United South & Eastern Tribes

FCC Tribal Consultation and Workshop
2024-05-14 - 2024-05-15 | Indigo Sky Casino and Resort, 70220 East HWY 60, Wyandotte, OK, 74370, United States
Host Tribe: Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma
Location: Indigo Sky Casino and Resort, 70220 East HWY 60, Wyandotte, OK 74370
Date: Tuesday, May 14, 2:00-4:00PM CDT (Tribal Consultation); Wednesday, May 15, 8:00AM to 5:00PM CDT (Workshop)
Consultation and Workshop website
ay 14 – (1) Optional Library Tour (10:00 am); and (2) Tribal Consultation

10:00AM Optional tour of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma’s Library
2:00PM to 4:00PM Tribal consultation on the FCC’s recently released Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), FCC 24-30, seeking comment on a proposal to adopt a new Emergency Alert System (EAS) event code for Missing and Endangered Persons

Registration for May 14th consultation
All attendees must register to attend the consultation. To register and to ask any questions, please send an email message with the subject line “May MEP Consultation” to Tribal.Events@fcc.gov by Monday, May 13, 2024. This is an email in-box monitored by ONAP staff.
In your message, provide the names, titles and Tribal affiliation of anyone attending. In providing Tribal affiliation, please provide the Tribe, and specifically indicate whether the participant is an elected and/or appointed leaders or duly appointed representative of the Tribe.
If you cannot personally attend and wish to designate a proxy(ies), please specify who is authorized to speak on your behalf in the registration email. You are encouraged to bring public safety and information technology (IT) staff and other interested representatives from your Nation to the Tribal consultation. If time permits, we may offer a listening session opportunity for those who are not Tribal leaders to ask questions and/or provide remarks after the consultation is concluded.
ONAP Tribal Workshop
This event is designed to provide information that will help Tribal Nations identify and evaluate opportunities to develop more robust broadband infrastructure and services in Tribal communities. It is also designed to provide information about FCC policies and programs to address the lack of adequate communications services on Tribal lands nationwide. Tribal government leaders, Tribal service provider and IT managers, government and community planners and managers, Tribal enterprise specialists, and representatives of Tribal social service agencies, schools, and libraries are all persons who should consider attending this event.
Sessions at the FCC workshop are expected to include:

A training session on the Broadband Data Collection and broadband map, tailored to Tribal leaders, Tribal providers and other Tribal filers.
Presentations on the Universal Service Fund and FCC programs, including the E-Rate Tribal Library Program.
A discussion on how to file comments with the FCC and how to follow FCC rulemakings.
Presentations from the federal representatives from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Registration for both events are free. You may indicate in your registration for the consultation that you intend to stay for the workshop.
To register for the workshop only, please send your name, title, Tribal affiliation, and contact information, with the subject line “May Workshop” to Tribal.Events@fcc.gov.

National Tribal Road Maintenance Symposium
2024-05-14 - 2024-05-16
May 14-16
The Box Events Center
Rapid City, South Dakota
Register
This inaugural event will bring together Tribal road maintenance practitioners and staff from the Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Transportation and BIA Regional Tribal Transportation Program. The event will provide essential support for Tribal transportation directors, supervisors, planners, office staff, equipment operators, project managers. and others.
Participants will

Learn about the BIA Road Maintenance Program
Hear updates on administrative and field operation components of federal road maintenance programs
Gain an understanding of federal standards and requirements
Discover resources available for Tribal governments
Share experiences in improving road maintenance practices
Build capacity for advancing tribal transportation infrastructure and safety
Have the opportunity to participate in a heavy-equipment roadeo

Registration for the conference is $150. Scholarship assistance is available in case of financial need.

Low Income Housing Tax Credits to Homeownership Tribal Toolkit Training
2024-05-14 - 2024-05-16
May 14-16, 2024
Spokane, WA
Register
Learn everything you need to know about the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program in this session. The presenters will take you through the history and overview of the program.
Additionally, you will discover how Tribal Nations and other entities can convert LIHTC rental units to Homeownership units after the initial 15-year Compliance Period. The strategies that support residents in transitioning to homeownership, including lease-purchase agreements and homeownership loan products, will also be covered. The tool kit will assist Tribal Nations and other entities with sample documents and planning considerations for conveying LIHTC units.
This presentation is the ultimate guide to all the topics you need to consider and plan for when you’re thinking about your LIHTC units. Get ready to take your LIHTC knowledge to the next level! Don’t forget to bring a copy of your LIHTC project land use restrictive covenants and Homeownership policies.
This training is being instructed by Jason Adams of Ace Housing Development, Robin Thorne of RTHawk Housing Alliance and Darkfeather Ancheta of 1st Tribal Lending.
There is no charge for this informative training for NAIHC members and industry professionals.

HHS/DOI Small Business Industry Day and Buy Indian Virtual Matchmaking
2024-05-15 - 2024-05-16 | Hybrid Event, TN
Small Business Industry Day | Wednesday, May 15
Register
Virtual Matchmaking | Thursday, May 16
Register
In collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), the Department of the Interior (DOI) OSDBU and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the Indian Health Service will co-host and participate in the inaugural Buy Indian Native American Small Business Industry Day Event, scheduled for May 15, 2024. The event will bring HHS and DOI leadership, contracting and program officials together to promote the Buy Indian Act and successfully connect Native American owned small businesses with HHS and DOI federal contract and program staff.
The HHS/DOI Buy Indian Small Business Industry Day is scheduled for May 15, 2024 at Gateway Community College located in Phoenix, AZ. The main event will begin at 9:00 AM and end at 12:00 PM (PT).
Following the main event on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, there will be an in-person Federal Agency Marketplace/Trade Show from 12:00 PM – 2:00PM (PT). The purpose of this marketplace is to provide an opportunity for Native American and Tribally owned small businesses to network and engage directly with contracting and program officials from HHS and DOI departments.
On Thursday, May 16, 2024 from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (ET), there will be an HHS/DOI Buy Indian Native American Small Business Industry Day Virtual Matchmaking Session. The purpose of these virtual matchmaking sessions is to provide an opportunity for Native American and Tribally owned businesses to meet directly with contracting and program officials from HHS and DOI departments.
Registration Links for each event:
Industry Day (Wednesday, May 15 9 – 12PM PT)
Marketplace (Wednesday, May 15 12 – 2PM PT)
https://bit.ly/48YdtzE
************************************************
Virtual Matchmaking Session (Thursday, May 16 8AM – 8PM ET)
https://mbmapp.com/event/buyindianindustryday2024
ces (except Coin-Operated)

2024 National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Business Summit
2024-05-15 11:00 - 17:15 (America/Chicago)
The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month by hosting the 2024 National AANHPI Business Summit on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, Washington D.C.
Agenda:

12:00 PM-1:00 PM Registration and Networking
1:00 PM- 4:00PM Business Summit Sessions
4:15 PM- 6:15 PM Networking Reception

Register today for the 2024 National Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Business Summit focused on gaining access to capital, exploring opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI), and navigating the contracting process.

Coordinated Interagency Transmission Authorization and Permits Webinar
2024-05-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Wednesday, May 15 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Central
Register
The U.S. Department of Energy released a final rule that will significantly streamline Federal environmental reviews and permitting processes for qualifying onshore electric transmission facilities, while ensuring meaningful engagement with Tribes, local communities, and other stakeholders.
The Grid Deployment Office will host a public webinar on May 15, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. ET, to share more about the DOE’s Coordinated Interagency Transmission Authorization and Permits Program and final rule.

IRS Office Hours | Assist with IRA/CHIPS Pre-filing Registration Tool
2024-05-15 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
The IRS is offering office hours (through Microsoft Teams) to help entities with the pre-filing registration process on the new IRA/CHIPS Pre-filing Registration Tool. Pre-filing registration is a required step for applicable entities and eligible taxpayers to take advantage of elective payment or transfer of credits available in the Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS Act. Representatives from the IRS will be available to answer your pre-filing registration questions.
Registration for office hours is open. Registration is required and can be completed by clicking on the links below.

May 1 at 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Eastern
Register
May 8 at 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Eastern
Register
May 15 at 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Eastern
Register

Department of Homeland Security's Tribal Government Affairs Virtual Consultation on the Immigration and Naturalization Act
2024-05-15 14:30 - 16:00, 2024-05-23 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
Dear Tribal Leader Letter
The Department of Homeland Security’s Tribal Government Affairs office will be hosting several virtual consultation sessions on proposed legislative changes to the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA), specifically section 289.

Monday, May 6, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., ET
Register
Friday, May 10, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., ET
Register
Wednesday, May 15, 2024, from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., ET
Register
Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., ET
Register

Please send any written comments and recommendations on the proposed amendments to INA 289 by e-mail to: Tribal.Consultation@hq.dhs.gov – Subject line: INA 289 Change.
DHS will accept written comments prior to and during the consultations and afterwards through July 9, 2024. After the comment period closes, DHS will review all feedback and internally deliberate on the proposed amendments to INA § 289 that should be proposed to Congress.
If you have questions regarding this effort, or need any accommodations for the sessions, please directly contact the Tribal Affairs mailbox at Tribal.Affairs@hq.dhs.gov.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Month Special Emphasis: How Tribal Gaming Contributes to the Protection of Indigenous Communities
2024-05-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
As we observe Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Month (MMIP), the NIGC is organizing a special virtual conversation focused on the critical issue of protecting Indigenous populations, particularly through the lens of Tribal communities. This dialogue aims to shed light on the intersection of tribal sovereignty, public safety, and economic development within Native American Communities. We believe that local tribal programs, often supported by tribal gaming revenues, play a significant role in advancing these objectives in providing safer and resilient tribal communities. The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians will share how they are addressing MMIP in their communities and across their states. The NIGC anticipates an engaging and informative exchange on these important topics. Register today to attend this important virtual conversation.
Speakers:
NIGC Vice Chair Jeannie Hovland and Associate Commissioner Sharon Avery
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Governor Reggie Wassana, Executive Office of the Governor LaRenda Morgan
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Treasurer Latisha Prieto and a special message from a Tribal Youth MMIP Advocate

Monthly CDFI Certification Conference Calls
2024-05-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
The CDFI Fund conducts monthly CDFI Certification Conference Calls which are intended to serve as a forum for potential CDFI Certification Applicants, Certified CDFIs, and other CDFI Certification stakeholders to ask questions and discuss CDFI Certification and the CDFI Certification process.
Access InstructionsTo access conference calls participants need to call the toll-free number (800) 369-1639 and dial in the numeric Participant Passcode [REDACTED]. No prior registration is necessary. Please note the dial in process is automated. The conference call will have a moderator to direct the Q&As. Please note all call are Eastern Time (ET).
CDFI Certification Conference Call Schedule

Thursday, February 15, 2024 – 3:00pm – 4:00pm ET
Thursday, March 21, 2024 – 3:00pm – 4:00pm ET
Thursday, April 18, 2024 – 3:00pm – 4:00pm ET
Thursday, May 16, 2024 – 3:00pm – 4:00pm ET
Thursday, June 20, 2024 – 3:00pm – 4:00pm ET
Thursday, July 18, 2024 – 3:00pm – 4:00pm ET
Thursday, August 15, 2024 – 3:00pm – 4:00pm ET
Thursday, September 19, 2024 – 3:00pm – 4:00pm ET
Thursday, October 17, 2024 – 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET
Thursday, November 21, 2024 – 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET
Thursday, December 19, 2024 – 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET

CDFI CONTACT INFORMATION

Have questions/concerns about CDFI Certification?
OCPE Helpdesk
Email: OCPECert@cdfi.treas.gov
Phone: (202) 653-0423
IT Helpdesk
Email: ithelpdesk@cdfi.treas.gov
Phone: (202) 653-0300

Minority Business Development Agency Tribal Consultation
2024-05-17 | Virtual Event
May 17, 2024
Additional information regarding the consultation meetings will be posted on MBDA’s website at https://www.mbda.gov/​tribalconsult2024. The Tribal consultation meetings will be recorded and transcribed so that MBDA can retain valuable input and feedback.
Federal Register :: Minority Business Development Agency’s Request for Public Comment and Notice of Tribal Consultation Meetings
Members of the general public are invited to submit responses to the following questions. Please provide comments on any or all of the following issues and identify the specific AIANNH community addressed by these comments:

What is the primary challenge (or top three challenges) businesses encounter in AIANNH communities? What solutions do you think would help to address the challenge(s)?
What are some best practices that you have seen implemented that positively address the business challenges experienced by your AIANNH community through self-funded and/or externally funded programs ( e.g., Federal, State, local government, foundations, etc.)?
If you have direct or indirect experience with a MBDA AIANNH project, please provide your thoughts on which services and activities were most beneficial and which could have been more effective.

For comments to be considered, they must include the following identification of the commenter: name; title (if applicable); Tribe, Alaska Native Corporation, or native community (if applicable); organization or business (if applicable); city and state; and they must be submitted in written form at www.regulations.gov. To access the docket where comments may be submitted, please enter “DOC-2024-0003” in the search bar. Comments must be received no later than 11:59 p.m., EDT, Sunday, June 16, 2024.

NIHB National Tribal Health Conference
2024-05-20 - 2024-05-23 | The Monument, Rapid City, SD, United States
May 20-23, 2024
Rapid City, South Dakota
Conference website
The NIHB National Tribal Health Conference is a week-long event that serves American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes in the space of health – behavioral and public health. The conference will showcase the interconnectedness of policy, advocacy, and Indian health best practices. Programming includes tribal listening and consultation sessions, hands-on training opportunities, plenary sessions, and workshops that cover timely topics such as funding for Indian Health, the business of medicine, health equity, Indigenous determinents of health, Tribal public health, behavioral health, culture, environmental health, and climate change. The conference also includes focus areas on Native youth, Tribal veterans, and elders, a fitness event, exhibit hall and marketplace, culture night, poster sessions, and Heroes in Health Awards Gala and Outstanding Service Awards.

HRSA Annual Tribal Consultation
2024-05-20 10:45 - 12:45 | The Monument, Rapid City, SD, United States
Register
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will host a Tribal Consultation during the National Indian Health Board’s (NIHB) 2024 National Tribal Health Conference (NTHC) from 10:45 AM – 12:45 PM CT on Monday, May 20, 024, at The Monument in Rapid City, SD.
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), will be conducting a Tribal Consultation on two topics: the agency’s revised Tribal Consultation Policy and the calculation and use of Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) scores. These scores are used by the National Health Service Corps to determine priorities for the assignment of primary care, dental health, and mental health professionals.
HRSA encourages all Tribal Leaders to participate in this timely discussion to help ensure valuable input representing American Indians and Alaska Natives on these important topics.
There is no cost to register for and attend the Annual HRSA Tribal Consultation.
For additional information or if you have questions, please email Garrett at glankford@nihb.org or call at 202-996-4302.

APHIS Tribal Training on the Chronic Wasting Disease funding opportunity.
2024-05-20 12:00 | Virtual Event
Dear Tribal Leader Letter
Registration for Webinar
May 6 at 1:00 pm Eastern
Web Join URL
Zoom Join URL
Meeting Password: [REDACTED]
Dial-in information:
+1 669-254-5252 U.S. () +1 646-828-7666 U.S. ()
Meeting ID: 160 845 5864
May 20 at 1:00 pm Eastern
Web Join URL
Zoom Join URL
Meeting Password: [REDACTED]
Dial-in information:
+1 669-254-5252 U.S. () +1 646-828-7666 U.S. ()
Meeting ID: 160 845 5864
Applicants can find the funding opportunity information on ezFedGrants or Grants.gov by searching the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number 10.028 or the Funding Opportunity Number USDA-APHIS-10028-WSNWRC00-24-0005. Applications for the FY24 Tribal Nations Wild Cervid CWD Opportunities are due in ezFedGrants by Monday, June 10th, 2024, at 11:59 pm Eastern Daylight Savings Time. Applicants can find additional information at the new APHIS website Chronic Wasting Disease Management and Response Funding Opportunities | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (usda.gov), including the FY24 Tribal Nations Wild Cervid CWD Opportunities Funding Opportunity Announcement, Work Plan Template, Financial Plan Template, FY24 FAQs, and information on the Tribal proposals funded in previous years.

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation | Preserve the Past, Build for the Future Webinar Series
2024-05-21 13:00 | Virtual Event
Preserve the Past, Build for the Future is a webinar series designed to introduce college students to historic preservation and related fields.
Register NOW for the 2024 series. Click the links of each webinar title to go to the registration page for that session.
Tuesday, January 23, 2024 – 2 p.m. ET: So, You Want to Be a Preservationist? The umbrella of positions that fall under the field of historic preservation is wide and broad. This webinar will demonstrate the many different career paths within the field that speak to various interests.
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 — 2 p.m. ET: Living History: The Past, Present, and Future of Historic Black Towns and Settlements. Historic Black towns and settlements are communities started by formerly enslaved people after the Civil War. They allowed Black communities the opportunities to purchase land, start businesses, attend schools, serve in elected positions, and foster a sense of community after hundreds of years of enslavement. Many of these historic towns and settlements were violently destroyed by white supremacists during the Jim Crow era. Some scholars argue that up to 1,200 Black towns and settlements were established between the 19th and 20th centuries. Approximately 30 communities continue to exist today. Historic preservation practitioners and other professionals are working to document the histories of these communities and preserve their legacies for generations to come.
Tuesday, March 26, 2024 — 2 p.m. ET: History in Danger: Community-Led Responses to Preserving AAPI Heritage Sites. Many of the historic sites and spaces that are significant to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are underrepresented when it comes to official recognition. Less than 3 percent of the official sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places are associated with AAPI history. Preservation practitioners around the country are advocating for the preservation of sites that represent the culture and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. At a time when many historic Chinatowns are at-risk of erasure from encroaching development and gentrification, professionals and community members are working together to preserve their heritage for future generations.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 — 2 p.m. ET: Traditional Trades Careers in Historic Preservation. The traditional trades field is a great career option for students looking for hands-on engagement within historic preservation. The traditional trades is a diverse field that includes managing, documenting, restoring, and adapting historic structures. From the private sector to government agencies, employers are looking for those with specialized skills to preserve our built heritage.
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 — 2 p.m. ET: Disappearing Indigenous Heritage: Climate Change and Community Displacement. Climate change is actively threatening communities around the United States. Sea level rise, coastal erosion, and increased wildfires are displacing entire communities and the cultural landscapes they leave behind. Many of the areas at-risk of displacement are made up of marginalized communities, further compounding systemic inequality. Preservationists and cultural resource specialists are responding to this displacement and loss of cultural heritage by partnering with communities to discuss ways to preserve their heritage while providing alternatives for their communities’ futures.

Webinar with Treasury on Elective Pay Final Regulations
2024-05-21 13:30 - 14:30 | Virtual Event
On March 5, 2024, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued final guidance on direct/elective pay of clean energy credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). At the same time, Treasury issued a proposed rule on certain joint ownership arrangements under elective pay, with a Tribal consultation held on April 5. On April 25, 2024, Treasury and the IRS issued final guidance on transfers of certain credits under the IRA. Following their final regulations, the IRS also updated their frequently asked questions regarding direct/elective pay.
To provide an update on what these changes mean for tribal governments interested in taking advantage of direct/elective pay, NAFOA is partnering with the Treasury for a webinar on Tuesday, May 21st at 2:30 p.m. ET. Staff from the Treasury will discuss these final regulations, how entities can take advantage of transferability, and answer questions that any tribal leaders may have.
Register for the webinar.

Broadband Technical Assistance: Preparing to Apply
2024-05-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Presented by USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service, this webinar will provide information about the Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) program and help prepare applicants ahead of the upcoming FY2024 funding window.
This webinar will include:

What applicants can do now to prepare for the next funding round
System Registration and Applicant Identification Requirements
A high-level look at eligibility requirements
Tips on preparing your BTA application
An opportunity to ask questions about how to prepare

We’ll address questions as time permits during each session. Once the funding notice is published, RUS will host additional webinars and update resources on the BTA website. Additionally, slides, a transcript, and a recording of this webinar will be posted to the BTA website.
Register for the webinar.
Please submit any Broadband Technical Assistance questions using the Contact Us Form.

USDA Forest Service Tribal Consultation and Forum | Carbon Stewardship Proposed Rule & National Old Growth Amendment Update
2024-05-22 13:00 | Virtual Event
Tribal Leader Letter
Summary Analysis of Carbon Stewardship
Summary of Consultation Collaboration
May 22 at 2:00 pm Eastern
Register

NIH Tribal Consultation on the Initiative for Improving American Indian and Alaska Native Cancer Outcomes
2024-05-22 13:00 | Virtual Event
Dear Tribal Leader Letter
Framing Paper
May 22 at 1:00 pm Central
Register
The National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), part of the National Institutes of Health under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, invites you to a virtual Tribal Consultation on an initiative for improving American Indian and Alaska Native cancer outcomes, to be held on May 22, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. ET (1:00 p.m. CT, 12:00 p.m. MT, 11:00 p.m. PT). We hope that you will be able to participate in this discussion and provide input on the development of a funding opportunity to support efforts to improve cancer outcomes in American Indians and Alaska Natives through advanced screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
American Indians and Alaska Natives experience overall cancer incidence and mortality rates that are strikingly higher than non-Native populations. They are seeking input from Tribal Nations and organizations in the creation of an initiative for improving American Indian and Alaska Native cancer outcomes. To improve the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of cancers among Native Americans, particularly those living in rural communities, the initiative will incorporate multifaceted efforts including research, education, outreach, and clinical access related to cancer. In accordance with Congressional language NIMHD will work with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to locate this initiative at an NCI-designated cancer center demonstrating partnerships with Tribal Nations, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations.
They are seeking your input on this initiative, to which any NCI-designated cancer center working in partnership with Tribal Nations, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations can apply. They would like to understand the research priorities and cultural approaches important to your communities to be captured in the initiative. They value the opportunity to learn how the initiative for improving cancer outcomes might help advance the goals and strategic priorities of Tribal Nations.

Native Language Summit Engagement Session
2024-05-22 14:00 - 15:30
We are delighted to invite you to participate in the Native Language Summit Engagement Session on May 22, 2024, from 3-4:30 p.m. ET, to help shape the agenda for the upcoming Native Language Summit, “Beyond the Decade: Inspiring a Generation of Native Language Learners,” on October 8th in Palm Springs, CA.
As valued tribal members of our Native community engaged in efforts to ensure Native languages thrive, your participation in this engagement session on May 22nd, will play a vital role in shaping the agenda. Your voice will help ensure that the 2024 Native Language Summit addresses the most pressing needs and challenges faced by our communities in preserving and revitalizing Native languages.
Tribal Nations, federal agencies, and nonprofit partners will convene the 11th Annual Native Language Summit on October 8, as coordinated by the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Native Americans and Strengthening Tribal Colleges and Universities, Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Indian Education, and Department of the Interior.
The Native Language Summit provides a platform for sharing best practices, learned experiences, and successful storytelling from Native language revitalization efforts across many communities. Last year’s summit saw significant participation and valuable contributions from diverse Tribal Nations, individuals, and organizations.
To best prepare for a fruitful and productive discussion, please see the questions we will ask below:

What are your goals for attending the Native Language Summit?
What are topics you would like to see on the agenda?
Will you be attending in-person or participating virtually?
What speakers or presenters do you recommend or would like to see or hear from at the Summit?
Are there specific engagement strategies or formats (e.g., panel discussions, interactive workshops, cultural performances) that you believe would be effective in fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration?
What are your hopes and aspirations for the outcomes of the Native Language Summit, and how do you envision its impact on our communities?

The written commend period for this engagement session is now open and will close on May 29 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Please send your written comments to TribalConsultation@ed.gov. We look forward to your active participation and valuable contributions to this important discussion and event.
Please register for the engagement session.

FEMA Tribal Listening Sessions and Consultation on the Tribal Consultation Policy
2024-05-23 14:30 - 16:30, 2024-05-28 14:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
Dear Tribal Leader Letter
Framing Paper
FEMA Tribal Consultation Policy
FEMA invites Tribal Nations to participate in a series of tribal listening sessions and consultations to provide feedback on the current Tribal Consultation Policy. FEMA is committed to ensuring all participants have equal access regardless of disability status. If you require reasonable accommodation due to a disability to fully participate in the engagements listed below, please contact fema-tribal@fema.dhs.gov as soon as possible.

Tribal Listening Sessions and Tribal Consultations:
Date: Wednesday, April 11, 2024
Time: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET
Location: FEMA Headquarters Building, 500 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20472
Virtual: To register for the consultation, please visit this Zoom link

Date: Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. MT
Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel & Resort, 4300 E Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034, hosted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Assistance Coordination Group (TAC-G) Conference
Registration: You can register for the TAC-G Conference for free, here

Date: May 23, 2024
Time: 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm ET
Location: Zoom
Virtual: Zoom Registration link

Date: May 28, 2024
Time: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET
Location: Zoom
Virtual: Zoom Registration link

The purpose of the tribal listening session and consultations is to gather Tribal Nations’ feedback on the Tribal Consultation Policy so that it better meets the needs of Tribal Nations across Indian Country.
Additional consultation dates and information, including a framing paper, will be available on the FEMA Tribal Consultations webpage at a later date.
Tribal Nations can send their comments and any questions to fema-tribal@fema.dhs.gov. Please include the subject line “Tribal Consultation Policy – Written Comments.” Feedback and comments are due by July 30, 2024.

Indian Country ECHO Webinar on Syphilis Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment
2024-05-28 11:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
Healthcare professionals and other staff serving AI/AN populations are invited to participate in this 2.5-hour virtual training program. The session will feature multidisciplinary presentations on best practices for responding to the rise of syphilis and congenital syphilis in Tribal communities. The webinar will take place on May 28 at 12:00 – 2:30pm ET. Please access the agenda and registration information here.

Reclaiming Native Psychological Brilliance: Wise Practices, a Tribal Behavioral Health ECHO Clinic
2024-05-28 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc. presents the 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 on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 1:00 pm Central/2:00 pm Eastern. Each session will be one hour in length.
This month’s theme is “National Bridge Overview: Bridging Emergency Care and Community Health.”
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,
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 Deviyani Bajpai, THPS Public Health Program Coordinator, at dbajpai@usetinc.org.

Rural Clean Energy Federal Funding Fair
2024-05-28 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
Additional Funding Opportunities for Clean Energy Projects
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is hosting our next federal funding fair on May 28, 2024!
Rural Development (RD) recognizes that clean energy support for rural communities is in high demand and is hosting a series of virtual federal funding fairs for entities interested in building clean energy that supports rural communities. Each virtual funding fair will feature a presenter who will speak about a current federal funding opportunity for clean energy projects in rural American and provide more information about program benefits and eligibility.
For our next webinar, presenters will come from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, U.S Department of Energy’s Energy Improvements for Rural and Remote Areas (ERA) Program, and U.S. Department of Treasury to talk about Elective Pay/Direct Pay benefits. Representatives from USDA will also talk more about USDA Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America (REAP) program and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Electric Programs. Each session will focus on different programs, with this Rural Clean Energy Funding Fair webinar covering the following topics. Please register by selecting the linked sessions below:
Tuesday, May 28, 2024, 2:00pm – 4:00pm EDT:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will present on funding opportunities available through their Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund – a $27B investment to mobilize financing and private capital to address the climate crisis, ensure our country’s economic competitiveness, and promote energy independence while delivering lower energy costs and economic revitalization to communities that have historically been left behind.
U.S. Dept. of Energy will present on their Energy Improvements in Rural and Remote Areas (ERA) program and their announcement about the $78M awarded to support 19 projects across 12 states and 13 Tribal nations to develop and deploy sustainable clean energy solutions and expand access to reliable and affordable energy in rural and remote communities across the nation.
U.S. Dept. of Treasury will present on the Direct Pay/Elective Pay credit delivery mechanism designed to help rural electric cooperatives and other entities gain access to clean energy tax credits for clean energy deployment.
USDA will present on Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Electric programs for medium and large utility-scale clean energy projects that serve rural communities and Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) program for small-scale clean energy projects for rural small businesses and agricultural producers.

USDA has also developed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) pocket guides to help applicants navigate the suite of programs that were recently developed for clean energy projects in rural America across several agencies. You will notice that the funding fairs will discuss some of the programs featured in our IRA guides. One of the guides sorts programs by common eligible uses and the other organizes programs by common eligible applicant groups: IRA Pocket Guides | Rural Development (usda.gov).

HHS Briefing for Tribal Communities on Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis
2024-05-28 15:30 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
Please join ADM Rachel Levine, Assistant Secretary for Health at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Dr. Loretta Christensen, Chief Medical Officer at the Indian Health Service (IHS), and Dr. Laura Bachman, Acting Director of the Division of STD Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a briefing on the federal response to syphilis and congenital syphilis in Tribal communities. The briefing will be on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 4:30pm ET.
Briefing for Tribal Communities on Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis
Date: Tuesday, May 28
Time: 4:30-5:00pm ET
Please register at:
https://hhsgov.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsduqurTotH1xNSH08pV3x2-Qx7SEODu0#/registration (-> click.connect.hhs.gov)

CMS Health Equity Conference
2024-05-29 - 2024-05-30
Virtual participation options are still available for CMS’s upcoming Health Equity Conference on May 29-30 in Bethesda, Maryland. The theme is “Sustaining Health Equity Through Action.” Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from CMS leadership on recent program developments; explore the latest health equity research; discuss promising practices and creative solutions; and collaborate on community engagement strategies. More information is available on the conference website.

ONTL and Wildlife Services Tribal Webinar on the Rabies Program
2024-05-29 12:00 | Virtual Event
The USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) Office of National Tribal Liaison (ONTL) values the partnerships between APHIS and Tribal Nations. They feel providing opportunities for Tribal Nations to learn about their national programs that safeguard natural resources will aid in developing partnerships and strengthening already existing ones. ONTL and Wildlife Services will host a Tribal Webinar on the Rabies Program.
They cordially invite you and your staff members to attend their Tribal webinar: “Wildlife Services – Rabies Program,” May 29, 2024, at 1:00 pm EDT.
The registration and web link are below.
Registration: https://forms.office.com/g/GPwH0ketDc
Web Join URL: https://coreshield.zoomgov.com/wc/join/1607527485?pwd=[REDACTED]

Forest Service and First Nations Development Institute virtual office hours
2024-05-29 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
A one-pager on the open funding opportunity to support Tribal participation in emerging climate markets
A compendium of all Landowner Assistance funding opportunities that could support work on Tribal lands

The Forest Service and First Nations Development Institute will co-host a series of virtual office hours for federally recognized Tribes and Alaska Native corporations and villages. During these sessions, staff will answer questions about this opportunity and provide feedback on proposed activities. Tribal staff—including forestry, program, and grant writing staff—are encouraged to participate.

Register for the first office hours session: May 29, 2:00-3:00 p.m. Mountain time.

Information on future office hours will be posted to the Forest Landowner Support page as they are confirmed.
Support available to Tribes:

Participate in office hours on May 29, 2-3pm Mountain Time. Register for office hours here.
First Nations Development Institute, a Community Navigator organization, is available to provide support on grant writing (email lriggs@firstnations.org).
The National Indian Carbon Coalition (a project of Indian Land Tenure Foundation) is available to provide technical support to Tribes interested in exploring carbon markets (email bvanstippen@iltf.org).

The agency’s Forest Landowner Support team is available for one-on-one calls with Tribes to discuss ideas for this specific funding opportunity (email SM.FS.LandownerIRA@usda.gov).
