuesday, November 27, 2012, 77 FR 70807-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 5902480
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) is announcing that the Advisory Board for Exceptional Children (Advisory Board) will hold its next meeting in Washington, DC. The purpose of the meeting is to meet the mandates of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA) for Indian children with disabilities. DATES: The Advisory Board will meet on Thursday, January 10, 2013, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday, January 11, 2013, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at 1849 C Street NW., Main Interior Building, Room 3624, Washington, DC; telephone number (202) 208-6123.
Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform Meeting Cancellation, Tuesday, November 27, 2012, 77 FR 70805-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 5902478
SUMMARY: The meeting of the Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform (the Commission) scheduled for December 6, 2012, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and December 7, 2012, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. is cancelled. The Commission's public youth outreach session scheduled for December 6, 2012, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. is also cancelled. Notice of this meeting was published in the November 14, 2012, issue of the Federal Register (77 FR 67827).
Notice and Request for Comments, Wednesday, November 21, 2012, 77 FR 67827-03, (PDF), 2012 WL 5866415
SUMMARY: The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). The IRS is soliciting comments concerning information collection requirements related to Notice 2012-48, Tribal Economic Development Bonds. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before January 22, 2013 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Yvette B. Lawrence, Internal Revenue Service, Room 6129, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20224.
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) or Superfund; Notice of Grant Funding Guidance for State and Tribal Response Programs for FY2013, Wednesday, November 21, 2012, 77 FR 69827-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 5866341
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will begin to accept requests, from December 1, 2012 through January 31, 2013, for grants to supplement State and Tribal Response Programs. This notice provides guidance on eligibility for funding, use of funding, grant mechanisms and process for awarding funding, the allocation system for distribution of funding, and terms and reporting under these grants. EPA has consulted with state and tribal officials in developing this guidance. The primary goal of this funding is to ensure that state and tribal response programs include, or are taking reasonable steps to include, certain elements and a public record. Another goal is to provide funding for other activities that increase the number of response actions conducted or overseen by a state or tribal response program. This funding is not intended to supplant current state or tribal funding for their response programs. Instead, it is to supplement their funding to increase their response capacity. For fiscal year 2013, EPA will consider funding requests up to a maximum of $1.1 million per state or tribe. Subject to the availability of funds, EPA regional personnel will be available to provide technical assistance to states and tribes as they apply for and carry out these grants.
Proposed Requirements, Definitions, and Selection Criteria?Native American Career and Technical Education Program (NACTEP), Tuesday, November 20, 2012, 77 FR 69579-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 5839497
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education proposes requirements, definitions, and selection criteria under the Native American Career and Technical Education Program (NACTEP). The Assistant Secretary may use these requirements, definitions, and selection criteria for a competition in fiscal year (FY) 2013 and possibly in later years. The requirements, definitions, and selection criteria we propose in this notice are the same as those we used in the notice inviting applications for the first NACTEP competition we held in FY 2007 (see Federal Register March 23, 2007 (72 FR 13770) (March 2007 notice)) following the enactment of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Act). In the March 2007 notice, we established these requirements, definitions, and selection criteria pursuant to a waiver of rulemaking under the authority of section 457(d) of the General Education Provisions Act. Because the project period for NACTEP grants awarded in FY 2007 will end in September 2013, we are publishing the NACTEP requirements, definitions, and selection criteria for public comment. When published in final, these requirements, definitions, and selection criteria would govern the next NACTEP competition and possibly also subsequent NACTEP competitions.
Meeting of the SANE/SART AI/AN Initiative Committee, Thursday, November 15, 2012, 77 FR 68150-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 5507614
SUMMARY: The National Coordination Committee on the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) Initiative ("SANE/SART AI/AN Initiative Committee'' or "Committee'') will meet to carry out its mission to provide valuable advice to assist the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) to promote culturally relevant, victim-centered responses to sexual violence within AI/AN communities. Dates and Locations: The meeting will be held on the reservation of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians at the Agua Caliente Spa Hotel, located at E. Tahquitz Canyon Way and N. Calle Encilia, Palm Springs, California 92262, on Tuesday, December 4, 2012, and Wednesday, December 5, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST.
Meeting of the Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform, Wednesday, November 14, 2012, 77 FR 67827-03, (PDF), 2012 WL 5493905
SUMMARY: The Office of the Secretary is announcing that the Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform (the Commission) will hold a public meeting on December 6 and 7, 2012. During the public meeting, the Commission will hear from invited speakers about: management and administration of probate and real estate services administered through compacts and contracts; management and administration of natural resources held in trust; and trust reform, including other trust models and the trust relationship. The meeting will allow the Commission to gain insights and perspectives from members of the public. The Commission will also be hosting a youth outreach session on the evening of December 6, 2012, on the University of Washington campus to meet with young adults and college students on their ideas and recommendations to improve performance and services to trust beneficiaries.
Fiscal Year 2013 Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program, Friday, November 9, 2012, 77 FR 67439-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 5451369
SUMMARY: This notice announces changes in the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations program (Tribal Transit Program) in accordance with the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) (Pub. L. 112-141), which authorizes the program for Federal fiscal years (FY) 2013 and 2014. MAP-21 was signed into law by President Barack Obama on July 6, 2012 and became effective on October 1, 2012. This notice responds to the new legislation under the Tribal Transit Program by: (1) Introducing FTA's consultation process and schedule for implementing changes due to MAP-21; (2) describing and seeking comment on the methodology for the formula allocation and the assumptions made regarding who is eligible for the formula program; (3) seeking comment on the terms and conditions for the formula and discretionary components of the program; and (4) seeking comments on how the discretionary program resources should be allocated.
Announcement of Funding Awards; Indian Community Development Block Grant Program; Fiscal Year 2012, Friday, November 9, 2012, 77 FR 67386-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 5451325
SUMMARY: In accordance with Section 102(a)(4)(C) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Reform Act of 1989, this announcement notifies the public of funding decisions made by the Department in a competition for funding under the Fiscal Year 2012 (FY 2012) Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program. This announcement contains the consolidated names and addresses of this year's award recipients under the ICDBG.
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee: Notice of Nomination Solicitation, Friday, October 26, 2012, 77 FR 65407-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 5269081
SUMMARY: The National Park Service is soliciting nominations for one member of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee. The Secretary of the Interior will appoint the member from nominations submitted by national museum organizations and national scientific organizations. Nominations must include the following information: 1. The nominator must be the official authorized by the organization to submit nominations in response to this solicitation. The nomination must include a statement that the nominator is so authorized on behalf of the identified national museum or scientific organization. 2. A nomination must include the following information: a. The nominee's name, postal address, daytime telephone number, and email address; and b. the nominee's resume or brief biography emphasizing the nominee's NAGPRA experience and ability to work effectively as a member of an advisory board.
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee: Notice of Nomination Solicitation, Friday, October 26, 2012, 77 FR 65406-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 5269080
SUMMARY: The National Park Service is soliciting nominations for one member of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee. The Secretary of the Interior will appoint the member from nominations submitted by Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, and traditional Native American religious leaders. The nominee must be a traditional Indian religious leader. Nominations must include the following information: 1. Nominations by traditional religious leaders: Nominations must be submitted with the nominator's original signature and daytime telephone number. The nominator must explain that he or she meets the definition of traditional religious leader. 2. Nominations by Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations: Nominations must be submitted on official tribal or organization letterhead with the nominator's original signature and daytime telephone number. The nominator must be the official authorized by the tribe or organization to submit nominations in response to this solicitation. The nomination must include a statement that the nominator is so authorized. 3. A nomination must include the following information: a. The nominee's name, postal address, daytime telephone number, and email address; and b. The nominee's resume or brief biography emphasizing the nominee's NAGPRA experience and ability to work effectively as a member of an advisory board.
Office on Violence Against Women; Charter Reestablishment, Tuesday, October 23, 2012, 77 FR 64828-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 5197319
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended (5 U.S.C. App.2), and Title IX of the Violence Against Women Act of 2005 (VAWA 2005), the Attorney General has determined that the reestablishment of the Task Force on Research on Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women (hereinafter ``the Task Force'') is necessary and in the public interest and will provide information that will assist the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) to develop and implement a program of research on violence against American Indian and Alaska Native women, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and murder. The program of research will evaluate the effectiveness of the Federal, state, and tribal response to violence against Indian women and will propose recommendations to improve these responses. Title IX of VAWA 2005 also required the Attorney General to establish a Task Force to assist NIJ with development of the research study and the implementation of the recommendations. The Attorney General, acting through the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women, originally established the Task Force on March 31, 2008. The Charter to reestablish the Task Force was filed with Congress on October 4, 2012. The Task Force is comprised of representatives from national tribal domestic violence and sexual assault nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, and national tribal organizations. Task Force members, with the exception of travel and per diem for official travel, shall serve without compensation. The Director of the Office on Violence Against Women shall serve as the Designated Federal officer for the Task Force.
Solicitation of Comments on Request for United States Assumption of Concurrent Federal Criminal Jurisdiction; Hoopa Valley Tribe, Monday, October 22, 2012, 77 FR 64548-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 5179661
SUMMARY: This notice solicits public comments on the Request for United States Assumption of Concurrent Federal Criminal Jurisdiction recently submitted to the Office of Tribal Justice, Department of Justice by the Hoopa Valley Tribe pursuant to the provisions of 28 CFR 50.25. The initial notice soliciting public comments on this Request was published in the Federal Register on April 24, 2012; the comment period associated with the initial notice ended on June 8, 2012. The Office of Tribal Justice is publishing notice again in response to requests for additional time to provide public comments.
Solicitation of Comments on Request for United States Assumption of Concurrent Federal Criminal Jurisdiction; Table Mountain Rancheria, Monday, October 22, 2012, 77 FR 64547-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 5179660
SUMMARY: This notice solicits public comments on the Request for United States Assumption of Concurrent Federal Criminal Jurisdiction recently submitted to the Office of Tribal Justice, Department of Justice by the Table Mountain Rancheria pursuant to the provisions of 28 CFR 50.25.
Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform, Monday, October 22, 2012, 77 FR 64534-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 5179649
SUMMARY: The Office of the Secretary is announcing that the Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform (the Commission) will hold a public webinar meeting on November 7, 2012. The objectives of the meeting are to attend to Commission operations as needed and report on outreach activities, review and discuss revised draft documents to-date and take public comments on the drafts, and review and discuss agenda for December 6-7, 2012 public Commission meeting. The Secretarial Commission's charter requires the Commission to provide well-reasoned and factually-based recommendations for potential improvements to the existing management and administration of the trust administration system. The Commission is committed to early public engagement and welcomes your participation in these important meetings. DATES: The Commission's webinar meeting will begin at 2 p.m. and end at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on November 7, 2012. Attendance is open to the public, but limited space is available. Members of the public who wish to attend must RSVP by November 6, 2012, by registering at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/384347209. Instructions for joining the webinar will be emailed after registration occurs.
Land Acquisitions: Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Friday, October 19, 2012, 77 FR 64348-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 4963362
SUMMARY: The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) accepted the transfer of approximately 163.48 acres from the Director, Real Property Division, Atlanta Regional Office, U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), without reimbursement, to be held in trust for the benefit and use of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Choctaw Reservation, Mississippi (Tribe). This notice announces that the Secretary took the approximately 162.48 acres into trust for the Tribe on the dates set forth in this notice.
Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects, Wednesday, October 17, 2012, 77 FR 63850-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 4889161
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.
Land Acquisitions: Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, Monday, October 15, 2012, 77 FR 62523-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 4848806
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire approximately 468.39 acres of land into trust for the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation (MHA Nation) on October 10, 2012.
Draft Tribal Protocol Manual and Scoping for Proposed Policy Statement, Friday, October 12, 2012, 77 FR 62269-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 4832744
SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC or the Commission) is seeking comments on its draft "Tribal Protocol Manual'' dated September 2012. After the Tribal Protocol Manual is issued, the NRC intends to use it as a starting point for developing a policy statement on consultation with Native American tribes. The NRC is committed to an open and collaborative regulatory environment in the development of its policies and licensing actions, and therefore is committed to meaningful consultation and coordination with Native American tribes. In addition to the request for comments on the draft Tribal Protocol Manual, the NRC also seeks suggestions on the development of the proposed tribal consultation policy statement from tribal governments and organizations, the public, and other interested parties. The questions found in section II are offered for consideration. Respondents are not limited to these questions and are encouraged to submit any comments/feedback they think would benefit the NRC in developing a tribal consultation policy statement.
Office on Violence Against Women; Notice of Meeting, Thursday, October 11, 2012, 77 FR 61785-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 4808363
SUMMARY: This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of the forthcoming public meeting of the Task Force on Research on Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women (hereinafter "the Task Force"). DATES: The meeting will take place on October 30 and 31, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. ADDRESSES: The meeting will take place at the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, 810 7th Street NW., 3rd Floor Ballroom, Washington, DC 20531. The public is asked to pre-register by October 23, 2012 for the meeting due to security considerations and so that there is adequate space (see below for information on pre- registration).
Preparation of the 2013 American Indian Population and Labor Force Report, Thursday, October 11, 2012, 77 FR 61780-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 4808356
SUMMARY: Indian Affairs will conduct two informational sessions and four leader-to-leader sessions with Indian tribes to obtain oral and written comments concerning preparation of the 2013 American Indian Population and Labor Force Report.
Announcement of the Award of a Single-Source Grant to the Native American Fatherhood and Families Association (NAFFA) in Mesa, AZ, Thursday, October 11, 2012, 77 FR 61761-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 4808333
SUMMARY: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Administration for Native Americans (ANA) announces the award of a cooperative agreement in the amount of $250,000 to the Native American Fatherhood and Families Association (NAFFA) in Mesa, AZ to conduct a national outreach campaign focused on promoting the importance of fatherhood in Native communities. Included in the national outreach campaign will be a national conference, regional workshops, webinars, and a Native American Responsible Fatherhood Day that will be promoted and implemented throughout Native American communities during the month of June 2013. The award will be made under ANA's program for Social and Economic Development Strategies.
Minimum Internal Control Standards for Class II Gaming, Thursday, October 4, 2012, 77 FR 60625-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 4590823
SUMMARY: The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) announces the delay of the effective date of a rule published in the Federal Register on October 10, 2008. The Commission also announces the suspension of regulations. These changes are intended to maintain the regulatory status quo while tribes and operations transition to the new Class II Minimum Internal Control Standards that were published on September 21, 2012. DATES: The effective date for amendments to Sec. Sec. 542.7 and 542.16 in the final rule published October 10, 2008, 73 FR 60492, delayed October 9, 2009, at 74 FR 52138, September 10, 2010, at 75 FR 55269, and August 30, 2011, at 76 FR 53817, is further delayed until April 22, 2014. Section 543.3(c)(3) is suspended until 11:59 p.m. October, 21, 2012. Submit comments on or before October 11, 2012.
Preliminary Plan for Distribution of Judgment Funds to the Loyal Mdewakantons, Monday, October 1, 2012, 77 FR 59963-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 4471357
SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior is developing a plan for distribution of judgment funds to the Loyal Mdewakantons if funds are appropriated in satisfaction of a final judgment. The distribution plan includes a determination of the criteria for eligibility to participate in any award.
Appeal Proceedings Before the Commission, Tuesday, September 25, 2012, 77 FR 58941-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 4339462
SUMMARY: The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC or Commission) promulgates this final rule to enhance and clarify appeal proceedings before the Commission. This final rule removes three parts concerning appeals, and adds a new subchapter concerning appeal proceedings before the Commission. This final rule has six parts. First, the Rules of General Application in Appeal Proceedings Before the Commission define certain terms, set forth the burden of proof and standard of review, explain the content of a Commission decision, uniformly provide for resolution of an appeal if the Commission does not issue a majority decision, and clarify that an appeal of the Chair's decision for matters other than disapproval of a gaming ordinance does not stay the effect of that decision. Next, the regulations set forth rules for motion practice in appeals before the Commission. This part addresses: How an entity other than a tribe can request to participate on a limited basis in ordinance appeals; how parties file motions to intervene, to supplement the record, and for reconsideration; and how parties file motions before the presiding official. Following these two general parts, the regulations set forth more specific rules for the different types of appeals. Rules for appeals of ordinance disapprovals, management contract approvals and disapprovals, appeals before a presiding official, and appeals before the Commission on written submission only, each have their own unique appellate procedures.
Facility License Notifications and Submissions, Monday, September 24, 2012, 77 FR 56652-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 4321608
SUMMARY: The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC or Commission) is amending its facility license regulations. The final rule amends the current regulations: To provide for an expedited review to confirm a tribe's submittal of facility license information; to require notice to the NIGC when a tribe issues, renews, or terminates a facility license; to streamline the submittal of certain information relating to the construction, maintenance, and operation of a gaming facility; and to provide that a tribe need not submit a notification of seasonal or temporary closures of less than 180 days.
Minimum Internal Control Standards, Friday, September 21, 2012, 77 FR 58708-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 4173136
SUMMARY: The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) amends its minimum internal control standards for Class II gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to provide comprehensive and updated standards for all aspects of Class II gaming. These amendments replace the partial standards published in 2008 with a set of comprehensive standards for the entire Class II gaming environment. The new sections include, for example: Card games; drop and count; surveillance; and gaming promotions and player tracking. The amendments also update and reorganize existing sections, such as bingo and information technology. The amendments reflect advancements in technology and provide auditable standards while leaving more areas in which the Tribal Gaming Regulatory Authorities (TGRAs) may exercise discretion.
Migratory Bird Hunting; Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for the 2012-13 Late Season, Friday, September 21, 2012, 77 FR 58658-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 4173131
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.
Minimum Technical Standards for Class II Gaming Systems and Equipment, Friday, September 21, 2012, 77 FR 58473-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 4173105
SUMMARY: The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) is amending its technical standards to change the order of the first five sections; add definitions and amend existing definitions; amend requirements and time restrictions for grandfathered Class II gaming systems; amend the requirements concerning minimum odds for Class II games; amend standards for test labs; remove references to the Federal Communications Commission and Underwriters Laboratory; require a player interface to display a serial number and date of manufacture; amend requirements concerning approval of downloads to a Class II gaming system; and clarify the term "alternate standard."
Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 1996: Request for Nominations for Negotiated Rulemaking Committee Membership, Tuesday, September 18, 2012, 77 FR 57544-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 4061331
SUMMARY: On July 3, 2012, HUD published a Federal Register notice announcing its intent to initiate negotiated rulemaking for the purpose of developing regulatory changes to the funding formula for the Indian Housing Block Grant program authorized by the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996. This document explains how persons may be nominated to serve as members on the negotiated rulemaking committee. DATES: Nominations for committee membership are due on or before: November 19, 2012.
Notice of Service Delivery Area Designation for the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Tribe, Thursday, September 13, 2012, 77 FR 56652-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 3993165
SUMMARY:This Notice advises the public that the Indian Health Service (IHS) established the geographic boundaries of the Service Delivery Area (SDA) for the newly recognized Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Tribe. The SDA was established on December 22, 2008 and services were provided to eligible beneficiaries beginning on January 19, 2009. The Mashpee SDA is comprised of Barnstable, Bristol, Norfolk, Plymouth and Suffolk counties in the State of Massachusetts. The counties listed are designated administratively as the SDA, to function as a Contract Health Service Delivery Area (CHSDA), for the purposes of operating a Contract Health Service (CHS) program pursuant to the Indian Self- Determination and Education Assistant Act (ISDEAA), Public Law 93-638.
Final Determination Against Acknowledgment of the Brothertown Indian Nation, Wednesday, September 12, 2012, 77 FR 56230-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 3960363
SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior (Department) gives notice that the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs (AS-IA) declines to acknowledge the petitioner known as the Brothertown Indian Nation as an Indian tribe within the meaning of Federal law. This notice is based on a determination that the petitioner does not satisfy criterion 83.7(g) in the applicable regulations and, therefore, the Department lacks the authority to extend acknowledgment as an Indian tribe to the petitioner.
Tribal Listening Sessions on Sacred Sites on Federal Lands, Tuesday, September 11, 2012, 77 FR 55860-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 3903699
SUMMARY: Indian Affairs will conduct a listening session with Indian tribes to obtain oral and written comments concerning sacred sites located on Federal lands. This session in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the sixth in a series of listening sessions held since the beginning of August. DATES: The listening session will be held Tuesday, September 18, 2012. Written input/suggestions are due September 21, 2012.
Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP Programs: Research and Analysis on Impact of CMS Programs on the Indian Health Care System, Monday, September 10, 2012, 77 FR 55479-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 3879814
SUMMARY: This notice supports expansion of research on the impact of CMS programs on the Indian health care system through a single source award. The Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribes and Tribal Organizations and Urban programs, deliver health care services to American Indian/ Alaska Native (AI/AN) people through a network of hospitals, clinics and other providers. This award expands research on the impact of CMS programs and the delivery of health care to AI/AN beneficiaries.
Proclaiming Certain Lands, Sugar Parcel Lands, as an Addition to the Bay Mills Indian Reservation for the Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan, Wednesday, September 5, 2012, 77 FR 54607-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 3807560
SUMMARY: This notice informs the public that the Assistant Secretary-- Indian Affairs proclaimed approximately 80.00 acres, more or less, to be added to the Bay Mills Indian Reservation for the Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan.
Proclaiming Certain Lands, Dafter Parcel, as an Addition to the Bay Mills Indian Reservation for the Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan, Wednesday, September 5, 2012 , 77 FR 54607-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 3807559
SUMMARY: This notice informs the public that the Assistant Secretary-- Indian Affairs proclaimed approximately 110.06 acres, more or less, to be added to the Bay Mills Indian Reservation for the Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan.
Migratory Bird Hunting; Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for the 2012-13 Early Season, Wednesday, September 5, 2012, 77 FR 53228-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 3756404
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.
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee: Meeting, Friday, August 31, 2012, 77 FR 53228-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 3756404
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. Appendix (1988), of a meeting of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee (Review Committee). This meeting will be open to the public. The agenda may include requests to the Review Committee for a recommendation to the Secretary of the Interior, as required by law, in order to effect the agreed-upon disposition of Native American human remains determined to be culturally unidentifiable; presentations by Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, museums, Federal agencies, and the public; requests to the Review Committee, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3006 (c)(3), for review and findings of fact related to the identity or cultural affiliation of human remains or other cultural items, or the return of such items; and facilitation of the resolution of disputes among parties are convened by the Review Committee pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3006 (c)(4). DATES: The Review Committee will meet on May 22-23, 2013. Presentation requests must be received by March 22, 2013. Requests for disposition or for findings of fact must be received by March 9, 2013. Requests to convene parties and facilitate resolution of a dispute must be received by February 3, 2013. ADDRESSES: The Review Committee will meet in the History Colorado Center of the History Colorado Museum, 1200 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203. Electronic submissions are to be sent to: Sherry_Hutt@nps.gov. Mailed submissions are to be sent to: Designated Federal Officer, NAGPRA Review Committee, National Park Service, National NAGPRA Program, 1201 Eye Street NW., 8th Floor (2253), Washington, DC 20005.
Request for Nominations of Members To Serve on the Bureau of Indian Education Advisory Board for Exceptional Children, Wednesday, August 29, 2012, 77 FR 52347-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 3686138
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) requests nominations of individuals to serve on the Advisory Board for Exceptional Children (Advisory Board). There are five 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.
Meeting of the Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform, Wednesday, August 29, 2012, 77 FR 52340-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 3686132
SUMMARY: The Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform (the Commission) will hold a public meeting on September 13 and 14, 2012. The Commission will also host a public facilitated discussion the afternoon of September 12, 2012, on the Fort Berthold Reservation, and a youth outreach session the evening of September 13, 2012, at the United Tribes Technical College. DATES: The Commission's public meeting will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. on September 13 and 14, 2012. Members of the public who wish to attend should respond by September 7, 2012, to: trustcommission@ios.doi.gov to ensure adequate meeting packets will be made available. The Commission's public facilitated discussion will be held in the afternoon (time to be determined) on September 12, 2012, and the youth outreach session will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on September 13, 2012; additional information will be available at: http://www.doi.gov/cobell/commission/index.cfm. ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel Bismarck, 800 South Third Street, Bismarck, North Dakota 58504. We encourage you to respond to trustcommission@ios.doi.gov by September 7, 2012. The public facilitated session will be held on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation and the youth outreach session will be held at the United Tribes Technical College; further information on these locations will be available at http://www.doi.gov/cobell/commission/index.cfm.
National Environmental Justice Advisory Council; Notification of Public Teleconference Meeting and Public Comment, Wednesday, August 29, 2012, 77 FR 52328-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 3686116
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), Public Law 92-463, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hereby provides notice that the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) will host a public teleconference meeting on Friday, September 21, 2012, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time. The primary topic of discussion will be proposed recommendations about how the Agency should develop processes and policy for addressing tribal and indigenous peoples environmental justice issues and concerns. There will be a public comment period from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time, during which members of the public are encouraged to provide comments relevant to the topic of the meeting. Specifically, comments should respond to: 1. What activities and mechanisms should EPA conduct and develop to work collaboratively with indigenous community-based/grassroots organizations to identify and address environmental justice concerns? 2. What organizational, regulatory, or policy hurdles exist that impede, complicate, or discourage tribal governments and indigenous organizations from effectively working together to address environmental and public health concerns. 3. What are the recommended means and mechanisms for EPA to coordinate and collaborate with other federal agencies to effectively provide environmental justice for indigenous people? For additional information about registering to attend the meeting or to provide public comment, please see the "Registration'' and SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION sections below. Due to a limited number of telephone lines, attendance will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration is required. Registration for the teleconference meeting closes at 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Monday, September 17, 2012. The deadline to sign up for public comment, or to submit written public comments, is also Monday, September 17, 2012.
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations: Administrative Funding Allocations, Thursday, August 23, 2012, 77 FR 50903-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 3597340
SUMMARY: This rulemaking establishes the requirements regarding the allocation of administrative funds for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations and the Food Distribution Program for Indian Households in Oklahoma, both of which are referred to as ``FDPIR'' in this rulemaking. The rulemaking amends FDPIR regulations to ensure that administrative funding is allocated in a fair and equitable manner. The final rule also revises FDPIR regulations to clarify current program requirements relative to the distribution of administrative funds to Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) and State agencies.
Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes National Indian Health Outreach and Education Program Funding Opportunity, Monday, August 20, 2012, 77 FR 50121-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 3545116
SUMMARY: The purpose of this IHS cooperative agreement is to encourage
national Indian organizations and IHS, Tribal, and Urban (I/T/U)
partners to work together to implement three distinct program
activities throughout Indian Country: (1) Health Reform and How to
Maximize Provisions for the IHS, Tribes, and Urban Health Clinics, (2)
Medicaid Expansion for AI/ANs under the ACA, and (3) Conduct ACA/IHCIA
Education and Outreach Training and Technical Assistance under the
Limited Competition NIHOE Cooperative Agreement program to further
health program objectives in the AI/AN community with outreach and
education efforts in the interest of improving Indian health care and
to ensure that all AI/AN are prepared to take advantage of the health
reform opportunities, improve the quality of and access to health care
services, and increase resources for AI/AN health care. The goal of
this program announcement is to coordinate and conduct consumer
centered outreach and education, training and technical assistance on a
national scale for the 566 Federally-recognized Tribes and Tribal
organizations on the changes, improvements and authorities of the ACA
and IHCIA in anticipation of implementation of the health care reform
date of January 1, 2014 regarding Medicaid expansion revenue
opportunities and individual health insurance coverage and choices.
This collaborative effort will benefit I/T/U as well as the AI/AN
communities (Tribal and urban).
The application package and detailed instructions for this
announcement can be found at http://www.Grants.gov or http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/gogp/index.cfm?module=gogp_funding.
Approval and Promulgation of Federal Implementation Plan for Oil and Natural Gas Well Production Facilities; Fort Berthold Indian Reservation (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nations), North Dakota, Wednesday, August 15, 2012, 77 FR 48923-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 3306470
SUMMARY: EPA is proposing to promulgate a Reservation-specific Federal Implementation Plan in order to regulate emissions from oil and natural gas production facilities located on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation located in North Dakota. The proposed Federal Implementation Plan includes basic air quality regulations for the protection of communities in and adjacent to the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. The proposed Federal Implementation Plan requires owners and operators of oil and natural gas production facilities to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds emanating from well completions, recompletions, and production and storage operations. This Federal Implementation Plan would be implemented by EPA, or a delegated Tribal Authority, until replaced by a Tribal Implementation Plan. EPA is issuing an interim final rule for a Reservation-specific Federal Implementation Plan, concurrently with this proposed rule, for a Reservation-specific Federal Implementation Plan and any additional information can be found within the interim final rule under the same title.
Approval and Promulgation of Federal Implementation Plan for Oil and Natural Gas Well Production Facilities; Fort Berthold Indian Reservation (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nations), ND, Wednesday, August 15, 2012 , 77 FR 48878-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 3306462
SUMMARY: EPA is taking final action to promulgate a Reservation- specific Federal Implementation Plan in order to regulate emissions from oil and natural gas production facilities located on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation located in North Dakota. The Federal Implementation Plan includes basic air quality regulations for the protection of communities in and adjacent to the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. The Federal Implementation Plan requires owners and operators of oil and natural gas production facilities to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds emanating from well completions, recompletions, and production and storage operations. This Federal Implementation Plan will be implemented by EPA, or a delegated Tribal Authority, until replaced by a Tribal Implementation Plan. EPA is proposing a Reservation-specific Federal Implementation Plan concurrently with this final rule.
Notice of Reallotment of Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2011 Funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Tuesday, August 14, 2012, 77 FR 48524-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 3276807
SUMMARY: This notice provides information on a preliminary determination that funds from the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2011 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are available for reallotment to States, Territories, Tribes, and Tribal Organizations that receive FFY 2012 direct LIHEAP grants. No subgrantees or other entities may apply for these funds. Section 2607(b)(1) of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Act (the Act), Title XXVI of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8621 et seq.), as amended, requires that if the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) determines that, as of September 1 of any fiscal year, an amount in excess of certain levels allotted to a grantee for any fiscal year will not be used by the grantee during the fiscal year, the Secretary must notify the grantee and publish a notice in the Federal Register that such funds may be realloted to LIHEAP grantees during the following fiscal year. If reallotted, the LIHEAP block grant allocation formula will be used to distribute the funds. (No funds may be allotted to entities that are not direct LIHEAP grantees during FFY 2012.) It has been determined that $3,089,920 may be available for reallotment during FFY 2012. This determination is based on revised Carryover and Reallotment Reports from the State of Delaware, State of Oklahoma, Colorado River Indian Tribes in Arizona, Delaware Tribe of Indians in Oklahoma, Redding Rancheria in California, and Tulalip Tribe in Washington, which were submitted to the Office of Community Services as required by 45 CFR 96.82. The statute allows grantees who have funds unobligated at the end of the fiscal year for which they are awarded to request that they be allowed to carry over up to 10 percent of their allotments to the next fiscal year. Funds in excess of this amount must be returned to HHS and are subject to reallotment under section 2607(b)(1) of the Act. The amount described in this notice was reported as unobligated FFY 2011 funds in excess of the amount that the State of Delaware, State of Oklahoma, Delaware Tribe of Indians, Colorado River Indian Tribes, Redding Rancheria and Tulalip Tribe could carry over to FFY 2012. Each of the grantees mentioned above were notified and confirmed to OCS that the FFY 2011 amounts listed in the chart below may be reallotted. In accordance with section 2607(b)(3), the Chief Executive Officers of the grantees referenced in the chart below have 30 days from the date of this publication to submit comments to: Jeannie L. Chaffin, Director, Office of Community Services, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., Washington, DC 20447. The comment period expires September 13, 2012. After considering any comments submitted, the Chief Executive Officers will be notified of the final reallotment amount, and this decision also will be published in the Federal Register. If funds are reallotted, they will be allocated in accordance with section 2604 of the Act and must be treated by LIHEAP grantees receiving them as an amount appropriated for FFY 2013. As FFY 2013 funds, they will be subject to all requirements of the Act, including section 2607(b)(2), which requires that a grantee obligate at least 90 percent of its total block grant allocation for a fiscal year by the end of the fiscal year for which the funds are appropriated, or by September 30, 2013.
Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible To Receive Services From the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Friday, August 10, 2012, 77 FR 47868-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 3229077
SUMMARY:This notice publishes the current list of 566 tribal entities recognized and eligible for funding and services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs by virtue of their status as Indian tribes. The list is updated from the notice published on October 1, 2010 (75 FR 60810) and the October 27, 2010 (75 FR 66124--Supplemental).
Enforcement Actions, Thursday, August 9, 2012, 77 FR 47517-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 3201343
SUMMARY: The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC or Commission) is amending its enforcement regulation to include a graduated pre- enforcement process through which a tribe may come into voluntary compliance.
Issuance of Investigation Completion Letters, Thursday, August 9, 2012, 77 FR 47516-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 3201342
SUMMARY: This action amends our regulations to provide for the issuance of an investigation completion letter if the Agency will not recommend the commencement of an enforcement proceeding against a respondent.
Management Contracts?Background Investigations, Thursday, August 9, 2012, 77 FR 47514-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 3201341
SUMMARY: The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC or Commission) is amending its regulation to allow reduced scope background investigations for specific types of entities with a financial interest in, or having management responsibility for, a management contract, and to update the forms of payment that may be accepted by the NIGC for background investigation fees.
Definition of Enforcement Action, Thursday, August 9, 2012, 77 FR 47513-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 3201340
SUMMARY: The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC or Commission) is amending its regulation setting out definitions to add a definition of "enforcement action."
Land Acquisitions; United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians of Oklahoma, Tuesday, August 7, 2012, 77 FR 47089-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 3163490
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire approximately 2.03 acres of land into trust for the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians of Oklahoma on July 30, 2012.
Tribal Listening Sessions on Sacred Sites on Federal Lands, Thursday, August 2, 2012, 77 FR 46106-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 3111794
SUMMARY: Indian Affairs will conduct listening sessions with Indian tribes to obtain oral and written comments concerning sacred sites located on Federal lands. See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice for details.
Related News Stories: NNHRC publicizes DOI's sacred sites listening sessions (Native American Times) 8/01/12
Indian Child Welfare Act; Designated Tribal Agents for Service of Notice, Wednesday, August 1, 2012, 77 FR 45816-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 3095208
SUMMARY: The regulations implementing the Indian Child Welfare Act provide that Indian tribes may designate an agent other than the tribal chairman for service of notice of proceedings under the Act. This notice includes the current list of designated tribal agents for service of notice.
Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform, Thursday, July 26, 2012 , 77 FR 43855-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 3027592
SUMMARY: The Office of the Secretary is announcing that the Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform (the Commission) will hold a public Webinar meeting on August 13, 2012. The Commission has gathered valuable information to begin work on various subcommittees to explore the definitions and foundation of the trust relationship, explore other trust models, review reports and various documents and identify recommendations from previous studies, and consider the nature and scope of necessary audits of the Department's trust administration systems. The Secretarial Commission's charter requires the Commission to provide well-reasoned and factually based recommendations for potential improvements to the existing management and administration of the trust administration system. The Commission is committed to early public engagement and welcomes your participation in these important meetings. DATES: The Commission's Webinar meeting will begin at 2 p.m. and end at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on August 13, 2012. Attendance is open to the public, but limited space is available. Members of the public who wish to attend must RSVP by August 10, 2012, by registering at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/876785297. Instructions for joining the Webinar will be emailed after registration occurs.
Draft Policy on Conferring With Urban Indian Organizations, Thursday, July 26, 2012 , 77 FR 43846-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 3027587
SUMMARY: This Notice sets forth the Indian Health Service policy for conferring with urban Indian organizations and invites comments within 45 days. In March 2010, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act was reauthorized and amended as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (together, the Affordable Care Act), Public Law 111-152. One of the changes made to the IHCIA was to create a new requirement that the IHS "confer'' with UIOs, to the maximum extent practicable, in carrying out the Act as defined by the Indian Health Care Improvement Reauthorization and Extension Act, as enacted and amended by the Affordable Care Act.
Memorandum of Agreement With the Kalispel Tribe on Columbia Basin Fish Accords, Thursday, July 26, 2012, 77 FR 43819-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 3027567
SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of the BPA's ROD for entering into an Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Kalispel Tribe for implementing fish and wildlife projects in and around Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille River in Pend Orielle County, Washington and Bonner Counties, Idaho. BPA has decided to enter into the MOA to pursue mutual goals with the Kalispel Tribe of protecting and recovering fish and wildlife affected by the Federal Columbia River Power System in the area. This ROD is tiered to the BPA's Fish and Wildlife Implementation Program Environmental Impact Statement (DOE/EIS-0312, April 2003) and its ROD (October 31, 2003).
Acquisition Regulations; Buy Indian Act; Procedures for Contracting, Thursday, July 26, 2012 , 77 FR 43782-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 3027660
SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior proposes to issue regulations guiding implementation of the Buy Indian Act, which provides the Bureau of Indian Affairs with authority to set aside procurement contracts for Indian-owned and controlled businesses. This rule supplements the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Department of the Interior Acquisition Regulations (DIAR).
Council for Native American Farming and Ranching, Wednesday, July 25, 2012, 77 FR 43571-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 3017544
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 inaugural meeting of the CNAFR and will consist of, but not limited to, election of officers, acceptance of committee by-laws, and overview of USDA farm programs. This meeting will be open to the public. DATES: The meeting will be held on August 14, 2012 and August 15, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The meetings are open to the public on both days. Note that a period for public comment will be held on August 15, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, 4th St and Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20024. The meeting will be held in the Patrons Lounge.
Minimum Internal Control Standards and Technical Standards, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, 77 FR 43196-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 2994040
SUMMARY: On June 1, 2012, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) published in the Federal Register two notices of proposed rulemaking for public comment. The deadline for submission of public comments was July 31, 2012. In response to public requests to extend the comment period, the NIGC has determined that an extension of the end of the public comment period from July 31, 2012 until August 15, 2012, is appropriate. This action will allow interested persons additional time to analyze the proposed rules and prepare their comments.
Indian Gaming; Correction, Monday, July 23, 2012, 77 FR 43111-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 2953889
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) published a document in the Federal Register of July 12, 2012, providing notice that the Tribal-- State Class III Gaming Compact between the State of California and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria was approved. That notice incorrectly stated that the approved document was an extension and did not make clear that the document was deemed approved.
Indian Gaming, Monday, July 23, 2012, 77 FR 43110-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 2953888
SUMMARY: This notice publishes an extension of Gaming between the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and the State of South Dakota.
Tribal Consultation Sessions?Department of the Interior Information Technology Infrastructure Consolidation and Reorganization?Amendment, Monday, July 23, 2012, 77 FR 43106-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 2953883
SUMMARY: The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget hosted a tribal consultation session on June 13, 2012, at the Office of the Special Trustee in Albuquerque, NM. This amendment includes additional tribal consultation sessions. The purpose of the sessions is to obtain tribal input on the 2012 Information Technology transformation realignment proposal as well as on how Information Technology transformation should be implemented in the coming years.
Indian Oil Valuation Negotiated Rulemaking Committee, Wednesday, July 18, 2012, 77 FR 42230-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 2904747
SUMMARY: The Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) announces additional meetings for the Indian Oil Valuation Negotiated Rulemaking Committee (Committee). The third through sixth meetings of the Committee will take place on August 1 and 2, September 5 and 6, October 24 and 25, and December 11 and 12, 2012, in Building 85 of the Denver Federal Center. The Committee membership includes representatives from Indian tribes, individual Indian mineral owner organizations, minerals industry representatives, and other Federal bureaus. The public will have the opportunity to comment between 3:45 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. Mountain Time on August 1, 2012; September 5, 2012; October 24, 2012; and December 11, 2012. DATES: Wednesday and Thursday, August 1 and 2, 2012; Wednesday and Thursday, September 5 and 6, 2012; Wednesday and Thursday, October 24 and 25, 2012; and Tuesday and Wednesday, December 11 and 12, 2012. All meetings will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time for all dates. ADDRESSES: ONRR will hold the meetings at the Denver Federal Center, 6th Ave and Kipling, Bldg. 85 Auditorium, Lakewood, CO 80225.
Healthy Lifestyles in Youth Project; Proposed Single Source Cooperative Agreement With National Congress of American Indians, Friday, July 13, 2012, 77 FR 41428-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 2861508
SUMMARY: Key Dates: Application Deadline Date: August 14, 2012. Review Date: August 20, 2012. Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 1, 2012. Background: The IHS OCPS Public Health Nursing (PHN) Program serves as the primary source for national advocacy, policy development, budget development, and allocation for clinical, preventive, and public health nursing programs for the IHS Area Offices and Service Units. The IHS PHN Program is a community health nursing program that focuses on the goals of promoting health and quality of life, and preventing disease and disability. The PHN program provides quality, culturally sensitive health promotion and disease prevention nursing services through primary, secondary and tertiary prevention services to individuals, families, and community groups. It provides leadership in articulating the clinical, preventive, and public health needs of American Indian/ Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities and developing, managing, and administering program functions related to PHN.
Fee Rate, Thursday, July 12, 2012 , 77 FR 41202-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 2838495
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given, pursuant to 25 CFR 514.1(a)(3), that the National Indian Gaming Commission has adopted final annual fee rates of 0.00% for tier 1 and 0.074% (.00074) for tier 2 for calendar year 2012. 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 final fee rate on class II revenues for calendar year 2012 shall be one-half of the annual fee rate, which is 0.037% (.00037). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Yvonne Lee, National Indian Gaming Commission, 1441 L Street NW., Suite 9100, Washington, DC 20005; telephone (202) 632-7003; fax (202) 632-7066. .
Indian Gaming, Thursday, July 12, 2012 , 77 FR 41200-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 2838492
SUMMARY: This notice publishes approval by the Department of an extension to the Class III Gaming Compact between the State of California and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. DATES: Effective Date: July 12, 2012.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish, Thursday, July 12, 2012 , 77 FR 41168-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 2838446
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that NMFS has prepared a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of the potential effects of two direct take permits for hatchery operations in the Snake River basin involving Snake River fall Chinook salmon. The permit applicants are the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) on behalf of the Nez Perce Tribe (NPT). The proposed permits would expire on December 31, 2017. This document serves to notify the public of the draft EA for public review, comment, and submission of written data, views, arguments or other relevant information before a final decision on whether to issue a Finding of No Significant Impact is made by NMFS. All comments and other information received will become part of the public record and will be available for review pursuant to section 10(c) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Delegation of National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Source Categories; Gila River Indian Community, Thursday, July 12, 2012 , 77 FR 41146-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 2838533
SUMMARY: This notice publishes approval by the Department of an extension to the Class III Gaming Compact between the State of California and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. DATES: Effective Date: July 12, 2012.
Land Acquisitions: Pueblo of Santa Clara Thursday, July 5, 2012 , 77 FR 39726-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 2575410
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary?Indian Affairs, made a final agency determination to acquire approximately 1,219.24 acres of land into trust for the Pueblo of Santa Clara on January 27, 2012.
Related News Stories: BIA approves three land-into-trust acquisitions for Pueblo tribes (Indianz.com) 7/6/12
Land Acquisitions: Pueblo of Santo Domingo Thursday, July 5, 2012 , 77 FR 39725-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 2575409
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary?Indian Affairs, made a final agency determination to acquire approximately 7,393.75 acres of land into trust for the Pueblo of Santo Domingo on January 27, 2012.
Land Acquisitions: 19 Pueblos Thursday, July 5, 2012 , 77 FR 39724-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 2575408
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary?Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire approximately 8.43 acres of land into trust for the 19 pueblos on January 31, 2012.
American Indian and Alaska Native Consultation and Coordination Policy, Tuesday, July 3, 2012, 77 FR 39464-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 2521161
SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce (Department) requests public comments on a draft ``Consultation and Coordination Policy of the U.S. Department of Commerce.'' This proposed policy establishes the manner in which the Department works with federally-recognized Indian tribes when developing Department policies that have tribal implications. The policy reaffirms the unique government-to-government relationship that exists between Indian tribes and the Department of Commerce to support Tribes in the development of strong and stable economies able to participate in today's national and global marketplace.
Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996: Notice of Intent To Initiate Negotiated Rulemaking, Tuesday, July 3, 2012, 77 FR 39452-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 2521316
SUMMARY: This document announces HUD's intention to initiate Negotiated Rulemaking under the Negotiated Rulemaking Act for the purpose of developing regulatory changes to the funding formula for the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) program authorized under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA). This document provides background information on the NAHASDA program and describes the steps in the negotiated rulemaking process.
Cooperative Agreements for the Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes Under the National Indian Health Outreach and Education Program, Thursday, June 28, 2012, 77 FR 38640-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 2411526
SUMMARY: The Indian Health Service (IHS) is accepting applications for two limited competition cooperative agreements for the Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes 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.
Implementation of Indian Reservation Roads Program and Streamlining the Federal Delivery of Tribal Transportation Services, Monday, June 18, 2012 , 77 FR 36289-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 2190652
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) published a document in the Federal Register of May 7, 2012, announcing tribal consultations to discuss the following topics: (1) Changes in how Proposed Roads and Access Roads are considered in the calculation of the Relative Needs Distribution Formula (RNDF) used for the allocation of Indian Reservation Roads (IRR) funding among tribes; (2) streamlining BIA delivery of transportation program services to tribal governments; and (3) update on implementation of ``Question 10.'' BIA and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will also present an update on potential congressional reauthorization of the current transportation legislation involving the Indian Reservation Roads program or, if new transportation legislation is enacted prior to the meetings, BIA and FHWA will discuss its anticipated impacts on the IRR program. This notice corrects the meeting dates, locations, and agenda.
Notice of Intent To Establish an Osage Negotiated Rulemaking Committee, Monday, June 18, 2012, 77 FR 36226-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 2190721
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is announcing its intent to establish an Osage Negotiated Rulemaking Committee (Committee). The Committee will develop specific recommendations to address future management and administration of the Osage Mineral Estate, including potential revisions to the regulations governing leasing of Osage Reservation Lands for Oil and Gas Mining, 25 CFR Part 226. The Committee will include representatives of parties who would be affected by a final rule. BIA solicits comments on this proposal to establish the Committee and its proposed membership. BIA also invites anyone who will be significantly affected by the proposed rule and believes their interests will not be adequately represented by the proposed members listed below to nominate a member to the Committee. DATES: Submit nominations for Committee members or written comments on this notice on or before July 18, 2012.
Notice of June 30, 2012, Meeting for Denali National Park Subsistence Resource Commission, Tuesday, June 12, 2012, 77 FR 34997-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 2090203
SUMMARY: This notice sets the date of the June 30, 2012, meeting of the Denali Subsistence Resource Commission. DATES: The public meeting of the Denali Subsistence Resource Commission will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Alaska) or until business is completed. Should a quorum not be available on June 30, 2012, an alternate meeting date has been scheduled on Saturday, July 21, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If the meeting dates and location are changed, a notice will be published in local newspapers and announced on local radio stations prior to the meeting date. SRC meeting locations and dates may need to be changed based on inclement weather or exceptional circumstances. Location: The meeting will be held at the Nikolai Tribal Council Office in Nikolai, AK.
Solicitation for Comments on the Proposed Realignment of the Division of Workforce Development From the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development to the Office of the Deputy Director?Indian Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Tuesday, June 12, 2012 , 77 FR 34974-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 2090190
SUMMARY: The Office of the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs (AS-IA) is considering realigning the Division of Workforce Development (DWD), now located in the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development (IEED) within AS-IA, to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under the Office of the Deputy Director--Indian Services. This notice seeks comments on this proposed realignment from federally recognized American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native entities. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before July 27, 2012.
Solicitation of Comments on Request for United States Assumption of Concurrent Federal Criminal Jurisdiction; Elk Valley Rancheria, Monday, June 4, 2012, 77 FR 32998-03, (PDF), 2012 WL 1965231
SUMMARY: This notice solicits public comments on the Request for United States Assumption of Concurrent Federal Criminal Jurisdiction recently submitted to the Office of Tribal Justice, Department of Justice by the Elk Valley Rancheria pursuant to the provisions of 28 CFR 50.25. DATES: Written comments must be postmarked and electronic comments must be submitted on or before July 19, 2012. Comments received by mail will be considered timely if they are postmarked on or before that date. The electronic Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) will accept comments until Midnight Eastern Time at the end of that day.
Technical Standards, Friday, June 1, 2012, 77 FR 32465-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 1951639
SUMMARY: The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) proposes to amend its technical standards to change the order of the first five sections; add definitions and amend existing definitions; amend the requirements concerning minimum odds for Class II games; amend standards for test labs; remove references to the Federal Communications Commission and Underwriters Laboratory; require a player interface to display a serial number and date of manufacture; amend requirements concerning approval of downloads to a Class II gaming system; establish mandatory tests for random number generators; amend the requirements for scaling algorithms and scaled numbers; and clarify the term "alternate standard.'' DATES: The agency must receive comments on or before July 31, 2012.
Minimum Internal Control Standards, Friday, June 1, 2012, 77 FR 32444-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 1951638
SUMMARY: The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) proposes to amend its minimum internal control standards for Class II gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to reorder the sections, delete commonly understood definitions, add and amend existing definitions; amend the term ``variance'' as it applies to establishing an alternate minimum standard; amend the bingo, pull-tab, information and technology sections to reflect technological advances; delete references to ``unrestricted player accounts''; and consolidate the revenue audit and audit and accounting procedures into their respective sections. DATES: Submit comments on or before July 31, 2012.
Land Acquisitions; Ione Band of Miwok Indians of California, Wednesday, May 30, 2012, 77 FR 31871-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 1930876
SUMMARY: The Acting Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire 228.04 acres of land into trust for the Ione Band of Miwok Indians of California on May 24, 2012.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish, Wednesday, May 30, 2012, 77 FR 31835-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 1930830
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes have submitted a Tribal Resource Management Plan (Tribal Plan) to NMFS pursuant to the limitation on take prohibitions for actions conducted under Tribal Plans promulgated under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Tribal Plan specifies the management of ceremonial and subsistence fisheries in the Salmon River basin in the State of Idaho that potentially affect Snake River salmon and steelhead listed as threatened under the ESA. This document serves to notify the public of the availability for comment of the proposed evaluation of the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) as to whether implementation of the Tribal Plan will appreciably reduce the likelihood of survival and recovery of Snake River salmon and steelhead. This notice further advises the public of the availability for review of an Environmental Assessment of the effects of the NMFS determination on the subject Tribal Plan. DATES: Comments must be received at the appropriate address or fax number (see ADDRESSES) no later than 5 p.m. Pacific time on June 29, 2012.
Applications for New Awards; State-Tribal Education Partnership (STEP) Pilot Grant Competition, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, 77 FR 31592-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 1903294
Overview Information: State-Tribal Education Partnership (STEP) Pilot Notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2012. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.415A. DATES: Applications Available: May 29, 2012. Deadline for Notice of Intent to Apply: June 12, 2012. Dates of Pre-Application Meetings: June 1, 2012, and June 5, 2012. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: July 13, 2012.
Related News Stories: U.S. Education Secretary Duncan Announces Pilot Program to Increase State-Tribal Collaboration (U.S. Department of Education) 5/31/12.
Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform, Friday, May 25, 2012, 77 FR 31378-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 1883609
SUMMARY: The Office of the Secretary is announcing that the Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform (the Commission) will hold a public meeting on June 11 and 12, 2012. The Commission has gathered input and information from two public meetings and has requested feedback on five questions regarding the development of a comprehensive evaluation of how the Department of the Interior manages and administers its trust responsibilities to American Indians and Alaska Natives. The five questions can be found at http://www.doi.gov/cobell/commission/index.cfm under "Tribal Outreach Letter.'' The Secretarial Commission's charter requires the Commission to provide well-reasoned and factually based recommendations for potential improvements to the existing management and administration of the trust administration system. The Commission is committed to early public
U.S. Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Tribal Consultation, Friday, May 25, 2012, 77 FR 31377-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 1883608
SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior (Interior) announces a tribal consultation meeting regarding the United States Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, to be held at the National Congress of American Indians mid-year Conference June 17-20, 2012, in Lincoln, Nebraska. In addition to this meeting, Interior officials welcome the opportunity to speak and meet in person with interested tribes in the months of June and July regarding this initiative. Interior also invites tribes to participate in upcoming USEITI public listening sessions and workshops in May and June.
Heating, Cooling, and Lighting Standards for Bureau-Funded Dormitory Facilities, Thursday, May 24, 2012 , 77 FR 30888-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 1865136
SUMMARY: As required by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, the Secretary of the Interior has developed regulations using negotiated rulemaking that address heating, cooling, and lighting standards for Bureau-funded dormitory facilities. These regulations also make a technical change to remove an obsolete reference. DATES: This rule is effective on May 24, 2012. Please submit written comments by June 25, 2012. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of
Indian Gaming, Wednesday, May 23, 2012, 77 FR 30550-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 1853952
SUMMARY: This notice publishes approval by the Department of an extension to the Class III Gaming Compact between the Pyramid Lake Paiute Indian Tribe and the State of Nevada. DATES: Effective Date: May 23, 2012.
Native American Career and Technical Education Program; Final Waivers and Extension of Project Period, Wednesday, May 23, 2012, 77 FR 30512-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 1853916
SUMMARY: For 60-month projects funded in fiscal year (FY) 2007 under the Native American Career and Technical Education Program (NACTEP), the Secretary waives 34 CFR 75.250 and 75.261(c)(2) in order to extend the project period of these current NACTEP grants for an additional 12 months. This will enable the 30 current NACTEP grantees to seek FY 2012 continuation awards for their current projects through FY 2013, and we
Protocol for Categorical Exclusions Supplementing the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act for Certain National Indian Gaming Commission Actions and Activities, Tuesday, May 22, 2012, 77 FR 30315-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 1831007
SUMMARY: The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC or ``the Commission'') has established a protocol that provides for categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended, Executive Order 11514, as amended, and Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508) for certain NIGC actions. DATES: Submit comments on or before June 30, 2012. This Protocol is immediately effective upon publication. All comments will be reviewed and considered to determine whether there is a need for potential amendment to the protocol.
Advisory Board for Exceptional Children, Wednesday, May 16, 2012 , 77 FR 28897-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 1681500
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. DATES: The Advisory Board will meet on Sunday, June 3, 2012, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Monday, June 4, 2012, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Hyatt Place Albuquerque/ Uptown, 6901 Arvada Avenue North East, Albuquerque, New Mexico;
Oil and Gas; Well Stimulation, Including Hydraulic Fracturing, on Federal and Indian Lands, Friday, May 11, 2012, 77 FR 27691-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 1639713
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing a rule to regulate hydraulic fracturing on public land and Indian land. The rule would provide disclosure to the public of chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing on public land and Indian land, strengthen regulations related to well-bore integrity, and address issues related to flowback water. This rule is necessary to provide useful information to the public and to assure that hydraulic fracturing is conducted in a way that adequately protects the environment.
National and Governmental Advisory Committees to the U.S. Representative to the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, Tuesday, May 8, 2012 , 77 FR 27055-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 1574024
SUMMARY: Under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92-463, EPA gives notice of a meeting of the National Advisory Committee (NAC) and Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) to the U.S. Representative to the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC). The National and Governmental Advisory Committees advise the EPA Administrator in her capacity as the U.S. Representative to the CEC Council. The Committees are authorized under Articles 17 and 18 of the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC), North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, Public Law 103-182, and as directed by Executive Order 12915, entitled "Federal Implementation of the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation.'' The NAC is composed of 13 members representing academia, environmental non-governmental organizations, and private industry. The GAC consists of 12 members representing state, local, and Tribal governments. The Committees are responsible for providing advice to the U.S. Representative on a wide range of strategic, scientific, technological, regulatory, and economic issues related to implementation and further elaboration of the NAAEC. The purpose of this teleconference is to discuss and approve the draft advice letter addressing the draft Guidelines for Submissions on Enforcement Matters under Articles 14 and 15 of the NAAEC. A copy of the agenda will be posted at http://www.epa.gov/ofacmo/nacgac-page.htm. DATES: The NAC/GAC will hold a public teleconference on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Due to an expedited advice request, EPA is announcing the meeting with less than 15 days public notice. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the U.S. EPA East Building, 1201 Constitution Ave. NW., Room 1132, Washington, DC 20004.
Designation of Areas for Air Quality Planning Purposes; California; Western Mojave Desert Ozone Nonattainment Area; Reclassification to Severe, Tuesday, May 8, 2012, 77 FR 26950-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 1574091
SUMMARY: Under the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act), EPA is granting a request from the State of California to reclassify the Western Mojave Desert ozone nonattainment area from "Moderate'' to "Severe-15'' for the 1997 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). EPA is also reclassifying Indian country under the jurisdiction of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians of California located within the boundaries of the Western Mojave Desert area in the same manner, following consultation with the Tribe, to maintain consistency with the classification of the surrounding areas under State jurisdiction. DATES: Effective Date: This rule is effective on June 7, 2012.
Implementation of Indian Reservation Roads Program and Streamlining the Federal Delivery of Tribal Transportation Services, Monday, May 7, 2012, 77 FR 26785-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 1565006
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is announcing tribal consultations to discuss the following topics: (1) Changes in calculation of the Relative Needs Distribution Formula (RNDF) used to allocate Indian Reservation Roads (IRR) funding among tribes; (2) streamlining BIA delivery of transportation program services to tribal governments; and (3) update on implementation of "Question 10.'' The BIA and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will also present an update on legislation involving the Indian Reservation Roads program.
Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform, Thursday, April 26, 2012 , 77 FR 24974-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 1423992
SUMMARY: The Office of the Secretary is announcing that the Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform (the Commission) will hold a public webinar meeting on May 16, 2012. Having gathered valuable background information during the first meeting held in Washington, DC, March 1-2, 2012, the Commission is beginning to develop a comprehensive evaluation of how the Department of the Interior manages and administers trust responsibilities to American Indians. The Secretarial Commission's charter requires the Commission to provide well-reasoned and factually-based recommendations for potential improvements to the existing management and administration of the trust administration system. The Commission is committed to early public engagement and welcomes your participation in these important meetings. DATES: The Commission's webinar meeting will begin at 3:30 p.m. and end at 6 p.m. Eastern Time on May 16, 2012. Attendance is open to the public, but limited space is available. Members of the public who wish to attend must RSVP by May 11, 2012, by registering at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/115154409. Instructions for joining the webinar will be emailed after registration occurs.
Solicitation of Comments on Request for United States Assumption of Concurrent Federal Criminal Jurisdiction; Hoopa Valley Tribe, Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 77 FR 24517-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 1387791
SUMMARY: This notice solicits public comments on the Request for United States Assumption of Concurrent Federal Criminal Jurisdiction recently submitted to the Office of Tribal Justice, Department of Justice by the Hoopa Valley Tribe pursuant to the provisions of 28 CFR 50.25. DATES: Written comments must be postmarked and electronic comments must be submitted on or before . Comments received by mail will be considered timely if they are postmarked on or before that date. The electronic Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) will accept comments until Midnight Eastern Time at the end of that day. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Mail or Hand Delivery/Courier: submit written comments via regular or express mail to Mr. Tracy Toulou, Director, Office of Tribal Justice, Department of Justice, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2310, Washington, DC 20530. Fax: submit comments to the attention of Mr. Tracy Toulou, Office of Tribal Justice, Department of Justice, (202) 514-9078 (not a toll-free number).
Solicitation of Comments on Request for United States Assumption of Concurrent Federal Criminal Jurisdiction; Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians, Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 77 FR 24516-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 1387790
SUMMARY: This notice solicits public comments on the Request for United States Assumption of Concurrent Federal Criminal Jurisdiction recently submitted to the Office of Tribal Justice, Department of Justice by the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians pursuant to the provisions of 28 CFR 50.25. DATES: Written comments must be postmarked and electronic comments must be submitted on or before June 8, 2012. Comments received by mail will be considered timely if they are postmarked on or before that date. The electronic Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) will accept comments until Midnight Eastern Time at the end of that day. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Mail or Hand Delivery/Courier: submit written comments via regular or express mail to Mr. Tracy Toulou, Director, Office of Tribal Justice, Department of Justice, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2310, Washington, DC 20530. Fax: submit comments to the attention of Mr. Tracy Toulou, Office of Tribal Justice, Department of Justice, (202) 514-9078 (not a toll-free number).
Solicitation of Comments on Request for United States Assumption of Concurrent Federal Criminal Jurisdiction; White Earth Nation, Monday, April 23, 2012, 77 FR 24222-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 1378256
SUMMARY: This notice solicits public comments on the Request for United States Assumption of Concurrent Federal Criminal Jurisdiction recently submitted to the Office of Tribal Justice, Department of Justice by the White Earth Nation pursuant to the provisions of 28 CFR 50.25. DATES: Written comments must be postmarked and electronic comments must be submitted on or before June 7, 2012. Comments received by mail will be considered timely if they are postmarked on or before that date. The electronic Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) will accept comments until Midnight Eastern Time at the end of that day. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Mail or Hand Delivery/Courier: submit written comments via regular or express mail to Mr. Tracy Toulou, Director, Office of Tribal Justice, Department of Justice, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 2310, Washington, DC 20530. Fax: submit comments to the attention of Mr. Tracy Toulou, Office of Tribal Justice, Department of Justice, (202) 514-9078 (not a toll-free number).
Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Reporting for Facilities Located in Indian Country and Clarification of Additional Opportunities Available to Tribal Governments Under the TRI Program, Thursday, April 19, 2012 , 77 FR 23409-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 1339853
SUMMARY: EPA is announcing new opportunities for tribal participation and engagement in the TRI Program. Under this final rule, TRI reporting facilities located in Indian country are required to report to the appropriate tribal government of their relevant area instead of the State. This rule also improves and clarifies certain opportunities allowing tribal governments to participate more fully in the TRI Program. Further, because tribal governmental structures may vary, EPA is updating its terminology to refer to the principal elected official of the Tribe as the ``Tribal Chairperson or equivalent elected official.'' EPA is also amending its definition of ``State'' for purposes of 40 CFR part 372 to no longer include Indian country, so as to avoid any confusing overlap in terminology for facilities located in Indian country. With regard to the procedures for EPA to modify the list of covered chemicals and TRI reporting facilities, today's rule clarifies the opportunities available to tribal governments. In particular, EPA is including within the relevant provision an opportunity for the Tribal Chairperson or equivalent elected official to request that EPA apply the TRI reporting requirements to a specific facility located within the Tribe's Indian country. Secondly, EPA is clarifying in this rule that the Tribal Chairperson or equivalent elected official may petition EPA to add or delete a particular chemical respectively to or from the list of chemicals covered by TRI. In finalizing the actions described, EPA is helping to increase awareness of toxic releases within tribal communities, thereby increasing the understanding of potential human health and ecological impacts from these hazardous chemicals.
Tribal Consultation Policy, Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 77 FR 23283-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 1309059
SUMMARY: The Department of Labor seeks comments on a proposed tribal consultation policy. This policy would establish standards for improved consultation with federally recognized Indian Tribes to the extent that a conflict does not exist with laws or regulations. It would apply to any Department action that affects federally recognized Indian tribes and would require that the Department's government-to-government consultation involve appropriate Tribal and Departmental officials.
Notice of an open meeting, Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 77 FR 23230-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 1309008
SUMMARY: This notice sets forth the schedule for the upcoming public meeting of the National Advisory Council on Indian Education (the Council) and is intended to notify the general public of the meeting. This notice also describes the functions of the Council. Notice of the Council's meetings is required under Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Date and Time: May 2-3, 2012; May 2, 2012--8 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time. May 3, 2012--8 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time. Location: Washington, DC--Details about the meeting location will be posted on the Committee Web site on April 30, 2012. Web site: www.NACIE-ED.org (To RSVP, and for NACIE Meeting Updates, and Final Agenda).
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act Regulations, Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 77 FR 23196-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 1309125
SUMMARY: The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) is responsible for implementation of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, including the issuance of appropriate regulations implementing and interpreting its provisions. Minor inaccuracies or inconsistencies in the regulations have been identified by or brought to the attention of the Department. These proposed amendments revise the rules implementing the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act for purposes of factual accuracy and consistency. DATES: Comments must be received by June 18, 2012. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by the Regulation Identifier Number (RIN) 1024-AD99, by any of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Mail or hand deliver to: Dr. Sherry Hutt, Manager, National NAGPRA Program, National Park Service, 1201 Eye Street NW., (2253), Washington, DC 20005.
Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed 2012-13 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations (Preliminary) With Requests for Indian Tribal Proposals and Requests for 2014 Spring and Summer Migratory Bird Subsistence Harvest Proposals in Alaska, Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 77 FR 23094-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 1267788
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 2012-13 hunting season. We annually prescribe outside limits (frameworks) within which States may select hunting seasons. This proposed rule provides the regulatory schedule, describes the proposed regulatory alternatives for the 2012-13 duck hunting seasons, requests proposals from Indian tribes that wish to establish special migratory game bird hunting regulations on Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands, and requests proposals for the 2014 spring and summer migratory bird subsistence season in Alaska. 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.
Tribal Consultation Sessions Administrative Organizational Assessment Draft Report, Organizational Streamlining of BIA and BIE, and BIE Topics, Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 77 FR 22799-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 1267717
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) will be adding three tribal consultation sessions to the previously scheduled sessions. The additional sessions will focus on the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Education (ED) and the Department of the Interior (DOI) to improve American Indian and Alaska Native education. The MOU is authorized by the President's Executive Order on Improving American Indian and Alaska Native Educational Opportunities and Strengthening Tribal Colleges and Universities (Executive Order 135092) and section 9204 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Indian Health Professions Preparatory, Indian Health Professions Pregraduate and Indian Health Professions Scholarship Programs, Tuesday, April 10, 2012, 77 FR 21568-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 1154985
SUMMARY: Funding Opportunity Description: The Indian Health Service (IHS) is committed to encouraging American Indians and Alaska Natives to enter the health professions and to assuring the availability of Indian health professionals to provide health care services to Indians. The IHS is committed to the recruitment of students for the following programs: The Indian Health Professions Preparatory Scholarship authorized by section 103 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA), Public Law 94-437 (1976). The Indian Health Professions Pre-graduate Scholarship authorized by section 103 of the IHCIA, Public Law 94-437 (1976). The Indian Health Professions Scholarship authorized by section 104 of the IHCIA, Public Law 94-437 (1976). Full-time and part-time scholarships will be funded for each of the three scholarship programs. The scholarship award selections and funding are subject to availability of funds appropriated for the Scholarship Program. Key Dates: Application Deadline: May 7, 2012, for continuing students. Application Deadline: May 7, 2012, for new students. Application Review: May 21-25, 2012. Application Notification: First week of July, 2012. Award Start Date: August 1, 2012.
30 CFR Part 1206 Notice of Meeting for the Indian Oil Valuation Negotiated Rulemaking Committee, Thursday, April 5, 2012, 77 FR 20574-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 1118181
SUMMARY: The Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) announces meetings for the Indian Oil Valuation Negotiated Rulemaking Committee (Committee). Agenda items for the first meetings of the Committee will include (1) an overview of Indian oil production, the current Indian oil valuation rule, and the Indian oil royalty administrative process; (2) an identification of issues to be addressed by the Committee; and (3) an opportunity for members to express their issues, concerns and interests. In addition, the Committee's facilitator will review meeting protocols and facilitate a discussion of collaborative problem solving. The Committee membership includes representatives from Indian Tribes, individual Indian mineral owner organizations, the oil and gas industry, and the Department of the Interior. The public will have the opportunity to comment between 3:45 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. mountain standard time on May 1, 2012, and June 18, 2012. DATES: Tuesday and Wednesday, May 1 and 2, 2012 and Monday and Tuesday, June 18 and 19, 2012. Both meetings will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. mountain standard time on both days. ADDRESSES: ONRR will hold the meetings at the Denver Federal Center, 6th Ave and Kipling, Bldg. 85 Auditorium, Lakewood, Colorado 80225.
Draft National Water Program 2012 Strategy: Response to Climate Change Notice of availability and request for comments, Monday, April 2, 2012, 77 FR 19661-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 1067435
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency is publishing for public comment a draft long-range strategy that describes how the agency will address climate change challenges to its mission of protecting human health and the environment. Climate change alters the hydrological background in which EPA's programs function. Depending upon the regional, local and even temporal nature of effects, climate change will pose challenges to various aspects of water resource management, including how to: address risks to drinking water, wastewater and storm water infrastructure; protect quality of surface water, ground water and drinking water; build resilience of watersheds, wetlands, and coastal and ocean waters; and work with tribal communities to understand the implications of climate change to their economy and culture.
Final Determination Against Federal Acknowledgment of the Central Band of Cherokee, Friday, March 30, 2012, 77 FR 19315-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 1048715
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Department of the Interior (Department) declines to acknowledge that the petitioner known as the ``Central Band of Cherokee'' (formerly known as the ``Cherokees of Lawrence County, Tennessee''), Petitioner 227, is an Indian tribe within the meaning of Federal law. This notice is based on a determination that the petitioner does not meet one of the seven mandatory criteria for a government-to-government relationship with the United States. The Office of Federal Acknowledgment (OFA) produced a Summary under the Criterion as the basis for this final determination (FD).
Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2008: Negotiated Rulemaking Committee, Friday, March 30, 2012, 77 FR 19154-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 1048803
SUMMARY: This notice announces a two-day session of the negotiated rulemaking committee that developed HUD's November 18, 2011, proposed rule to revise the regulations governing the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Program and Title VI Loan Guarantee Program. HUD's proposed rule was developed, as required by statute, by negotiated rulemaking. The public comment period on the proposed rule closed on January 17, 2012. The purpose of the two-day session is to provide the negotiated rulemaking committee members the opportunity to review and consider responses to the public comments received on the November 18, 2011, proposed rule. DATES: The session will be held on Tuesday, May 1, 2012, and Wednesday, May 2, 2012. On each day, the session will begin at approximately 8:30 a.m., and will adjourn at approximately 6 p.m. ADDRESSES: The sessions will take place in the Brooke Mondale Auditorium, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW., Washington DC, 20410. Members of the public wishing to enter the HUD Weaver Building to attend the sessions must present a current photo identification card, such as a valid driver's license, military ID, work related ID, or passport, at the Southeast lobby security reception desk. To expedite entrance into the building, the public is encouraged to RSVP to Emily.Wright@hud.gov by April 27, 2012. A visitor pass will be issued and must remain visible at all times. Visitors to the HUD Weaver Building will be required to pass through the magnetometer and have their packages X-rayed or inspected by the security staff.
Tribal Consultation Meeting, Thursday, March 29, 2012, 77 FR 19020-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 1028711
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, Public Law 110-134, notice is hereby given of a one-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)]. DATES: May 4, 2012. ADDRESSES: 2012 Office of Head Start Tribal Consultation Session will be held at the following location: Friday, May 4, 2012--Oklahoma City, Oklahoma--Sheraton Oklahoma City Hotel, 1 N. Broadway Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.
Government-to-Government Telephonic Consultation Meetings, Tuesday, March 27, 2012, 77 FR 18258-03, (PDF), 2012 WL 991761
SUMMARY: The National Park Service announces two telephonic government- to-government consultation meetings with Indian tribes that will be held to obtain initial input on issues related to programs of the National Register of Historic Places/National Historic Landmarks Program. The meetings will also provide an opportunity for input into the development of a consultation planning process for future consultation. The meetings are intended for every Indian tribe that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges pursuant to the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 479a), and are in accordance with Executive Order 13175--Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (Nov. 6, 2000), the President's Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies on the implementation of Executive Order 13175 (Nov. 5, 2009), and the Secretary of the Interior's Order No. 3317--Department of the Interior Policy on Consultation With Indian Tribes (Dec. 1, 2011). DATES: Monday, April 23, 2012, at 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. EDT: Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. EDT. Location: Telephonic conference.
Trust Land Consolidation Draft Plan, Friday, March 23, 2012, 77 FR 17091-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 959214
SUMMARY: The Cobell Class Action Settlement Agreement established a trust land consolidation fund to be used for consolidating Indian trust and restricted lands and acquiring fractional interests in these lands. We are reopening the period for commenting on the Cobell Land Consolidation Program Draft Plan (also known as the Trust Land Consolidation Draft Plan), which is the draft plan for accomplishing these goals. DATES: Submit comments by April 3, 2012. ADDRESSES: Submit comments on the draft plan to: Elizabeth Appel, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 1001 Indian School Road NW., Suite 312, Albuquerque, NM 87104; Email: elizabeth.appel@bia.gov. You can request copies of the draft plan by sending a letter or email to one of the above addresses or by calling 505-563-3805.
Notice of Proposed Information Collection for Public Comment; Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) Training and Technical Assistance Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), Tuesday, March 20, 2012, 77 FR 16250-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 909382
SUMMARY: The proposed information collection requirement described below will be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Department is soliciting public comments on the subject proposal. The data required by Office of Native American Programs Training and Technical Assistance NOFA includes pre-award application materials required to be submitted, and post award requirements under the cooperative agreement including technical budgets and reports on financial and task progress. The data identifies needs, outputs and outcomes of the training and technical assistance.
Tribal Consultations, Monday, March 19, 2012, 77 FR 16120-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 893708
SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Tribal Government Relations (OTGR) will host a Tribal Consultation on the following VA programs: Native American Direct Loan Program, Tribal Cemetery Grants, and local implementation of the 2010 VA/Indian Health Service (IHS) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). DATES: Comments must be submitted to VA no later than Friday, March 30, 2012. The Consultation Session will be held on April 5, 2012. ADDRESSES: The Consultation Session will be held at L'Enfant Plaza Hotel, 480 L'Enfant Plaza, SW., Washington, DC 20024, at 9 a.m., Eastern Standard Time.
Notice of Availability of Funds and Solicitation for Grant Applications for Indian and Native American Employment and Training Programs; Solicitation for Grant Applications and Announcement of Competition Waivers for Program Years 2012 and 2013, Friday, March 16, 2012, 77 FR 15811-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 868590
SUMMARY: The Employment and Training Administration (ETA), U.S. Department of Labor (the Department), announces the availability of $47,561,938 in adult program funding and $12,365,295 in youth program funding to grantees designated to provide employment and training services to Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians under section 166 of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) for Program Year (PY) 2012 (July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013). Approximately $1,418,542 of these funds is available for competition for the Comprehensive Services Program (Adult), and approximately $8,138 of these funds is available for the Supplemental (Youth) Services Program. The SGA contains the procedures by which the Department will select and designate the WIA section 166 grantees for PY 2012 and 2013 (July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2014). As a general matter, the Department is required to select grantees, on a competitive basis, every two years. However, the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) has the authority (WIA section 166(c)(2)) to waive the requirement for competition where current grantees are performing satisfactorily. Further, based on our observance of the principles of self-determination embodied in section 102 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450a), as implemented by 20 CFR 668.120, entities that have legal jurisdiction over their requested geographic service areas receive the highest priority for designation (20 CFR 668.210(a)). Such tribal entities will be awarded the grants for their geographic service areas without competition provided that they are found responsible to manage federal funds and meet all other designation requirements. The complete SGA and any subsequent SGA amendments, in connection with this solicitation are described in further detail on ETA's Web site at http://www.doleta.gov/grants/ or on http://www.grants.gov. The Web sites provide application information, eligibility requirements, review and selection procedures and other program requirements governing this solicitation.
Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed KRoad Moapa Solar Generation Facility, Clark County, NV, Friday, March 16, 2012, 77 FR 15794-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 868577
SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) as the lead Federal agency, with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Moapa Band of Paiute Indians (Tribe) as Cooperating Agencies, has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the proposed KRoad Moapa Solar Generation Facility on the Moapa River Indian Reservation (Reservation) in Clark County, Nevada. This notice also announces the FEIS is now available on a public Web site and in hard copy at the addresses below.
Clean Air Act Full Approval of Title V Operating Permits Program; Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Thursday, March 15, 2012, 77 FR 15267-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 842904
SUMMARY: The EPA is promulgating full approval of the Title V Operating Permits Program submitted by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe (Tribe). The Tribe's Title V Operating Permit Program (Title V Program) was submitted for the purpose of administering a tribal program for issuing operating permits to all major stationary sources, and certain other sources on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation (Reservation).
Request for Tribal Consultation on the Minority Business Development Agency's (MBDA) Native American Business Enterprise Center (NABEC) Program; Notice of Public Webinars, Wednesday, March 14, 2012, 77 FR 15043-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 826761
SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce's (Department) Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) seeks to redesign its Native American Business Center (NABEC) program. The NABEC program is a key component of MBDA's business development assistance program and promotes the growth and competitiveness of eligible Native American and minority- owned businesses. As part of the NABEC program, businesses that are owned or controlled by the following persons or groups of persons are eligible to receive business assistance services: American Indians and Native Americans (including Alaska Natives, Alaska Native Corporations, Tribal entities, tribal universities and tribal governments), African Americans, Asian Indian Americans, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, Hasidic Jewish Americans, and Hispanic Americans. The MBDA will conduct two webinars, on March 13 and 15, 2012, to seek input and recommendations from tribal organizations and tribal governments on the proposed redesign of the NABEC program. MBDA has planned a more cohesive program involving collaboration among the NABECs and Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) to achieve the same program goals, and to expand and promote export initiatives and international trade opportunities aligned with President Obama's National Export Initiative (NEI). DATES: Webinars will be held on the following dates and times: March 13, 2012, 3 p.m.-4 p.m. EDT; and March 15, 2012 at 3 p.m.-4 p.m. EDT. Registration information is provided in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dee Alexander, Senior Advisor on Native American Affairs, Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Room 5422, Washington, DC 20230, by telephone at (202) 482-0789, or by email at dalexander@doc.gov. You may also contact Holden Hoofnagle, Chief of the MBDA Office of Business Development, by telephone at (202) 482-3937, or by email at hhoofnagle@mbda.gov.
Tribal Consultation Sessions?Administrative Organizational Assessment Draft Report, Organizational Streamlining of BIA and BIE, and BIE Topics, Monday, March 12, 2012, 77 FR 14561-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 760022
SUMMARY: The Office of the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs (AS-IA), the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) are hosting several upcoming tribal consultation sessions. The purpose of the sessions is to obtain tribal input on: the Administrative Organizational Assessment Draft Report on the organization of the AS-IA; ways to streamline the organizations of the BIA and the BIE; Johnson-O'Malley student count update; and the draft SF-424B assurance statement--non-construction programs.
Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program; Tribal Transit Program, Friday, March 9, 2012, 77 FR 14465-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 748536
SUMMARY: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the availability of approximately $15 million in funding provided by the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program (Tribal Transit Program (TTP)) subject to the availability of funds by Congress, a program authorized by Section 3013(c) of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). This notice is a national solicitation for project proposals and includes the selection criteria and program eligibility information for FY 2012 projects. The Surface and Air Transportation Programs Extension Act of 2011, Public Law No.112-30 continues the authorization of the Federal transit programs of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through March 31, 2012, and provides contract authority for this program equal to approximately one half of the amounts available in FY 2011. Subject to funding availability by Congress, FTA will fund the TTP with approximately $15 million. This announcement is available on the FTA Web site at: http://www.fta.dot.gov. FTA may announce final selections on the Web site and in the Federal Register. Additionally, a synopsis of the funding opportunity will be posted in the FIND module of the government-wide electronic grants Web site at http://www.grants.gov.
Indian Tribal Government Plans; Correction, Thursday, March 8, 2012, 77 FR 13996-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 727471
SUMMARY: This document corrects a correction to a notice of public hearing on an advance proposed rulemaking (REG-133223-08) that was published in the Federal Register on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 (77 FR 12226) relating to Indian tribal government plans.
Tribal Consultation Meetings, Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 77 FR 13338-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 692472
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, Public Law 110-134, notice is hereby given of one-day Tribal Consultation Sessions to be held between the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Head Start leadership and the leadership of Tribal Governments operating Head Start (including Early Head Start) programs. The purpose of these Consultation Sessions is to discuss ways to better meet the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native children and their families, taking into consideration funding allocations, distribution formulas, and other issues affecting the delivery of Head Start services in their geographic locations [42 U.S.C. 9835, Section 640(l)(4)]. DATES: March 22 and April 3, 2012. ADDRESSES: 2012 Office of Head Start Tribal Consultation Sessions will be held at the following locations: Thursday, March 22, 2012--Phoenix, Arizona--Sheraton Crescent Hotel, 2620 West Dunlap Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85021; Tuesday, April 3, 2012--Billings, Montana--Holiday Inn Grand Montana 5500 Midland Road, Billings, MT 59101.
Draft Policy on Consultation with Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Corporations, Monday, March 5, 2012, 77 FR 13137-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 682951
SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior is requesting comments on its draft policy on consultation with Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act corporations. DATES: Submit comments by April 27, 2012. ADDRESSES: Send comments on the draft policy to: attn: Alaska Consultation Policy, Office of the Secretary, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20240; Email: consultation@doi.gov. You can request copies of the draft policy by sending a letter or email to one of the above addresses or by calling 202-208-4503. You can also find the draft policy online at www.doi.gov/tribes/tribal-consultation-policy.cfm.
Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska?Subpart C-Board Determinations; Rural Determinations, Thursday, March 1, 2012, 77 FR 12477-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 642269
SUMMARY: This final rule extends the compliance date for the final rule that revised the list of nonrural areas identified by the Federal Subsistence Board (Board). On May 7, 2007, the Board published a final rule changing the rural determination for several communities or areas in Alaska. These communities had five years following the date of publication to come into compliance. In 2009 the Secretary of the Interior initiated a review of the Federal Subsistence Program. An ensuing directive was for the Federal Subsistence Board to review its processes for determining the rural and nonrural status of communities. As a result, the Board has initiated a review of the rural determination process and the rural determination findings. The Board finds that it is in the public's interest to extend the compliance date of the 2007 final rule until the review is complete or in 5 years, whichever comes first.
Indian Tribal Government Plans; Correction, Wednesday, February 29, 2012, 77 FR 12226-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 628169
SUMMARY: This document corrects a notice of public hearing on an advance proposed rulemaking (REG-133233-08) that was published in the Federal Register on Friday, February 3, 2012 (77 FR 5442) relating to Indian tribal government plans.
National Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform, Monday, February 27, 2012, 77 FR 11565-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 601685
SUMMARY: The Office of the Secretary published a document in the Federal Register of February 3, 2012, announcing the first meeting of the National Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform (the Commission). This notice corrects the times and address of the first meeting and extends the RSVP date to February 29, 2012. DATES: Effective Date: The Commission's first meeting will occur from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on March 1, 2012, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on March 2, 2012. Attendance is open to the public, but limited space is available. Members of the public who wish to attend should RSVP by February 29, 2012 to: trustcommission@ios.doi.gov. ADDRESSES: The first meeting will be held at National Park Service, 1201 Eye Street, NW., Conference Room 202, Washington, DC 20005.
National Advisory Council on Indian Education (NACIE), Monday, February 27, 2012, 77 FR 11514-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 601629
SUMMARY: This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of an upcoming teleconference meeting of the National Advisory Council on Indian Education (the Council) and is intended to notify the general public of the meeting. This notice also describes the functions of the Council. Notice of the Council's meetings is required under Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Date and time: March 12, 2012--1 p.m.-5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Location: The meeting will be conducted via conference call with NACIE members. Up to 20 dial-in, listen-only phone lines will be made available to the public on a first come, first serve basis. The conference call number is 1.800.871.9060 and the participant code is 929296858. The public is also invited to attend the conference call meeting at the U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Street SW., Room 1W105/ 108, Washington, DC 20202-6400. Members of the public should report to the security desk and a form of federal I.D. will be required for security clearance and escorted access to the meeting room.
Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects, Thursday, February 23, 2012, 77 FR 10767-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 566500
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.
Native American Career and Technical Education Program; Proposed Waivers and Extension of the Project Period; CFDA Number 84.101A, Thursday, February 16, 2012, 77 FR 9216-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 481026
SUMMARY: For 60-month projects funded in fiscal year (FY) 2007 under the Native American Career and Technical Education Program (NACTEP), the Secretary proposes to waive the regulations that generally restrict project periods to 60 months and that restrict project period extensions involving the obligation of additional Federal funds. The Secretary also proposes to extend the current NACTEP project periods through FY 2013. These proposed waivers and extension of the project period would enable the 30 current NACTEP grantees to request and continue to receive Federal funding beyond the 60-month limitation contained in the Department's regulations. Further, the waivers and extension, as proposed, would mean that we would not announce new awards in FY 2012.
Appeal Proceedings Before the Commission, Thursday, February 16, 2012, 77 FR 9179-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 481166
SUMMARY: This document corrects the preamble and regulatory text of the proposed rule published in the Federal Register on January 31, 2012, with respect to appeal proceedings before the National Indian Gaming Commission.
Request for Applications: The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program, Wednesday, February 15, 2012, 77 FR 8801-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 458633
SUMMARY: The Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service, State and Private Forestry, Cooperative Forestry staff, requests applications for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (Community Forest Program or CFP). This is a competitive grant program whereby local governments, qualified nonprofit organizations, and Indian tribes are eligible to apply for grants to establish community forests through fee simple acquisition of private forest land. The purpose of the program is to establish community forests by protecting forest land from conversion to non-forest uses and provide community benefits such as sustainable forest management, environmental benefits including clean air, water, and wildlife habitat; benefits from forest-based educational programs; benefits from serving as models of effective forest stewardship; and recreational benefits secured with public access. Eligible lands for grants funded under this program are private forest that is at least five acres in size, suitable to sustain natural vegetation, and at least 75 percent forested. The lands must also be threatened by conversion to non-forest uses, must not be held in trust by the United States on behalf of any Indian tribe or allotment lands, and if acquired by an eligible entity, must provide defined community benefits under CFP and allow public access.
Removal of the Indian HOME Investment Partnerships Program Regulation, Thursday, February 9, 2012, 77 FR 6673-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 394067
SUMMARY: This final rule removes HUD's outdated regulations for the Indian HOME Investment Partnerships (Indian HOME) program. Under the Indian HOME program, HUD awarded funds competitively to eligible applicants to provide affordable housing. The Indian HOME program was replaced by the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) program established under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA). However, HUD retained the Indian HOME program regulations because they continued to govern grants awarded prior to the enactment of NAHASDA. Since September 30, 1997, HUD has not awarded grants under the Indian HOME program and, therefore, the regulations are no longer necessary.
Trust Land Consolidation Draft Plan, Friday, February 3, 2012, 77 FR 5528-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 313819
SUMMARY: The Cobell Class Action Settlement Agreement established a trust land consolidation fund to be used for consolidating Indian trust and restricted lands and acquiring fractional interests in these lands. We are seeking comments on the draft plan for accomplishing these goals.
Announcement of Funding Awards for Fiscal Year 2010 Sustainable Construction in Indian Country Small Grant Program, Friday, February 3, 2012, 77 FR 5527-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 313817
SUMMARY: In accordance with Section 102(a)(4)(C) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Reform Act of 1989, this document notifies the public of funding awards for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Sustainable Construction in Indian Country Small Grant (SCinIC) Program. The purpose of this document is to announce the names and addresses of the award winners and the amount of the award to be used to help develop, deploy, and disseminate innovative approaches of Sustainable Construction methods or practices that are suitable for Indian Country.
Indian Tribal Government Plans, Friday, February 3, 2012, 77 FR 5442-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 313905
SUMMARY: This document announces a public hearing on an advance notice of proposed rulemaking, (REG-133223-08) relating to Indian tribal government plans. This notice supersedes the notice of public hearing published in the Federal Register on Monday, January 23, 2012 (77 FR 3210) that announced a public hearing for June 5, 2012. This notice also extends the public comment period for submission of public comments. DATES: The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 10, 2012, at 10 a.m. in the auditorium of the Internal Revenue Building. The IRS must receive outlines of the topics to be discussed at the public hearing by June 18, 2012.
Fee Rate, Thursday, February 2, 2012, 77 FR 4471-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 292768
SUMMARY: The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC or Commission) is amending its fee regulation. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) requires Tribal gaming operations to pay a fee to the Commission for each gaming operation regulated by IGRA that conducts Class II or Class III gaming activity. IGRA also requires that ``[t]he Commission, by a vote of not less than two of its members, shall annually adopt the rate of the fees authorized by this section which shall be payable to the Commission on a quarterly basis.'' Pursuant to the Commission's authority to ``promulgate such regulations and guidelines as it deems appropriate to implement the provisions of [IGRA],'' the Commission is amending its regulations to provide for the submittal of fees and fee worksheets on a quarterly basis rather than bi-annually; to provide for operations to calculate fees based on the gaming operation's fiscal year rather than a calendar year; to amend certain language in the regulation to better reflect industry usage; to establish an assessment for fees and fee worksheets submitted one to ninety days late; and to establish a fingerprinting fee payment process.
Review and Approval of Existing Ordinances or Resolutions; Repeal, Thursday, February 2, 2012, 77 FR 5183-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 292820
SUMMARY: The National Indian Gaming Commission is repealing obsolete regulations relating to tribal gaming ordinances enacted prior to 1993 that have not yet been submitted to the NIGC Chair. The repealed regulations apply only to gaming ordinances enacted by Tribes prior to January 22, 1993, and not yet submitted to the Chairwoman. Based upon comments received, the Commission believes that all gaming ordinances enacted prior to January 22, 1993, have been submitted to the Chair for review. Therefore, this regulation is no longer necessary, and the Commission removes it in its entirety.
Fees, Thursday, February 2, 2012, 77 FR 5178-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 292819
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given, pursuant to 25 CFR 514.1(a)(3), that the National Indian Gaming Commission has adopted preliminary annual fee rates of 0.00% for tier 1 and 0.074% (.00074) for tier 2 for calendar year 2012. 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 preliminary fee rate on class II revenues for calendar year 2012 shall be one-half of the annual fee rate, which is 0.037% (.00037).
Tribal Consultation Meetings, Wednesday, February 1, 2012, 77 FR 5027-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 273216
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, Public Law 110-134, notice is hereby given of a one-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)]. DATES: February 15, 2012. ADDRESSES: 2012 Office of Head Start Tribal Consultation Session will be held at the following location: Wednesday, February 15, 2012--Petoskey, Michigan--Odawa Hotel, 1444 US 131 South, Petoskey, MI 49770.
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: Designation of an Approved Native American Tribal Card Issued by the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho as an Acceptable Document To Denote Identity and Citizenship, Tuesday, January 31, 2012, 77 FR 4822-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 259765
SUMMARY: This notice announces that the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is designating an approved Native American Tribal Card issued by the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho (Kootenai Tribe) 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 Kootenai Tribe members entering the United States from contiguous territory or adjacent islands at land and sea ports of entry.
Review and Submittal of a Tribe's Facility License Information, Tuesday, January 31, 2012, 77 FR 4731-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 259852
SUMMARY: The National Indian Gaming Commission is proposing revisions to its regulations that would provide for an expedited review of a tribe's facility license information and streamline the submittal of information relating to a proposed facility license. The proposed rule also provides for tribes to submit a certification attesting that the gaming operation is being conducted in a manner that adequately protects the environment and the public health and safety. Further, the proposed rule requires a facility license to be submitted before the opening of any new place, facility, or location on Indian lands where class II or III gaming will occur. Likewise, a tribe must notify the Chair if a facility license is terminated, expires, or if a gaming place, facility, or location closes or reopens, unless the closure is seasonal or temporary.
Appeal Proceedings Before the Commission, Tuesday, January 31, 2012, 77 FR 4720-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 259851
SUMMARY: The National Indian Gaming Commission proposes to add a new subchapter to its regulations to create a clear process for appeal proceedings before the Commission. It would, among other things, define certain terms, set forth the burden of proof and standard of review, explain what information a Commission decision will contain, and what happens if the Commission does not issue a majority decision, and provide that an appeal of the Chair's decision does not stay the effect of that decision. The proposed regulations set forth rules for motion practice in appeals before the Commission, addresses how an entity other than a tribe would request to participate on a limited basis in ordinance appeals, how parties file motions to intervene, to supplement the record, and for reconsideration, and how to file motions before the presiding official. Additionally, the proposed regulation sets forth more specific rules for different types of appeals. Rules for appeals of ordinance disapprovals, management contract approvals and disapprovals, appeals before a presiding official, and appeals before the Commission on written submission only each receive somewhat different treatment.
Self-Regulation of Class II Gaming, Tuesday, January 31, 2012, 77 FR 4714-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 259850
SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend the NIGC's self-regulation regulations to tailor the self-regulating qualifying criteria to a tribe's regulation of class II gaming activity and more clearly define and streamline the self-regulation certification process. By tailoring the self-regulating qualifying criteria to the capabilities of a tribe's regulatory body, and by clarifying and streamlining the certification process, more tribes may become self-regulating. DATES: The agency must receive comments on or before April 2, 2012.
Tribal Veterans Cemetery Grants, Monday, January 30, 2012, 77 FR 4471-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 253035
SUMMARY: This final rule amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations governing Federal grants for the establishment, expansion, and improvement of veterans cemeteries. This final rule implements through regulation new statutory authority to provide grants for the establishment, expansion, and improvement of Tribal Organization veterans cemeteries, as authorized by Section 403 of the ``Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006'' (the Act). The Act requires VA to administer grants to Tribal Organizations in the same manner and under the same conditions as grants to States. This final rule makes non-substantive changes to the part heading of Part 39 and the name of the State Cemetery Grants Service to more accurately reflect that VA awards veteran cemetery grants to States and Tribal Organizations. The final rule establishes criteria to guide VA's decisions on granting Tribal Organization requests to obtain grants for establishing, expanding, and improving veterans cemeteries that are or will be owned and operated by a Tribal Organization. The final rule also expands VA's preapplication requirement to all veterans cemetery grants as a means to promote consistency and communication in the grant application process. Further, the final rule revises VA regulations to address structural differences between Tribal Organizations and States.
Tribal Consultation; Notice of Meeting, Thursday, January 19, 2012, 77 FR 2732-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 135502
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. DATES: March 5-6, 2012. ADDRESSES: Renaissance Hotel, 999 9th Street NW., Washington, DC 20001.
National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology; Meeting, Thursday, January 19, 2012, 77 FR 2719-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 135485
SUMMARY: Under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92463, EPA gives notice of a public meeting of the National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT). NACEPT provides advice to the EPA Administrator on a broad range of environmental policy, technology, and management issues. NACEPT members represent academia, industry, non-governmental organizations, and local, state, and tribal governments. The purpose of this meeting is to begin developing recommendations to the Administrator regarding actions that EPA can take in response to the National Academy of Sciences Report on ``Incorporating Sustainability in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.'' A copy of the agenda for the meeting will be posted at http://www.epa.gov/ofacmo/nacept/cal-nacept.htm. DATES: NACEPT will hold a two-day public meeting on Monday, February 13, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (EST) and Tuesday, February 14, 2012, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (EST). ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the EPA Potomac Yard Conference Center, One Potomac Yard, 2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA 22202.
EPA Responses to State and Tribal 2008 Ozone Designation Recommendations; Extension of Public Comment Period, Thursday, January 19, 2012, 77 FR 2677-02, (PDF), 2012 WL 135579
SUMMARY: The EPA is announcing the extension of the public comment period for the EPA's responses to state and tribal ozone designation recommendations for the 2008 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The EPA sent the responses directly to the states and tribes on or about December 9, 2011. On December 20, 2011 (76 FR 78872, FRL- 9608-6), the EPA published a notice in the Federal Register that the EPA had posted the responses on its Internet Web site and the EPA invited public comment. In the notice, the EPA stated that public comments must be received on or before January 19, 2012. The EPA has received several requests from stakeholders for additional time to prepare their comments. Some of the requesters noted that the original 30-day comment period fell across two federal holidays. Taking that into consideration, the EPA is extending the comment period until February 3, 2012. The EPA intends to make final designation determinations for the 2008 ozone standards in spring 2012.
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations: Income Deductions and Resource Eligibility, Wednesday, January 11, 2012, 77 FR 1642-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 70810
SUMMARY: This rule proposes to amend regulations for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). The changes are intended to simplify and improve the administration of and expand access to FDPIR, and promote conformity with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). First, the Department proposes an amendment that would eliminate household resources from consideration when determining FDPIR eligibility. Second, to more closely align FDPIR and SNAP regulations, the Department proposes to expand the current FDPIR income deduction for Medicare Part B Medical Insurance and Part D Prescription Drug Coverage premiums to include other monthly medical expenses in excess of $35 for households with elderly and/or disabled members. This rule also proposes to establish an income deduction for shelter and utility expenses. Finally, the Department proposes verification requirements related to the proposed income deductions and revisions to the household reporting requirements that will more closely align FDPIR and SNAP regulations.
Tribal child Welfare, Friday, January 6, 2012, 77 FR 896-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 27409
SUMMARY: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is issuing this interim final rule to implement statutory provisions related to the Tribal title IV?E program. Effective October 1, 2009, section 479B(b) of the Social Security Act (the Act) authorizes direct Federal funding of Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Tribal consortia that choose to operate a foster care, adoption assistance and, at Tribal option, a kinship guardianship assistance program under title IV?E of the Act. The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 requires that ACF issue interim final regulations which address procedures to ensure that a transfer of responsibility for the placement and care of a child under a State title IV?E plan to a Tribal title IV?E plan occurs in a manner that does not affect the child's eligibility for title IV?E benefits or medical assistance under title XIX of the Act (Medicaid) and such services or payments; in-kind expenditures from third-party sources for the Tribal share of administration and training expenditures under title IV?E; and other provisions to carry out the Tribal-related amendments to title IV?E. This interim final rule includes these provisions and technical amendments necessary to implement a Tribal title IV?E program.
Fiscal Year 2011 Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program Project Selections, Thursday, January 5, 2012, 77 FR 547-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 12603
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the selection of projects funded with Section 5311 (c), Public Transportation on Indian Reservations program funds in support of the Tribal Transit Program. Funding was announced in the Tribal Transit Program (TTP) Notice of Funding Availability on July 25, 2011. The TTP makes funds available to federally recognized Indian Tribes or Alaska Native villages, groups, or communities in support of capital projects, operating costs, and planning activities for public transportation services on and around Indian reservations.
Notice of Tribal Consultation Meetings Regarding How the Current SACWIS Regulations Affect Tribes Administering a Title IV-E Program, Thursday, January 5, 2012, 77 FR 467-01, (PDF), 2012 WL 12628
SUMMARY: Title IV-E rules provide Federal Financial Participation (FFP) through a beneficial cost allocation methodology if a State or Tribe implements a comprehensive Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS) to track and manage child protection, foster care and adoption assistance activities. With the continuing implementation of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110-351) we wish to analyze the impact of the State-centric SACWIS rules on Tribes and Tribal child welfare agencies, to determine if Tribes have sufficient flexibility and latitude to build information systems that will meet their business needs. The Children's Bureau's (CB) Division of State Systems (DSS) has been assigned responsibility to undertake consultation with Tribes in this area. To offer Tribes the opportunity for informed comment on the implications that the State-centric rules have on their ability to build and operate information systems that will support their title IV- E programs, we will provide an education session on the SACWIS regulations. This will be followed by a consultation to listen to the concerns and ideas from Tribal leaders and their representatives about the existing SACWIS rules and how CB can support title IV-E Tribal agencies in building information systems that will meet their business needs. We propose two such combined meetings via teleconferences to reach a broad audience of interested parties. The teleconference on February 15, 2012, is intended for consultation with Tribal leaders; the teleconference on February 16, 2012, is intended to engage in consultation with their representatives.
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