Tribal Consultation on draft HHS Tribal Consultation Policy
2023-03-23, 2023-03-24, 2023-03-25 | United States
Tribal Consultation Policy DTLL
HHS Tribal Consultation Policy REDLINE
HHS Tribal Consultation Policy CLEAN

On January 26, 2021, President Biden issued a Presidential Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening the Nation-to-Nation Relationships that requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to submit a detailed plan for implementing Executive Order 13175,
which charges all executive departments and agencies to engage in regular, meaningful, and robust consultation with tribal officials In the development of federal policies that have Tribal implications. In response, HHS initiated Tribal Consultation, holding six virtual regional Tribal
Consultations:

HHS Regions 1, 2, 3, and 4 on March 22, 2021
HHS Region 5 on March 22, 2021
HHS Region 7 and 8 on March 23, 2021
HHS Region 6 on March 24, 2021
HHS Region 9 on March 24, 2021
HHS Region 10 on March 25, 2021

HHS also received over fifty written comments and recommendations to update the current HHS Tribal Consultation Policy. HHS takes its responsibility to consult with tribal governments seriously and has been working in partnership with tribal leaders on the Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC) to incorporate tribal recommendations into an updated HHS Tribal Consultation Policy. Enclosed you will find: a redline version that demonstrates all proposed changes, and a clean version that incorporates all proposed changes into a draft version of the Tribal Consultation Policy.

Tribal Nations & the Ag Census Webinar
2023-03-23 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Event
Tribal Nations & the Ag Census Webinar
hosted by the USET Office of Environmental Resource Management
What: The USDA Agriculture Census has historically grossly undercounted Tribal farmers and ranchers. Join us for a discussion about what information is gathered by the National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) and how a more accurate census can equate to benefits in Indian Country. NASS representatives will be available to answer questions and take part in a discussion.
When: March 23, 2023 at 9:00 am – 11:00 am Central/10:00 am – 12:00 pm Eastern
Where: via Zoom
Who should attend: Tribal natural resources and agriculture staff, and Tribal farmers
Register
For questions, please contact Lea Zeise, USET OERM Assistant Director, at lzeise@usetinc.org.

NAP Session: Tribal Nations Conservation Initiatives
2023-03-23 12:00 | Virtual Event
On March 23 at 1:00PM ET, join Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) moderator, Steph Poston (Pueblo of Sandia), and philanthropic changemakers, Joel Moffett (Nez Perce Tribe), Lisa Pawlek Jaguzny, and Shawn K. Watts (Cherokee Nation) who will discuss the historic partnerships that exemplify how philanthropy can support the original stewards of the land now known as America.
Register

virtual White House Native Women Symposium Series on Economic Development
2023-03-23 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual Event
Thursday, March 16, at 2:00 PM Eastern and Thursday March 23, at 2:00 PM Eastern
Session One: Biden-Harris Economic Development Initiatives
Date: March 16th, 2023
Time: 2:00-3:30 PM ET
Registration Link: https://pitc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_hSQbhYoSQYOqYBK_fqj-ag (-> whitehouse.us10.list-manage.com)
Session Two: Native Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
Date: March 23rd, 2023
Time: 2:00-3:30 PM ET
Registration Link: https://pitc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_gsVq_Fm_SwKShDKl495PJg (-> whitehouse.us10.list-manage.com)
You are invited to join the virtual White House Native Women Symposium Series on Economic Development this Thursday, March 16, at 2:00 PM ET and next Thursday March 23, at 2:00 PM ET.

The economic development session will be split into two days focused on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Tribal economic development initiatives and on Native entrepreneurs and small businesses.

This is the fourth and final session of the White House Native Women Symposium Series. In 2022, the White House held three sessions covering the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, health issues (maternal health, mental health, and social determinants of health), and Missing and Murdered Indigenous People.

As part of the Economic Development session, we will bring together federal officials, business leaders, Tribal leaders, and organizations to discuss economic development priorities of Tribal enterprises, Native small businesses, entrepreneurs, and spotlight critical issues facing Native women business leaders.

Native Learning Center Webinar | The Power of Native Energy: Financing Native District Energy
2023-03-23 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual Event
March 23 at 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Eastern
Register
Financing the entirety of a Tribal Nations energy security on a reservation can be achieved like the financing of district energy on a university campus. This is one effective way to use DOE’s Tribal Energy Financing Program to further a Tribal Nation’s energy sovereignty. This presentation will provide an overview of issues when considering anchoring a Tribe’s energy improvements with the demands of its enterprise, such as gaming to improve the energy quality of the reservation.

SAMHSA Tribal Listening Session: Updating the National Tribal Behavioral Health Agenda
2023-03-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
March 23, 2023 | 2:00 – 4:00 PM ET | Virtual
Register
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), will hold a tribal listening session on March 23, 2023, from 2pm to 4pm ET to obtain input on updating the National Tribal Behavioral Health Agenda (TBHA). Click here to view the Dear Tribal Leader Letter.
Why it Matters: The TBHA, released in 2016, was the result of a collaborative effort led by Tribal leaders who spoke compellingly about the extent to which mental and substance use disorders were impacting tribal communities. The TBHA is a critical tool to help advocate for policies and inaitatives to address the many Behavioral Health concerns impacting Indian Country. This is a Tribally led process, so it is critical that all Tribes are represented in the creation of the document.

NATHPO Webinar on Protecting Tribal Cultural Sites and the Role of the Bureau of Land Management
2023-03-23 14:00 | Virtual Event
March 23 at 3:00 pm Eastern
Register to join via Zoom
Please join NATHPO and The Wilderness Society for a webinar on Thursday, March 23 at 3pm ET/ 12pm PT. Protecting Tribal Cultural Sites and the Role of the Bureau of Land Management will explore their forthcoming report on this topic, and how you can be involved in effecting change. Speakers include Valerie Grussing, Yufna Soldier Wolf, Michael Spears, and Keeley Meehan.

NCAI Webinars: organize and manage business finances
2023-03-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
A new year is here with new opportunities to gain skills. This 2023, NCAI is excited to continue partnering with Grow with Google for a series of monthly webinars with free training and hands-on coaching to help tribal small businesses take the next step. The webinars are hosted by Jake Foreman, Grow with Google’s Indigenous Community Digital Coach. The first three webinars will focus on tools to help organize and manage business finances, and the first one will be kicking off on January 26, 2023.
Learn More

Thursday, January 26 from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Mountain: Boost Your Money Management Skills for Your Small Business – Part 1
Register
Tuesday, February 28 from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Mountain: Boost Your Money Management Skills for Your Small Business – Part 2
Register
Thursday, March 23 from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Mountain: Learn About Investors and Loan Options for Your Small Business – Part 1
Register

2023 Women's History Month Fireside Chat with IHS Leaders (virtual)
2023-03-24 08:00 - 17:00 | Virtual Event
Thursday, March 30 at 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Eastern
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 160 782 9500
For further information or to request a reasonable accommodation, please email IHSAccommodation@ihs.gov.

Webinar: Global Supply Chain Management: The Need for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
2023-03-24 12:30
March 24 at 1:30 pm Eastern
Register
s part of the Global Business Club series, the IBC/MSU-CIBER is partnering with the U.S. Commercial Service to hold a panel on the need for DEI in global supply chain management. This free event will be moderated by Simone Peinkofer, Assistant Professor of Supply Chain Management at MSU Broad College of Business.
Panelists include:
– Kaori Koide – Specialist Lead focusing on supply chain at Deloitte in Tokyo, and a member of the International Advisory Board at MSU Broad College of Business
– Matt Anderson – Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at MSU Broad College of Business
– Vandana Bahl – Vice President of Trade Management at Supply Chain Solutions
– Bill Grice – VP and Executive Director for the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council and Michigan MBDA Center
– Bob Lundquist – Procurement Manager with Global Procurement at Steelcase
Following the panel will be refreshments and time for networking. This in-person event will also be available for viewing online, please specify type of attendance during registration.

All Tribes CMS Webinar: Returning to Routine Operations after the Public Health Emergency as it Relates to Medicaid and CHIP Disaster Relief SPAs and 1135 Waivers
2023-03-27 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
March 27 at 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Eastern
Register
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Division of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the CMS Medicaid CHIP and Operations Group, is holding this All Tribes Engagement Webinar to discuss returning to routine operations after the public health emergency (PHE), as it relates to Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) disaster relief state plan amendments (SPAs) and 1135 waivers.
The purpose of this presentation is to provide an update of the planning and actions states need to take as the PHE comes to an end and to discuss the regulatory and statutory requirements needed when transitioning back to normal operations.
States will review flexibilities used during the PHE to determine which ones are no longer needed and which ones they may want to continue temporarily or on a permanent basis. This presentation will focus on actions states will take to enact those decisions, including applicable requirements of public notice and tribal consultation.
To review the updated CMS guidance on planning for the resumption of normal state Medicaid, CHIP, and Basic Health Program (BHP) operations upon conclusion of the COVID-19 PHE, see the August 13, 2021 State Health Official Letter #21-002 (PDF, 335 KB, 7 pp).

Alaska Tribal Transportation Symposium
2023-03-28 - 2023-03-30
March 28 – 30, 2023
Anchorage Embassy Suites, Anchorage, AK
Website

Virtual Workshop: Introduction to using climate modeling for forest management
2023-03-28 08:00 - 2023-03-29 11:00 | Virtual Event
If you missed this workshop, held in March 2023, feel free to watch the recordings and learn more about the resources below.
This virtual workshop was a collaboration between the US Forest Service-Southern Region, Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center, and the USET Climate Change Program. On the first day, we provided an interactive introduction to global climate models and how they may be useful for decision-making. On the second day, presenters shared some tools that apply climate models to forestry.
View recordings here:

Day 1 – Climate Modeling, Projections, and the Impact Beyond Climate Science. – Dr. Adrienne Wootten
Day 2 – Climate Tools You Can Use – Corey Davis
Day 2 – Modeling Tree and Bird Habitat Suitability – Matthew Peters and Dr. Stephen Matthews

Presenters:

Adrienne Wooten, SC CASC research scientist: amwootte@ou.edu
Derek Rosendahl, SC CASC research scientist: drose@ou.edu
Corey Davis, NC Assistant State Climatologist: cndavis@ncsu.edu
Matthew Peters, Forest Service/Northern Research Station ecologist: matthew.p.peters@usda.gov
Stephen Matthews, Forest Service/Northern Research Station ecologist: matthews.204@osu.edu

Hosting organizations:

US Forest Service Southern Region
South Central CASC
Southeast CASC
USET

Resources shared by presenters:

Climate at a Glance: Detailed historical data for many locations/scales and parameters
PINEMAP and CAnVAS (public launch in late 2023): Developed by NC State Climate Office, great for customizing graphics and seeing multiple possible outcomes
Climate Explorer: Projected parameters and map, including slider function for comparison; slightly older projection data
Climate Toolbox: Many tools with a variety of functions and visualizations (specifically showed: future timeseries, future boxplots, future hardiness zones, future vegetation)
National Climate Assessment: Not a tool but provides background information, with a new version coming out later in 2023. Similarly, the NC Climate Science Report for those in North Carolina.
USFS Tree Atlas: Historical and predicted parameters for many species

Other resources mentioned:

SECASC project modeling future climate for Puerto Rico and the US Caribbean
NOAA Digital Coast data tools: Sea level rise (and other) projections, along with 2022 SLR technical report: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/hazards/sealevelrise/sealevelrise-tech-report.html
https://www.cocorahs.org/: citizen science for monitoring precipitation – always looking for volunteers!
https://www.usanpn.org/natures_notebook : citizen science for phenology / seasonal changes in ecosystems
https://www.gbif.org/ : Open access biological and biodiversity data
https://www.inaturalist.org/ : Tool for recording plant/animal observations and learn about observations
https://www.iwla.org/water/stream-monitoring : Citizen science for monitoring stream/water quality and biota; less data coverage in the southern US, volunteer today!
https://www.nrs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/55870 : Northern Research Station research to apply models to plant-relevant information

Reclaiming Native Psychological Brilliance: Wise Practices, a Tribal Behavioral Health ECHO Clinic
2023-03-28 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc. would like to announce the 2023 Reclaiming Native Psychological Brilliance: Wise Practices, a Tribal Behavioral Health ECHO Clinic. Native Psychological Brilliance refers to the intelligence, strengths, balance, innate resources, and resilience of Native people. This no-cost telehealth series will be held throughout 2023 on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 1:00 pm Central/2:00 pm Eastern. Each session will be one hour in length.
Who should attend? Tribal Nation health directors, clinic staff, counselors, social workers, physicians, nurses, Tribal Epidemiology Center staff, and anyone supporting Tribal Nation citizens through the health/behavioral health sector are welcome to join.
The one-hour Reclaiming Native Psychological Brilliance virtual series will provide an opportunity for participants to:

Gain skills on strength-based approaches in partnership with Native People to enhance Native behavioral health, and
Discuss ways that Native brilliance is demonstrated and supports behavioral health, and
Learn about Native brilliance examples to share with behavioral health and other health care staff, as well as with local Tribal Nation citizens

The concept of Native psychological brilliance will be celebrated through Native music videos and Native spoken word performances as part of each session of the Reclaiming Native Psychological Brilliance series.
Continuing education credits will be provided.
Register in advance for the session.
For questions, please contact Bryan Hendrix, USET THPS Quality Improvement Analyst, at bhendrix@usetinc.org.

ezFedGrant (eFG) for Tribes, Tribal Organizations, and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) webinar series
2023-03-29 12:00 | Virtual Event
USDAs’ Animal Plant Health Inspections Service (APHIS) has provided funding opportunities for Tribal Nations, Tribal Organizations, and Tribal Colleges and Universities. Most of the funding opportunities are made available through the ezFedGrant (eFG) system. The system is sometimes hard to navigate and may not seem user-friendly. The Office of National Tribal Liaison would like to formally invite you to ezFedGrant (eFG) for Tribal Nations, Tribal Organizations, and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) webinar series. The series is broken down into four modules:

Module 1 – Introduction to ezFedGrant: March 22 at 1:00 pm Eastern
Module 2 – Accessing ezFedGrant: March 29 at 1:00 pm Eastern
Module 3 – What happens after selection and award: April 12 at 1:00 pm Eastern
Module 4 – Amendments, closeouts, and recap: April 19 at 1:00 pm Eastern

ONTL is providing this opportunity so tribes can learn how to access and navigate the system, so Tribes can be better equipped to apply for funding opportunities through APHIS. Below you will find the registration link and webinar link.
Registration Link
Web Join URL
Meeting ID: 161 031 6583
Meeting Password: *$Q37ZKk
Dial-in information: 669-254-5252 | 646-828-7666
Contact information: Denise.Salvetti@usda.gov

USET 2023 Diabetes Coordinators Training
2023-03-30 - 2023-03-31 | Hutton Hotel, 1808 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
USET 2023 Diabetes Coordinators Training
The USET Diabetes Coordinators Training will provide technical assistance and resources to Tribal Nations who are current and newly funded Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) Primary Grantees.

When: March 30-31 at 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Central

Where: Nashville, TN
Hutton Hotel
1808 West End Avenue
Nashville, TN 37203
Reserve your room today. Room Block ends on March 3, 2023.

Who should attend: USET member Tribal Nations and IHS Nashville Area Service Units Diabetes Coordinators. This invitation is private and is only open to USET member Tribal Nations and IHS Nashville Area staff.

Attendees will learn about the:

SDPI Operating System
SDPI Outcomes System
Diabetes Web Audit
Diabetes Grants Management

Registration Information: Registration link

COVID Protocols (as of 09/15/2022, subject to change)
The USET Tribal Epidemiology Center (USET TEC) is a recognized public health authority supported by the Tribal Nations within the USET region. Throughout the course of the COVID pandemic, we have relied on their expertise to guide us to ensure for the overall safety, health, and wellness for our members, staff, and event attendees. As the impacts of COVID have evolved, we have continued to assess our protocols to ensure that they remain reflective of the current status of the pandemic. Today, we are announcing the following updates to the USET sponsored meeting COVID protocols:
USET/USET SPF Sponsored Meetings

Up to date* vaccinated attendees will not be required to mask and can fully engage without restrictions. Vaccinated attendees will provide proof of up-to-date status via self-attestation. Daily testing is strongly encouraged.
Unvaccinated attendees, or attendees not up to date, will be allowed to attend, but will be required to:

Wear a KN-95 or N-95 mask, or
Test negative within 24 hours of the event AND also test negative daily, if the meeting is for extended days

As part of our public heath authority responsibilities, we will continue to provide education, offer PPE, rapid tests, and continue to strongly encourage best practices. Additionally, for USET/USET SPF meetings hosted by member Tribal Nations, we will continue to comply with the COVID protocols that each set for their respective nation. While these protocols have changed to better reflect the current state of the pandemic, updated booster shots, and availability of treatments options, the USET TEC strongly recommends ongoing caution due to the health disparities that exist across Indian Country.
*Please note that up-to-date means that the primary series has been received and any current boosters (if eligible and/or available) have been administered.

For questions, please contact D’Angelique Lister, USET Public Health Program Coordinator, at dlister@usetinc.org.

National Advisory Council on Indian Education Meeting
2023-03-30 - 2023-03-31 | Virtual Event
March 30-31, 2023, from 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm Eastern
Register to attend via Zoom
The dial-in listen only phone number for the meeting is 1-669-254-5252, Meeting ID: 161 715 5166.
The purpose of this meeting is to convene NACIE and conduct the following business: discussion of bylaws and charter; taking action to establish meeting calendar and subcommittees; discussion of recommendations to be provided to the Secretary of Interior and Secretary of Education, including the U.S. Department of Education’s budget request; discussion of annual report action item follow-up; and discussion of invited federal partner updates, e.g., U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Native Americans and Strengthening Tribal Colleges and Universities (Initiative) in accordance with Section 3 of Executive Order 14049, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, and similar programs.

Department of Energy Webinar: Funding for Transitioning Tribal Communities to Clean Energy
2023-03-30 12:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
March 30 at 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Central
Register
In this webinar, the Office of Indian Energy will highlight its current funding opportunities and technical assistance opportunities. Guest speakers from the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Department of Energy (DOE), and DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory will share information on funding available to tribes, including:

USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service and Rural Business and Cooperative Service Inflation Reduction Act Programs
Tribal Home Energy Rebates Program
Clean Energy to Communities Program

Energizing Rural Communities Prize grants and loans for renewable energy and infrastructure.

Revised Definition of “Waters of the United States” (2023 Rule)
2023-03-30 13:00 - 14:30, 2023-04-05 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual Event
Dear Tribal Partners,
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army (Army) published the final “Revised Definition of ‘Waters of the United States’” rule in the Federal Register on January 18, 2023; the rule will become effective on March 20, 2023. The agencies developed this rule with consideration of the relevant provisions of the Clean Water Act and the statute as a whole, relevant Supreme Court case law, and the agencies’ technical expertise after more than 45 years of implementing the longstanding pre-2015 “waters of the United States” framework. This rule also considers the best available science and extensive public comment to establish a definition of “waters of the United States” that supports public health, environmental protection, agricultural activity, and economic growth.
EPA and Army are hosting a series of webinars in March and April specifically for Tribes and States to learn about the final rule and implementation considerations. The agencies will first present an overview webinar and will then present three additional webinars on topics of specific interest to Tribes and States. Participants will have the opportunity to submit questions before each topical webinar, and the agencies will use those questions to inform development of the presentations.
All webinars will be held from 2-3:30 p.m. ET and include time for questions and answers. Please submit questions in advance to wotus-outreach@epa.gov. Questions must be received at least one week in advance of the webinar to be considered.
Tribal and State officials can register for individual webinars listed below. Participants should register with their Tribal or State email address, if available, so that EPA can ensure attendance is limited to participants from Tribal and State government agencies and member organizations. The webinars, but not the Q&A sessions, will be recorded and posted to EPA’s website at https://www.epa.gov/wotus.
Please reach out to epa@horsleywitten.com with logistical questions about these webinars or to arrange for accommodations (e.g., sign language interpreters or translation). Accommodations will be provided if received no later than a week prior to each webinar.

Rule Overview

March 22, 2023, 2-3:30 p.m. ET
To register: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN__Qj6hC1ETQ-o6UyTEyGiTw
This webinar provides an overview of the final rule “Revised Definition of ‘Waters of the United States.’”

Relatively Permanent Standard

March 30, 2023, 2-3:30 p.m. ET
To register: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_kIqGLuAiTa-3xFFxzWBB3g
This webinar focuses on the relatively permanent standard for determining the jurisdictional status of certain waters.

Significant Nexus Standard

April 5, 2023, 2-3:30 p.m. ET
To register: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_SozIFw5rSResY36LyuEOAw
This webinar focuses on the significant nexus standard for determining the jurisdictional status of certain waters.

Exclusions and Other Topics

April 12, 2023, 2-3:30 p.m. ET
To register: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_iUDO7OfWTteFRh7oD5XL_A
This webinar discusses the rule’s eight categories of exclusions (waters and features that are not “waters of the United States”) and will include time for discussion of any topics not otherwise addressed in the webinar series.

3rd Annual Indigenous Knowledge Symposium
2023-03-31 12:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
3rd Annual Indigenous Knowledge Symposium
March 31, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Central/1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Eastern, Online/Virtual. Utah State University’s 3rd Annual Indigenous Knowledge Symposium will take place on March 31, 2023. The theme is Land, Water, and Life: The Critical Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Environmental Science. Presenters include Dr. Andrea Reid (Nisga’a), Dr. Karletta Chief (Diné), and Dr. Melinda Adams (San Carlos Apache). The virtual symposium is open to the public and will take place on Zoom.

RES 2023
2023-04-03 - 2023-04-06
RES 2023 is the Summit to attend for those looking for high caliber networking, winning teaming opportunities, business development sessions, one-on-one consulting, all centered around American Indian Enterprise.
The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) is embracing EMPOWERING FOR GENERATIONS for the 2023 Reservation Economic Summit. The event features tribal leaders, members of Congress, federal agency representatives, state and local officials, and top CEO’s on a national platform.

Meeting of VA Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs
2023-04-04 - 2023-04-06 | Virtual Event
The Federal Register published the VA Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs’ notice of meeting.
The Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs (ACTIA) will meet on April 4, 5, and 6, 2023 at the Seven Feathers Hotel Resort, 146 Chief Miwaleta Lane, Canyonville, OR 97417.
The meeting sessions will begin and end as follows:

April 4, 2023 11 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Eastern
April 5, 2023 11 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Eastern
April 6, 2023 11 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Eastern

ACTIA meetings will be open to the public (virtually) during the meeting times listed.
The purpose of the Committee is to advise the Secretary on all matters relating to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and Native American Veterans. This includes advising the Secretary on the administration of healthcare services and benefits to American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and Native Hawaiian Veterans; thereby assessing those needs and whether VA is meeting them.
On April 4, 2023, the agenda will include opening remarks from the Committee Chair, Executive Sponsor and other VA officials. There will be updates on the PACT Act, Tribal HUD-VASH, co-pay exemptions for Native American Veterans, Veterans Health Administration/Indian Health Service (HIS) Memorandum of Understanding, IHS/Tribal health program reimbursement agreements and purchased referred care.
On April 5, 2023, the agenda will include updates and a panel discussion with senior officials from VA and IHS. Subsequent updates and briefings will be provided on the White House Council on Native American Affairs Health Committee; Tribal Veterans Representation Expansion Project; Veterans Benefits Administration Claims events in Indian Country; Native American Direct Loan; and the Native American Veteran Program.
On April 6, 2023, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. there will be Public Comment from those public members who have provided a written summary. The Committee will then receive a briefing on AI/AN Data for Veteran suicide/behavioral health. This will be followed by a discussion on the transition plan for the Committee with new and outgoing members. The Committee will then hold open discussion on topics relevant to the Committee and address follow-up and action items including dates for next meeting.
The meetings are open to the public (virtually) and will be recorded. Members of the public can attend the meeting by joining the Zoom meeting: https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/veteransaffairs/j.php?MTID=m84b407c76887afa5d1db9bb499c27d64.
Individuals who wish to speak are invited to submit a 1-2-page summary of their comments no later than March 31, 2023, for inclusion in the official meeting record. Members of the public may also submit written statements for the Committee’s review to Peter Vicaire, at Peter.Vicaire@va.gov. Any member of the public seeking additional information should contact Peter Vicaire at the email address above or by calling 612-558-7744.

Bridge NPRM Tribal Consultation Webinar
2023-04-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
Date: April 4, 2023
Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (Eastern Time)
Description: The purpose of the webinar is to announce the publication in the Federal Register of the TTFBP Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and to discuss some of the proposed amendments in 23 CFR part 661 since the last update in 2008. Also, to inform the Tribes on the upcoming three Tribal consultations; the dates and locations.
The proposed rule would update the existing Tribal Transportation Program Bridge Program, formerly known as the Indian Reservation Road (IRR) Bridge Program, by renaming it the Tribal Transportation Facility Bridge Program (TTFBP) to comply with the changes made in the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), carried on through the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, and the recent changes made by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), enacted as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
For information, visit https://highways.dot.gov/federal-lands/programs-tribal/webinars (-> nticc.us13.list-manage.com).

Irrigate Your Garden
2023-04-05 08:00 - 17:00 | United States
The Gakwi:yo:h Farm, in partnership with USET & Cornell Extension, wants to help you irrigate your garden. Setting up an irrigation system for your garden saves water and produces healthy plants. We’ll cover the basics of drip irrigation systems for three sisters and other crops. The first ten attendees will receive an irrigation kit for a 20’ x 20’ garden.

When: April 25, 2023, at 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Eastern

Where: Gakwi:yo:h Farm, 13594 Taylor Hollow Rd, Collins, NY 14034

Who should attend: Tribal Farmers

What you will learn:

Irrigation basics
How to install an irrigation system
Troubleshooting & maintenance

COVID Protocols (as of 09/15/2022, subject to change)
The USET Tribal Epidemiology Center (USET TEC) is a recognized public health authority supported by the Tribal Nations within the USET region. Throughout the course of the COVID pandemic, we have relied on their expertise to guide us to ensure for the overall safety, health, and wellness for our members, staff, and event attendees. As the impacts of COVID have evolved, we have continued to assess our protocols to ensure that they remain reflective of the current status of the pandemic. Today, we are announcing the following updates to the USET sponsored meeting COVID protocols:
USET/USET SPF Sponsored Meetings

Up to date* vaccinated attendees will not be required to mask and can fully engage without restrictions. Vaccinated attendees will provide proof of up-to-date status via self-attestation. Daily testing is strongly encouraged.
Unvaccinated attendees, or attendees not up to date, will be allowed to attend, but will be required to:

Wear a KN-95 or N-95 mask, or
Test negative within 24 hours of the event AND also test negative daily, if the meeting is for extended days

As part of our public heath authority responsibilities, we will continue to provide education, offer PPE, rapid tests, and continue to strongly encourage best practices. Additionally, for USET/USET SPF meetings hosted by member Tribal Nations, we will continue to comply with the COVID protocols that each set for their respective nation. While these protocols have changed to better reflect the current state of the pandemic, updated booster shots, and availability of treatments options, the USET TEC strongly recommends ongoing caution due to the health disparities that exist across Indian Country.
*Please note that up-to-date means that the primary series has been received and any current boosters (if eligible and/or available) have been administered.

For questions, please contact Lea Zeise, USET OERM Assistant Director, at lzeise@usetinc.org.

Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee ACA/IHCIA Webinar: Overview of the 2022 American Indian/Alaska Native Marketplace Enrollment
2023-04-05 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
The Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee (TSGAC) will host a Webinar on April 5, 2023, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm (ET). The Webinar will provide an
analysis and review of the key findings on: 1) the number of American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/Ans) enrolled in health insurance coverage through the Marketplace in 2022; and 2) trends in AI/AN Marketplace enrollment and access to cost-sharing protections over the past eight years.
Panelists will provide an overview of:

Ongoing efforts by Tribes and Tribal organizations to ensure that eligible AI/ANs receive the comprehensive cost-sharing protections to which they are entitled.
Recommendations to advance efforts to help AI/ANs secure comprehensive health insurance coverage through the Marketplace and receive the most generous cost-sharing protections available.
Recent analysis conducted by the TSGAC to ensure that the Summary of Benefits and Coverage documents prepared by Marketplace plan issuers accurately reflect the comprehensive cost-sharing protections.
Updated Toolkit on Tribal Sponsorship available on the website.

As always, there will be significant time available for participant questions.

Click here for Registration

Click here for the full TSGAC issue brief:
TSGAC-Brief-AI-AN-Marketplace-Enroll-2022-2023-03-13e-002.pdf (tribalselfgov.org)

HRSA IEA National Tribal Learning Session: Understanding Historical Trauma and its Impacts on the American Indian/ Alaska Native (AI/AN) Workforce
2023-04-05 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual Event
Please join HRSA’s Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs on a national webinar designed to enhance Tribal stakeholder knowledge of HRSA priorities, programs, technical assistance resources, and funding opportunities in Indian Country. This webinar will examine historical trauma and its impacts on the American Indian/ Alaska Native workforce and discuss programs and strategies to alleviate workforce shortages and grow the AI/AN workforce population.

The event, “HRSA IEA National Tribal Learning Session: Understanding Historical Trauma and its Impacts on the American Indian/ Alaska Native (AI/AN) Workforce” is scheduled for April 5, 2023 from 2:00 PM-3:30 PM EST (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM CST/ 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM MST/ 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM PST, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM AKST).

REGISTER HERE? or visit? https://hrsa-gov.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_I5GSHjZ8S5mI8Z3hS_aQvQ

Learning Objectives
As a result of this primer, Tribal stakeholders will:

Learn more about HRSA programs, resources, and funding to support tribal communities
Hear first-hand about how historical trauma has impacted the AI/AN workforce
Identify HRSA regional contacts and opportunities for technical support for Tribal Partners

Target Audience

Indian Health Service, Tribal and Urban Indian Health (I/T/U) Tribal leaders, members, and staff
Academic Institutions
Grant writers
Federal, State, and local community partners.

bi-weekly White House Health Community Engagement Call
2023-04-05 13:30 | Virtual Event
Bi-Weekly on Wednesdays at 2:30 pm Eastern
Register.
