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In December 2020, Congress passed, and the President signed, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The law provides FEMA with an unprecedented $2 billion to reimburse individuals and households for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred between January 20, 2020 and December 31, 2020 at 100% federal cost-share.
FEMA would like to hear tribal concerns on the process to support the delivery of funeral assistance. Therefore, FEMA is hosting a virtual tribal consultation session to receive input from tribal nations on funeral assistance policies and procedures. This consultation session will take place virtually on March 4, 2021, 2:00-4:00 P.M. ET.
During the event, FEMA staff will provide an overview of FEMA funeral assistance, the key provisions of the proposed interim policy, and the simplified delivery process and procedures being advocated to reduce the administrative burden on tribal governments and eligible applicants.
Written Comments:
Questions and written comments may be directed to the Individual Assistance Division by email at fema-ia-publiccomment@fema.dhs.gov or through FEMA Regional Tribal Liaisons until March 15, 2021. Contact information for FEMA Tribal Liaisons may be found at www.fema.gov/about/contact.
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Dear Tribal Leader:
On behalf of the Indian Health Service (IHS), I am initiating Tribal Consultation to seek rapid
input regarding the potential allocation of $6 billion currently under consideration by Congress as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Please make plans to join us on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, at the virtual Tribal Consultation session described below:
DATE: Wednesday, March 17, 2021
TIME: 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (EST)
CALL-IN INFORMATION: 1-800-857-5577
Participant Code: 4151302
ADOBE CONNECT: To join the meeting: https://ihs.cosocloud.com/r12qamkpnaha/
Room Passcode: ihs123
In the current version of the bill, funds for the IHS support a variety of activities, including:
These funds are proposed to be available to support eligible expenses dating back to January 31, 2020, which is the date that the COVID-19 public health emergency was declared. If enacted by Congress, the funds will be provided on a one-time, non-recurring basis, and can only be used for the purposes outlined in the final bill.
I also encourage you to submit written comments on the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to consultation@ihs.gov – Subject Line: American Rescue Plan. The deadline for written comments is Friday, March 19, 2021.
I look forward to your feedback and recommendations.
Sincerely,
/Elizabeth A. Fowler/
Acting Director
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The Department of the Treasury is hosting two consultations on the allocation amounts reserved for tribal governments from the Coronavirus Relief Fund established by the CARES Act last March.
These sessions are related specifically to The Shawnee Tribe v. Yellen, Case No. 20-cv-1999 (D.D.C.). Additional consultations related to the pending American Rescue Plan currently being considered in Congress will occur separately in April.
Consultation Details:
Tribal Governments:
Date: Thursday, March 18, 2021
Time: 1:00pm - 2:30 pm EST
Link: Register Here
More Information: Dear Tribal Leader Letter Invitation to Consultation on CRF Tribal Distribution Methodology
Alaska Native and Alaska Native Village Corporations
Date: Thursday, March 18, 2021
Time: 3:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Link: Register Here
More information: ANC and ANVC Invitation to Consultation on CRF Tribal Distribution Methodology
Public comments can be sent to tribal.consult@treasury.gov no later than 11:59 AKDT on Friday, March 19, 2021. For any other questions or concerns, please contact Ellie Beckett, Policy Communications Specialist, at 202-841-3373 or ellie@nafoa.org.
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The Department of the Treasury is hosting two consultations on the allocation amounts reserved for tribal governments from the Coronavirus Relief Fund established by the CARES Act last March.
These sessions are related specifically to The Shawnee Tribe v. Yellen, Case No. 20-cv-1999 (D.D.C.). Additional consultations related to the pending American Rescue Plan currently being considered in Congress will occur separately in April.
Consultation Details:
Tribal Governments:
Date: Thursday, March 18, 2021
Time: 1:00pm - 2:30 pm EST
Link: Register Here
More Information: Dear Tribal Leader Letter Invitation to Consultation on CRF Tribal Distribution Methodology
Alaska Native and Alaska Native Village Corporations
Date: Thursday, March 18, 2021
Time: 3:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Link: Register Here
More information: ANC and ANVC Invitation to Consultation on CRF Tribal Distribution Methodology
Public comments can be sent to tribal.consult@treasury.gov no later than 11:59 AKDT on Friday, March 19, 2021. For any other questions or concerns, please contact Ellie Beckett, Policy Communications Specialist, at 202-841-3373 or ellie@nafoa.org.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) and Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) seeks comments on the development, coordination, and implementation of a food purchase and distribution program intended to provide additional aid to nonprofits serving Americans in need of nutrition assistance. If implemented, the program will serve as a successor to the temporary food box purchase program created in April 2020 in response to the rapidly developing crisis within the food supply chain and increased joblessness due to COVID19. While the food box effort served some communities well, it faced challenges in others.
Written Comments: Written comments can be submitted through midnight ET on March 31, 2021, via online portal or by email to AMSCOVIDStimulus@usda.gov or Tribal.Relations@usda.gov. We welcome feedback from all interested parties, and we appreciate early response.
For More Information: Additional information is available on the AMS website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/ams-covid-stimulus Questions regarding the listening session can be directed to AMSCOVIDStimulus@usda.gov or Tribal.Relations@usda.gov. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication (Braille, large print, audio tape, etc.) should contact the USDA Target Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).
Statutory Background: Sec. 751 of the COVID Stimulus Package, part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, provides no less than $1.5B to purchase food and agricultural products, including seafood, fresh produce, dairy, and meat products, to distribute to individuals in need, including through delivery to nonprofit organizations that can receive, store, and distribute food items, and for grants and loans to small or midsized food processors or distributors, seafood processing facilities and processing vessels, farmers markets, producers, or other organizations to respond to coronavirus, including for measures to protect workers against COVID–19.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) and Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) seeks comments regarding the development, coordination and implementation of grant programs to support food processing, distribution, seafood processing, farmers markets, and producers and other businesses identified in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. The legislation directs USDA to use these grant funds to help businesses respond to coronavirus, including for measures to protect workers against COVID-19.
Written Comments: Written Comments can be submitted through midnight ET on March 31, 2021, via online portal or by email to AMSCOVIDStimulus@usda.gov or Tribal.Relations@usda.gov. We welcome feedback from all interested parties, and we appreciate early response. Additional information is available on the AMS website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/ams-covid-stimulus.
For Further Information: Questions regarding the listening session can be directed to AMSCOVIDStimulus@usda.gov or Tribal.Relations@usda.gov. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication (Braille, large print, audio tape, etc.) should contact the USDA Target Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).
Statutory Background: Sec. 751 of the COVID Stimulus Package, part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, provides no less than $1.5B to purchase food and agricultural products, including seafood, fresh produce, dairy, and meat products, to distribute to individuals in need, including through delivery to nonprofit organizations that can receive, store, and distribute food items, and for grants and loans to small or midsized food processors or distributors, seafood processing facilities and processing vessels, farmers markets, producers, or other organizations to respond to coronavirus, including for measures to protect workers against COVID–19.
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Under the March 13, 2020, Coronavirus (COVID-19) nationwide emergency declaration and subsequent major disaster declarations for COVID-19, tribal, state, local, and territorial government entities and certain private nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for assistance under the FEMA Public Assistance Program.
On January 21, 2021, the President issued the “Memorandum to Extend Federal Support to Governors’ Use of the National Guard to Respond to COVID-19 and to Increase Reimbursement and Other Assistance Provided to States,” which authorized FEMA to provide funding to Public Assistance applicants, including tribes, for the safe opening and operation of eligible facilities (e.g., eligible schools, child-care facilities, non-congregate shelters, domestic violence shelters, transit systems, and other eligible applicants). Such assistance “may include funding for the provision of personal protective equipment and disinfecting services and supplies.”
FEMA is developing an interim policy, COVID-19 Pandemic: Safe Opening and Operation Work Eligible for Public Assistance, which defines the framework, policy details, and requirements for determining the eligibility of work and costs incurred to facilitate the safe opening and operation of eligible facilities. FEMA funding under this interim policy will be provided for costs incurred between January 21, 2021, to September 30, 2021 and will be provided at 100% Federal funding.
FEMA is seeking tribal input on the COVID-19 Pandemic: Safe Opening and Operation Work Eligible for Public Assistance (Interim), FEMA FP Policy 104-21-0003. Therefore, FEMA is hosting a teleconference tribal consultation session to receive input from tribal nations on this interim policy. This consultation session will take place on Friday, March 19, 2021, 3:00 to 4:00 ET.
During the event, FEMA staff will provide an overview of key provisions of the proposed interim policy, and the delivery process and procedures that will be utilized for implementation.
Teleconference Information:
To join the teleconference tribal consultation session, please dial (800) 458-4121; confirmation code: 766-0603. To ensure the conference begins in a timely manner, please dial in 5 to 10 minutes prior to the start time of the session, which is at 3:00 ET.
Written Comments:
Questions and written comments may be directed to the Public Assistance Division at fema-recovery-pa-policy@fema.dhs.gov or through FEMA Regional Tribal Liaisons until Monday, March 24, 2021. Contact information for FEMA Tribal Liaisons may be found at www.fema.gov/about/contact.
If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Office of External Affairs:
Tribal Affairs at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-Tribal@fema.dhs.gov.
3/18/2021
Dear Tribal Leader,
We regret that we were unable to accommodate all who wished to comment on today’s meeting. We have established a carryover consultation on Tuesday, March 23 at 1:00 p.m. ET.
Please note that because we seek to ensure full participation you may receive this notice twice. Please register once for the carryover consultation.
Please register using the link provided below. Please note that to increase the smoothness of transition and ensure that audio is clear we will be using audio participation only for tribal leaders. Thank you for your understanding as we seek to hear from all leaders who wish to contribute.
You are invited to a ZoomGov meeting.
When: Mar 23, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting: https://ustreasury.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsf-GprzMpHsgPBwhkfPoY_6ozZCu0M4Y
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Please save this link, call-in information and enter the meeting on your calendar. We will be unable to provide assistance in joining the meeting. Please note that participation by dialing in is also an option.
Thank you.
Treasury Tribal Consultation
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**Information to register/join will be added here as it is received**
See the full list of upcoming Tribal Consultation Sessions Related to the American Rescue Plan 2021 provided by White House Tribal Affairs on 3/23
Focus Area: Native Families
Funding Amount: $1 billion for new Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund formula grants to states, tribes and territories to provide short-term non-recurrent benefits to eligible, needy families impacted by the pandemic.
Federal Agency: Health and Human Services – Office of Family Assistance (OFA)
OFA Consultation Session (In concert with the Administration for Native Americans)
March 26, 1:30-4:30 p.m. ET
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See the full list of upcoming Tribal Consultation Sessions Related to the American Rescue Plan 2021 provided by White House Tribal Affairs on 3/23
Focus Area: Native Education Programs
BIE Funded Operations for K-12 schools and Tribal College and University
Funding Amount: $850 million for programs operated or funded by the BIE, Bureau-funded schools, and Tribal Colleges or Universities
Federal Agency: Department of the Interior -Bureau of Indian Education
Interior consultations will include BIE funding and BIA funding.
Interior Consultation Sessions
Comment deadline is Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
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**Information to register/join will be added here as it is received**
See the full list of upcoming Tribal Consultation Sessions Related to the American Rescue Plan 2021 provided by White House Tribal Affairs on 3/23
Focus Area: Native Core Government Services
Funding Amount:
Federal Agency: Department of the Interior - Bureau of Indian Affairs
Interior consultations will include BIE funding and BIA funding.
Interior Consultation Sessions
March 25, 1 – 3 p.m. ET
March 26, 2-4 p.m. ET
March 29, 2-4 p.m. ET
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Call-in Information: 800-369-1122, Passcode: 5906233
The Department of Interior is seeking feedback from Tribal Nations and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) on additional funding appropriated to Indian Affairs under the American Rescue Plan. The consultation sessions are scheduled by time zones. DOI is seeking input on three general topics:
For your reference see the DOI’s DTLL on the consultation and the Enrollment Collection Form.
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Register
See the full list of upcoming Tribal Consultation Sessions Related to the American Rescue Plan 2021 provided by White House Tribal Affairs on 3/23
Focus Area: Native Language Assistance
Funding Amount: $20 million for a new emergency Native language preservation & maintenance grant program to mitigate impacts of COVID-19 on Native language
Federal Agency: Administration for Native Americans (ANA)
ANA Consultation Session (In concert with the Office of Family Assistance)
March 26, 1:30-4:30 p.m. ET
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See the full list of upcoming Tribal Consultation Sessions Related to the American Rescue Plan 2021 provided by White House Tribal Affairs on 3/23
Focus Area: Native Education Programs
BIE Funded Operations for K-12 schools and Tribal College and University
Funding Amount: $850 million for programs operated or funded by the BIE, Bureau-funded schools, and Tribal Colleges or Universities
Federal Agency: Department of the Interior -Bureau of Indian Education
Interior consultations will include BIE funding and BIA funding.
Interior Consultation Sessions
Comment deadline is Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
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**Information to register/join will be added here as it is received**
See the full list of upcoming Tribal Consultation Sessions Related to the American Rescue Plan 2021 provided by White House Tribal Affairs on 3/23
Focus Area: Native Core Government Services
Funding Amount:
Federal Agency: Department of the Interior - Bureau of Indian Affairs
Interior consultations will include BIE funding and BIA funding.
Interior Consultation Sessions
March 25, 1 – 3 p.m. ET
March 26, 2-4 p.m. ET
March 29, 2-4 p.m. ET
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See the full list of upcoming Tribal Consultation Sessions Related to the American Rescue Plan 2021 provided by White House Tribal Affairs on 3/23
Focus Area: Native Education Programs
BIE Funded Operations for K-12 schools and Tribal College and University
Funding Amount: $850 million for programs operated or funded by the BIE, Bureau-funded schools, and Tribal Colleges or Universities
Federal Agency: Department of the Interior -Bureau of Indian Education
Interior consultations will include BIE funding and BIA funding.
Interior Consultation Sessions
Comment deadline is Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
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**Information to register/join will be added here as it is received**
See the full list of upcoming Tribal Consultation Sessions Related to the American Rescue Plan 2021 provided by White House Tribal Affairs on 3/23
Focus Area: Native Core Government Services
Funding Amount:
Federal Agency: Department of the Interior - Bureau of Indian Affairs
Interior consultations will include BIE funding and BIA funding.
Interior Consultation Sessions
March 25, 1 – 3 p.m. ET
March 26, 2-4 p.m. ET
March 29, 2-4 p.m. ET
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Register | Dear Tribal Leader Letter
See the full list of upcoming Tribal Consultation Sessions Related to the American Rescue Plan 2021 provided by White House Tribal Affairs on 3/23
Focus: Relief Funds for Tribes
Funding Amount:
Federal Agency: Department of Treasury
Treasury Consultation Sessions:
Deadline for Public Comments, Friday, April 2, 11:59 p.m. ET. Comments on State, Local and Tribal Relief Funds should be sent to TribalARPconsult@treasury.gov.
Treasury, SSA, VA and SBA are also holding four joint consultations on tribal consultation plans of action on April 6, 7 and 8. Deadline for Public Comments, Friday, April 9, 11:59 p.m.
ET sent to tribal.consult@treasury.gov.
TBD - additional consultations on other ARP programs
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Join | Dial in: 888-251- 2949 or 215-861-0694, Access Code: 7732614#
See the full list of upcoming Tribal Consultation Sessions Related to the American Rescue Plan 2021 provided by White House Tribal Affairs on 3/23
Focus: Tribal and Native Housing Programs
Funding Amount:
Federal Agency: Housing and Urban Development
HUD Consultation Session on ICDBG Funds: March 31, 1-3 p.m. ET
Written comment deadline of April 2, 2021.
The IHBG will begin to be distributed in early April.
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Register | Dear Tribal Leader Letter
See the full list of upcoming Tribal Consultation Sessions Related to the American Rescue Plan 2021 provided by White House Tribal Affairs on 3/23
Focus: Relief Funds for Tribes
Funding Amount:
Federal Agency: Department of Treasury
Treasury Consultation Sessions:
Deadline for Public Comments, Friday, April 2, 11:59 p.m. ET. Comments on State, Local and Tribal Relief Funds should be sent to TribalARPconsult@treasury.gov.
Treasury, SSA, VA and SBA are also holding four joint consultations on tribal consultation plans of action on April 6, 7 and 8. Deadline for Public Comments, Friday, April 9, 11:59 p.m.
ET sent to tribal.consult@treasury.gov.
TBD - additional consultations on other ARP programs