United South & Eastern Tribes

Tribal Leaders Briefing in Preparation for the White House Tribal Nations Summit
2023-12-05 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Westin Washington Hotel, 999 9th Street, Washington, DC, 20001, United States
December 5 at 1:00 pm Eastern
Register
A coalition of more than a dozen Native organizations will come together on Tuesday, December 5, for an in-person briefing for Tribal leaders on policy priorities ahead of the White House Tribal Nations Summit (December 6-7). Participants will hear from White House staff about the logistics of the event and will have an opportunity to ask questions. Additionally, staff from a large coalition of Native organizations will walk through policy priorities on topics ranging from education to public safety and climate change. The event will take place at The Westin Washington Hotel (999 9th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20001) and Tribal leaders who attend will receive a written briefing booklet with policy priorities, talking points, and other useful information leading up to the summit.

Department of the Interior | Public- Private Partnerships with Philanthropy Meet & Greet
2023-12-05 14:30 - 17:00 | Department of Interior, South Penthouse, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC, 20240, United States
Department of the Interior | Public- Private Partnerships with Philanthropy Meet & Greet (White House Tribal Nations Summit Side Event)
Date: Dec 5, 2023
Time: 3:30- 5:00 PM EST
Location: Department of the Interior, South Penthouse | 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC, 20240
Purpose: The Department of the Interior (DOI) will host an engagement session focused on public-private partnerships with philanthropy. The session will feature discussions with Native Americans in Philanthropy, along with other partners, and will uplift ways the federal government, philanthropy, and non-profit organizations can work together to support Tribal Nations in leveraging resources and investments in Tribal communities and Native-led initiatives. The engagement session will be an opportunity for Tribal Leaders to meet partners, philanthropic leaders, and discuss public-private partnership priorities. The session will also celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Office of Strategic Partnerships (OSP).
Audience includes: Tribal Leaders, Philanthropic Leaders, Non-profit Organizations, Key Federal Partners
Tribal Leaders: Please RSVP with Name, Title, and Tribe via email to kelly.dennis@bia.gov.

2023 White House Tribal Nations Summit
2023-12-06 - 2023-12-07 | Department of Interior, Washington, DC, United States
Dear Tribal Leader Letter
Dear Tribal Leader Letter – Registration extended
Agenda

Videos
President Biden’s Remarks | December 6, 2023
Vice-President Harris’s Remarks | December 6, 2023
Secretary Haaland’s Remarks | December 6, 2023
Full White House Tribal Nations Summit:

Session One
Session Two
Session Three
Session Four

Announcements and Press Releases

Access to Capital Clearinghouse Website | The Access to Capital Clearinghouse is a website that provides a searchable database of all federal funding opportunities, including grants and loans, available to Tribal Nations and Native businesses.
White House | 2023 Progress Report for Tribal Nations | December 2023
USDA | At White House Tribal Youth Summit, USDA Announces New Resources to Empower Native American Young People
White House Briefing | FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces New Actions and Historic Progress Supporting Tribal Nations and Native Communities Ahead of Third Annual White House Tribal Nations Summit | December 6, 2023
White House Briefing | Executive Order on Reforming Federal Funding and Support for Tribal Nations to Better Embrace Our Trust Responsibilities and Promote the Next Era of Tribal Self-Determination | December 6, 2023
DOI Press Release | Interior Department Announces Final Rule for Implementation of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act | December 6, 2023
DOI Press Release | Three million acres of land returned to Tribes through Interior’s land buy-back program for Tribal Nations | December 6, 2023
DOI Press Release | Biden-Harris Administration Takes Steps to Increase Co-Stewardship Opportunities, Incorporate Indigenous Knowledge, Protect Sacred Sites | December 6, 2023
DOI Indian Affairs News Release | Indian Affairs announces new regulations to improve fee-to-trust process| December 6, 2023
White House Briefing | FACT SHEET: President Biden Signs Historic Executive Order to Usher in the Next Era of Tribal Self-Determination | December 6, 2023
DOI National Park Service Press Release | Secretary Haaland Announces National Park Service to Collaborate with Tribes on Theme Study of Native American History | December 6, 2023
DOI News Release | Secretary Haaland Delivers Remarks on Historic Progress in Indian Country During the 2023 White House Tribal Nations Summit | December 6, 2023
DOI News Release | White House Council on Native American Affairs Takes Steps to Increase Access to Capital Across Indian Country | December 6, 2023
White House Briefing | FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces New Actions and Historic Progress Supporting Tribal Nations and Native Communities Ahead of Third Annual White House Tribal Nations Summit | December 6, 2023
White House Briefing | FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces New Actions and Historic Progress Supporting Tribal Nations and Native Communities Ahead of Third Annual White House Tribal Nations Summit | December 6, 2023
DOI News Release | Interior invests $300,000 in National Fund for Excellence in American Indian Education | December 5, 2023
DOI Press Release | Interior Department Strengthens Public-Private Partnerships to Benefit Indian Country | December 5, 2023
DOI News Release | Interior Department Leaders to Feature Prominently at White House Tribal Nations Summit | December 5, 2023
Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre Announcing the Next White House Tribal Nations Summit | November 14, 2023

White House Tribal Nations Summit
The Summit reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to strengthening Nation-to-Nation relationships. Tribal leaders will have the opportunity to have meaningful conversations directly with senior Administration officials on implementation of key priorities, new policies, and other critical issues facing Tribal Nations.
Leaders from across the Administration will announce new actions and updates that will build on the progress that has already been made, create new opportunities for Tribal consultation and input, and produce lasting changes that will impact the lives of Tribal citizens for generations to come.
Additional details are forthcoming.
What: 2023 White House Tribal Nations Summit
When: December 6 at 8:00 am – 5:30 pm Eastern and December 7 at 8:00 am – 5:30 pm Eastern; Doors open at 7:30 am Eastern
Where:U.S. Department of the Interior (1849 C Street NW, Washington D.C. 20240). The Visitor’s Entrance is located on C Street NW.
Register: Register by 5:00 pm Eastern on November 29, 2023. Due to limited capacity, only one Tribal leader can be accommodated per Tribal Nation. Tribal leaders who cannot attend, but would like to designate another governmental representative of the Tribe, may do so by emailing TNS@who.eop.gov.
Check-in: Early Registration and Secretary Haaland’s Welcome Reception will take place on Tuesday, December 5th.

Early Registration will begin on Tuesday, December 5th at the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Library (off the C Street NW entrance) at 12:00 PM ET. All attendees will be required to show ID.
Secretary Haaland’s Tribal Leaders Welcome Reception will take place at 5:00 PM ET in the Secretary’s Suite at the U.S. Department of the Interior. If you have not RSVP’d to the reception, please do so by clicking here. All attendees will be required to show ID.

Registration on Wednesday, December 6th:

Registration will open at 7:30 AM ET. Attendees should enter the U.S. Department of the Interior at the C Street NW Entrance. Registration will be held in the DOI Library. All attendees will be required to show ID.

Credentials: All registered Summit attendees will receive a Tribal Nations Summit credential. You must wear this credential within the building at all times, both days.
Travel Stipends: Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) has funding to support travel for Tribal Leaders/Ambassadors, and has partnered with USET to provide travel stipends. Travel stipends in the amount of $2,500 will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis to Tribal Leaders who attest to their need. Stipends will be provided upon request to one Tribal Leader/Ambassador (as designated by the Tribal Nation) per federally recognized Tribal Nation.
Request a travel stipend
Tribal Nations Summit Photo: Tribal Leaders are invited to join a Tribal Nations Summit photo on Thursday, December 7th at 8:15 AM ET located outside at the U.S. Department of the Interior C Street NW entrance steps.

Tribal Nation Side Events
Dept of Labor
Good Jobs in Tribal Communities
December 5, 2023
Time: 10:00am EST (doors open at 9:30)
Location: Francis Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor, Mezzanine, 200 Constitution Ave NW | Washington, DC 20210
Purpose: During this event, Native American leaders, employers, labor unions, and workers will engage in discussion with U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su on how Tribal communities are creating good jobs with equitable workforce development pathways such as Registered Apprenticeship programs, and how those strategies can be used with Investing in America funds from across the Biden-Harris Administration.
Audience includes: Tribal Government Leaders, Tribal workforce development leaders, Employers, Other federal agencies
To request ASL interpreting, captioning services, or other reasonable accommodations, please email Interpreting.Services@Dol.gov by November 28, 2023.
The Department of Commerce
Open House
Date: December 5, 2023
Time: 12:00 – 2:00 PM EST
Location: Department of Commerce, Main Lobby
Purpose: The Open House will provide an opportunity for Tribal Nations to meet with bureau contacts to identify, assess, and address issues. Bureaus that will be represented are: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Development Administration (EDA), Office of the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs (OUS/EA), International Trade Administration (ITA), Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Technical Information Service (NTIS), National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Office of the Secretary (OS). Audience includes: Tribal Leaders
Registration
Department of the Interior
Public- Private Partnerships with Philanthropy Meet & Greet
Date: Dec 5, 2023
Time: 3:30- 5:00 PM EST
Location: Department of the Interior, South Penthouse | 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC, 20240
Purpose: The Department of the Interior (DOI) will host an engagement session focused on public-private partnerships with philanthropy. The session will feature discussions with Native Americans in Philanthropy, along with other partners, and will uplift ways the federal government, philanthropy, and non-profit organizations can work together to support Tribal Nations in leveraging resources and investments in Tribal communities and Native-led initiatives. The engagement session will be an opportunity for Tribal Leaders to meet partners, philanthropic leaders, and discuss public-private partnership priorities. The session will also celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Office of Strategic Partnerships (OSP).
Audience includes: Tribal Leaders, Philanthropic Leaders, Non-profit Organizations, Key Federal Partners
Tribal Leaders: Please RSVP with Name, Title, and Tribe via email to kelly.dennis@bia.gov.
Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture
Tribal Buffalo Conservation Partnership Event
Date: Dec. 6, 2023
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM EST
Location: US Department of Agriculture, Whitten Patio | 1400 Jefferson Dr., SW, Washington, DC, 20250
Purpose: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Interior (DOI) have joined together to support partnerships with the InterTribal Buffalo Council (ITBC), Native Americans and Philanthropy (NAP) World Wildlife Fund (WWF), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and other non-profit organizations in initiatives that support Tribally-led buffalo restoration as well as enhance youth opportunities, food sovereignty, economic and workforce development. These relationships and public-private partnership opportunities improve upon the federal investments already being made by USDA-DOI Buffalo Initiative in grasslands and working lands restoration, tribal buffalo conservation and expansion, and opening tribal buffalo market opportunities.
Audience includes: Tribal Leaders & Guests, Congress
Tribal Leaders & Guests: Please RSVP with Name, Title, Tribe/Organization via email to tribal.relations@usda.gov.
Congressional Attendees: Please RSVP via email to valerie.mcmakin@usda.gov.
Department of Homeland Security
DHS Office Hours at the TNS
Date: Dec. 7, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM– 12:00 PM EST
Location: US Department of the Interior, Indian Affairs Trust Services Conference Room (#4623) | 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC, 20240
Purpose: DHS is providing Tribal Nations with a convenient opportunity to speak in person with leadership on any relevant Homeland Security issue. Hosted by Brenda Abdelall, Assistant Secretary of Partnership and Engagement, Miriam E. Enriquez, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Laurel Iron Cloud (Oglala Sioux Tribe), Director of Tribal Affairs.
Audience includes: Tribal Leaders, Key Federal Partners
For more information, or to request a specific time, please contact: Laurel Iron Cloud (Oglala Sioux Tribe), Director of Tribal Affairs at Laurel.ironcloud@hq.dhs.gov.
U.S. Trade Representative
In-person, Open House
Date: Dec. 7, 2023
Time: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM EST
Location: 1724 F Street, NW, Washington, D.C.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) Open House will be an opportunity for Tribal Leaders to meet with the U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Katherine Tai, and engage on trade and investment matters. Discussion will include how the President’s Trade Policy Agenda now includes unprecedented objectives and updates on engaging with Tribal Nations, and Native and Indigenous community-based organizations, workers, and businesses, and the critical role of Tribal consultations to inform the development of trade and investment policy. Tribal Leaders and Guests, please RSVP with Name, Title, Tribe/ Organization to Roberto Soberanis, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Intergovernmental Affairs & Public Engagement at Roberto.C.Soberanis@ustr.eop.gov.

Housing Program Webinar Training - 2024 Tribal Annual Performance Report
2023-12-06 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
The Office of Indian Services Department of Human Service is hosting a webinar training session Wednesday December 6, 2023 – 1:00pm to 2:30pm EST in providing an overview on the 2024 Housing Program Tribal Annual Performance Report (TAPR).
The target audience for the webinar training session is for tribal leaders, tribal program staff who operate the HP, BIA Agency programs, BIA Superintendents and anyone interested in learning more about the BIA Housing Program. The TAPR is an excel tool that calculates eligibility factors to determine the qualification of applicants for the Housing Program operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Webinar Training– Housing Program (HP) 2024 Tribal Annual Performance Report
Date: Wednesday December 6, 2023 – 1:00pm to 2:30pm EST.
Overview: This webinar training session will provide an overview on the Housing Improvement Program Tribal Annual Performance Report (TAPR). The TAPR is due to the Regional offices December 31, 2023. The target audience for the webinar training session is for tribal leaders, tribal program staff who operate the HIP, BIA Agency programs, BIA Superintendents and anyone interested in learning more about the BIA Housing Program.
Additionally, tribal entities should continue to seek Technical Assistance from the BIA agency or Regional Office who are responsible for all Bureau Housing Program activities within their defined geographical area.
To join this training session, please click on the hyperlink below and use the event password, if prompted. You will need to use the event password to retrieve the Training Materials.
Teams Meeting Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MTczYmY1MzQtZDkwYS00ZDQ1LWExNTItZTdjZjRiNGVlNmNh%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220693b5ba-4b18-4d7b-9341-f32f400a5494%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22937dd0ee-9643-4d4c-be98-3b3281e295e9%22%7d
Meeting ID: 296 260 976 89
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Point of Contact: Mr. Les Jensen, Housing Officer at leslie.jensen@bia.gov
Housing Program website: https://www.bia.gov/bia/ois/dhs/housing-program

CDC Grants Governance Board Tribal Listening Session
2023-12-06 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual Event
December 6 at 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Eastern
Register
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would like to request input and feedback from American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and Tribal-serving Organizations on priorities for a newly-established CDC Grants Governance Board. This listening session was requested during the CDC/ATSDR 26th Biannual Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting, held on September 6-7, 2023.
Background CDC has established a new Grants Governance Board (the Board) to improve how CDC administers grants and to recommend solutions that can be spread and scaled agency-wide. The Board’s primary focus is on domestic, non-research grants and cooperative agreements. The Board’s goals are to reduce the administrative burden on grants recipients and improve the consistency of CDC grants activities. The Board – which is co-led by the National Center for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce (PHIC) and the Office of Grants Services (OGS) – is internal to CDC and includes staff from across the agency with grants expertise.
Participants will be asked to consider the grants management lifecycle – and especially areas of recipient burden or issues related to the consistency of grants activities – as they provide input on questions including:

What are the major areas of concern or burden?
What are the quick wins the Board can address?
Where are opportunities for innovation?
What activities should be prioritized for the Board over the next year?

Webinar: Tribal Tourism: Turning Visions into Reality
2023-12-06 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual Event
The Office of Indian Economic Development (OIED), Division of Economic Development invites you to a webinar on Tribal Tourism at 2 PM EST on Wednesday, December 6th titled “Tribal Tourism: Turning Visions into Reality.” This webinar is hosted in partnership with the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA). Event details and a registration link are provided below.
The purpose of this webinar is to provide practical steps for implementing Tribal Tourism business plans, drawing on insights and strategies shared by Tribal tourism industry professionals, including:

Effectively transitioning Tribal tourism concepts into actionable plans.
Strategies to ensure sustainability and cultural preservation.
Insights from successful Tribal tourism ventures.

Zoom Meeting Registration Link (Tribal Tourism Webinar): https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdu2urzMqHrp–_vGKwkWUYrTjNIfp4g
About OIED’s Division of Economic Development: https://www.bia.gov/ded
About the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association: https://www.aianta.org/

Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture | Tribal Buffalo Conservation Partnership Event
2023-12-06 17:00 - 19:00 | Department of Agriculture, Whitten Patio, 1400 Jefferson Drive, SW, Washington, DC, 20250, United States
Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture | Tribal Buffalo Conservation Partnership Event (White House Tribal Nations Summit Side Event)
Date: Dec. 6, 2023
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM EST
Location: US Department of Agriculture, Whitten Patio | 1400 Jefferson Dr., SW, Washington, DC, 20250
Purpose: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Interior (DOI) have joined together to support partnerships with the InterTribal Buffalo Council (ITBC), Native Americans and Philanthropy (NAP) World Wildlife Fund (WWF), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and other non-profit organizations in initiatives that support Tribally-led buffalo restoration as well as enhance youth opportunities, food sovereignty, economic and workforce development. These relationships and public-private partnership opportunities improve upon the federal investments already being made by USDA-DOI Buffalo Initiative in grasslands and working lands restoration, tribal buffalo conservation and expansion, and opening tribal buffalo market opportunities.
Audience includes: Tribal Leaders & Guests, Congress
Tribal Leaders & Guests: Please RSVP with Name, Title, Tribe/Organization via email to tribal.relations@usda.gov.
Congressional Attendees: Please RSVP via email to valerie.mcmakin@usda.gov.

Department of Homeland Security | DHS Office Hours at the TNS
2023-12-07 09:00 - 11:00 | Department of Interior, Washington, DC, United States
Department of Homeland Security | DHS Office Hours at the TNS (White House Tribal Nations Summit Side Event)
Date: Dec. 7, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM– 12:00 PM EST
Location: US Department of the Interior, Indian Affairs Trust Services Conference Room (#4623) | 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC, 20240
Purpose: DHS is providing Tribal Nations with a convenient opportunity to speak in person with leadership on any relevant Homeland Security issue. Hosted by Brenda Abdelall, Assistant Secretary of Partnership and Engagement, Miriam E. Enriquez, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Laurel Iron Cloud (Oglala Sioux Tribe), Director of Tribal Affairs.
Audience includes: Tribal Leaders, Key Federal Partners
For more information, or to request a specific time, please contact: Laurel Iron Cloud (Oglala Sioux Tribe), Director of Tribal Affairs at Laurel.ironcloud@hq.dhs.gov.

USET Infectious Disease ECHO
2023-12-08 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
We invite you and your staff to participate in the new Infectious Disease ECHO. This ECHO is merged the previous COVID-19 and Hepatitis C ECHOs and will focus on a different topic every month. Additionally, clinical cases are encouraged to be submitted to gain insight into healthcare recommendations from other medical providers working in the field. This no-cost telehealth series will be held throughout 2023 on the second Friday of every month at 11:00 am Central/12:00 pm Eastern.
Each session will be one hour in length that will provide an opportunity for participants to:

Learn about emerging infectious diseases
Gain skills on treating different infectious diseases
Continue to stay up to date on COVID-19

This month’s session will focus on HIV.
Who should attend? Tribal Nation health directors, clinic staff, physicians, nurses, Tribal Epidemiology Center staff, and anyone supporting Tribal Nation citizens through the health sector are welcome to join.
Registration: Register in advance for the session. You ONLY need to register ONCE for the series. Once you register, you can download the reminder to your calendar with the Zoom information.
Continuing Education: This activity will offer CE credits for a variety of professionals. More information will be provided at a later date.

For questions, please contact Gabbie Niski, USET THPS Infectious Disease Program Manager at gniski@usetinc.org or Bryan Hendrix, USET THPS Quality Improvement Data Analyst, at bhendrix@usetinc.org.

DOI SGAC Meeting
2023-12-11 - 2023-12-12 | Embassy Suites Washington DC, 900 10th St NEW, Washington, DC, 20001, United States
DOI SGAC Meeting
Monday, Dec 11 (PM) & Tuesday, Dec 12
Location: Embassy Suites, 900 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Virtual: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87614807504?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 876 1480 7504
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Draft Agenda

Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations Tribal Leader Consultation Work Group
2023-12-11 10:30 - 19:00 | Virtual Event
Dear Tribal Leader Letter
Register
On Monday, December 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be conducting a government-to-government consultation with the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations Tribal Leader Consultation Work Group. The consultation session will be held in person with a virtual option for attendance.

Department of Energy Tribal Consultation
2023-12-11 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
December 11 at 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Eastern
Register
Monday, December 11, 2023, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. ET – virtual consultation on updating Department of Energy’s (DOE) order and policy governing Tribal consultation and engagement
The deadline for written comments has been extended to January 31, 2024. Written comments should be sent to tribalconsultation@hq.doe.gov.
In the coming months, DOE will finalize a revision of its Order and Policy to support the Department’s increased government-to-government engagement with Tribal governments. DOE looks forward to engaging with Tribal governments on how the provisions included in the Presidential Memorandum on Uniform Standards for Tribal Consultation should be implemented prior to the revision of the Department’s current Order and Policy.

IRS Virtual Workshop for Tribal Clean Energy Credits
2023-12-12 11:00 | Virtual Event
December 12 at 12:00 pm Eastern
The IRS will be sending a Microsoft Teams invite in a future email. Subscribe to the IRS email list.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced a virtual outreach workshop on Tuesday, December 12th at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss clean energy tax credits for tribes. These credits were included as part of last year’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and opened up new options to tribes through Elect/Direct Pay tax credits.
The IRS will be sending a Microsoft Teams invite in a future email.
The IRA allows Indian tribal governments and Alaskan Native Corporations to benefit from certain clean energy tax credits through elective pay. For tax years beginning after December 31, 2022, an applicable entity that qualifies for a clean energy tax credit can make an elective payment election. This election will treat certain credits as a payment against their federal income tax liabilities rather than as a nonrefundable credit. The amount of the credit will first offset any tax liability of the entity and any excess will be refundable.

HUD Consultation on Indian Community Development Block Grant
2023-12-12 11:30 | Virtual Event
December 12 at 12:30 pm Eastern
Join the Meeting
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is beginning the rulemaking process on the Indian Community Development Block Grant program regulations (24 CFR 1003) and is hosting a consultation to get feedback from Tribal Nation leaders. Specifically, the Office of Native American Programs is seeking Tribal Nation feedback on these regulations, which have not been updated in nearly two decades. The virtual consultation session will take place on Tuesday, December 12, beginning at 12:30 p.m. EST.
Learn more.

Health Information Technology (IT) Modernization Program Virtual Summit
2023-12-13 | Virtual Event
By letter dated November 13, 2023, the IHS Director invites Tribal Leaders and Urban Indian Organization Leaders to a 1-day virtual summit on the new IHS enterprise Electronic Health Record solution.
This event will be held on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, from 11:00 a.m., through 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time). The virtual summit will provide updates on the Health Information Technology Modernization Program and convene a caucus to enable Tribal Leaders and Urban Indian Organization Leaders to exchange viewpoints and share information on this important topic.

Dear Tribal Leader Letter
Virtual Summit Agenda
Register for the Virtual Summit

IHS TSGAC Meeting
2023-12-13 - 2023-12-14 | Embassy Suites Washington DC, 900 10th St NEW, Washington, DC, 20001, United States
IHS TSGAC MEETING
Wednesday, Dec 13 & Thursday, Dec 14 (AM)
Location: Embassy Suites, 900 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Virtual: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83198229977?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 831 9822 9977
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Draft Agenda

Data Stories in Indian Country
2023-12-13 10:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
Data Stories in Indian Country
The fourth in a series of conversations on cultivating Native economies, hosted by the Minneapolis Fed’s Center for Indian Country Development
December 13, 2023
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. CT
Virtual video event
Information on our communities teaches us about ourselves and helps us tell our stories. For too long, data gaps in Indian Country have masked Native economic contributions and limited policymakers’ understanding of how to best direct resources. Today, tribal governments are advancing data-collection systems on their own terms, and new partnerships between Native communities and federal agencies are increasing Native Americans’ representation in national datasets.
We invite you to join us December 13 for an event focused on innovative ways that Native communities, policymakers, and researchers are gathering and working with data to tell a more complete story of Indian Country. This event culminates the Center for Indian Country Development’s (CICD’s) 2023 webinar series: Cultivating Native Economies in the 21st Century.
Our December 13 event will feature conversations with tribal leaders, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners who are strengthening their collection and use of data—in ways that honor tribal data sovereignty. Speakers working with tribal governments, Alaska Native Corporations, and Native Hawaiian Organizations will reflect on what data are still needed to provide a more complete picture of Indian Country. CICD staff will also demonstrate new data tools available for understanding local and national economic conditions and opportunities.
We hope you’ll be part of this important conversation.

Cultivating Native Economies in the 21st Century
2023-12-13 10:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
December 13 at 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Central
Register
This event culminates the Center for Indian Country Development’s (CICD’s) 2023 webinar series: Cultivating Native Economies in the 21st Century. The series provides tribal leaders, policymakers, and practitioners with information they can use to strengthen and expand Indian Country economic prosperity.
The December 13 event will feature conversations with tribal leaders, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners who are strengthening their collection and use of data—in ways that honor tribal data sovereignty. Speakers working with tribal governments, Alaska Native Corporations, and Native Hawaiian Organizations will reflect on what data are still needed to provide a more complete picture of Indian Country. CICD staff will also demonstrate new data tools available for understanding local and national economic conditions and opportunities.

USET OERM Webinar | Learning About Lead Exposure in Tribal Children
2023-12-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
The USET Office of Environmental Resource Management presents
the Learning About Lead Exposure in Tribal Children Webinar
USET’s Office of Environmental Resource Management (OERM) is introducing our Lead Testing program. EPA’s 3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools and Child Care Facilities was developed to help schools and child-care facilities to implement a voluntary program for reducing lead in drinking water. This EPA program is focused on promoting voluntary testing of drinking water for lead, taking corrective action if problems are identified, and sharing testing results and plans for reducing lead exposure in drinking water with parents, staff, students, and the community at large.

When:

October 19 at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Central/2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Eastern
November 16 at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Central/2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Eastern
December 14 at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Central/2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Eastern

Who should attend: Tribal Leaders, Health Directors, Education Directors, Education Faculty/Staff, Tribal Administrators, Clinic Staff, Tribal utility workers at USET member Tribal Nations

What: This webinar will cover the following:

Physical properties of lead
Adverse health effects of lead poisoning
Guidance and remediation of lead plumbing from schools and childcare facilities

Registration:
Register today.

Lead Program Summary:
Lead is a naturally occurring heavy metal that is globally recognized as a substance that has serious health consequences if consumed, especially for children. The adverse health effects range, from lowered birth weight and slowed physical and mental development in infants, to lowered IQ levels, impaired hearing, reduced attention span, and poor classroom performance in young children. Clean and safe water is essential and paramount to building a sustainable economy, successful educational and public health systems, and most importantly, a healthy and productive environment for children.
The USET Office of Environmental Resource Management (OERM) is introducing our Lead Testing program, which is funded by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The OERM Lead Testing program has adopted the EPA 3 Ts program for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools and Child Care Facilities. This program was developed to help schools and child-care facilities to implement a voluntary program for reducing lead in drinking water.
Our Lead Testing program promotes voluntary training, testing of drinking water for lead, and taking corrective action if problems are identified. For USET Member Tribal Nation participants, OERM is offering assistance to conduct testing at Tribal schools and child-care facilities. USET will assist with sampling Tribal childcare facilities, and will collect data such as sampling results and facility location on behalf of participating Member Tribal Nations. Member Tribal Nations may store data on a secure USET server that is only accessible by the respective Member Tribal Nation.
We survey Tribal childcare facilities to prioritize the needs of our respective Member Tribal Nation community.
For USET Member Tribal Nations who are interested in participating in our Lead Testing program, please complete the Lead Testing program application.
For more information, please contact USET’s Lead Program team:
Jakira Saunders, Program Manager
Ben Peyton, Senior Technical Assistant Specialist

White House IGA Year in Review and the Year Ahead Briefing
2023-12-18 09:00 - 09:30 | Virtual Event
The White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Tom Perez, invite you to join the Year in Review and the Year Ahead Briefing on December 18 at 10:00 AM ET. Join to hear from multiple senior Administration officials as they discuss the accomplishments of the past year and share goals, messaging, and priorities for 2024.
Briefing Information
Register here – https://pitc.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItfuCqpj8pG5rgTdN8imQCWNej2nry9nc
When: 10:00-10:30 AM ET on December 18
Where: Virtual (Zoom)

HHS Tribal Consultation on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
2023-12-18 14:00 - 17:00 | Virtual Event
Dear Tribal Leader Letter
December 18 at 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm Eastern
Register in advance
(833) 568-8864 (Toll Free)
Meeting ID: 161 992 3419
Passcode: [REDACTED]
For written comments, please use the following SUBJECT LINE: BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW. The deadline to provide written comments for this Tribal Consultation is Thursday, January 4, 2024.

HHS Tribal Consultation on Grants Administration Rulemaking
2023-12-19 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and Office of the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources (ASFR) have issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that revises certain provisions of the regulations that govern HHS grants administration. Specifically, HHS is soliciting input on provisions in the NPRM that would require grant recipients to comply with applicable federal statutory nondiscrimination provisions, require HHS compliance with applicable Supreme Court decisions in administering grants, and provide a religious exemption for requirements from certain provisions. HHS will hold consultation virtually on December 19, 2023 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm ET. Interested participants may register for the consultation session here. Written comments will be accepted following the consultation until January 18, 2024. More information on the consultation can be found in the Dear Tribal Leader Letter.

USET/USET SPF Holiday Break
2023-12-25 - 2024-01-01
USET/USET SPF offices will be closed for a holiday break. We wish everyone a wonderful holiday and a very happy new year.

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Round 2 Application Office Hours and Webinars
2024-01-04 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
January 4 at 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Eastern – Technical Assistance Office Hours |Register
January 11 at 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Eastern – TBCP Webinar – Cybersecurity and Sustainability: https://ntia-gov.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_mW_j29dWR9yaaNGFp7ITZw
January 16 at 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Eastern – TBCP Webinar – How to Apply: https://ntia-gov.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_IHzmgkg7SKO_XLjVu2xeFA
January 18 at 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Eastern – Technical Assistance Office Hours: https://ntia-gov.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdeuspzMqE0XaHYtnNVOBDrtM7qIJ8wc

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) Resources for Tribal Law Enforcement & Native Communities
2024-01-08 08:00 - 17:00 | 123 Easy Street, Nashville, TN, 37211, United States
February 27 at 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm Eastern
Register
This webinar will provide a description of the NCMEC resources and services available to tribal law enforcement, families, and Native communities, for the prevention, preparation, and response to missing, abducted, or exploited children. Native communities have unique historical, economic, resource, geographical, and other challenges that can affect the prevention, preparation and responses to missing or exploited children. This webinar will provide training and information on available resources and services available to Native Communities, as well as internet safety information for Native families, as Native communities expand their broadband and internet access. Some of the topics covered will be:

History of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Overview of NCMEC resources and services available
Information on types of Native missing children incidents and cases
Missing children response checklists and other NCMEC publications available for tribal law enforcement, childcare providers, and families
Child safety and internet safety resources for children and families
Information on other resources and projects specific to tribal law enforcement

FY23 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Workshop Webinar
2024-01-08 09:00 | Virtual Event
Tribal fire departments and emergency medical services are eligible to apply for FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The next opportunity to apply begins on January 29, 2024, when the 2023 AFG application period opens. The application period will close on March 8, 2024.
In anticipation of the application period, the AFG program is hosting a series of application development workshop webinars. The fiscal year (FY) 2023 AFG application development workshops are intended to provide the latest AFG program updates and tips to assist eligible applicants in developing their narrative for the upcoming application period. Each session will run approximately 1 hour. Attendees can ask questions and network with FEMA Grant Specialists, and other AFG applicants.
Workshops begin 10 a.m. ET January 8, 2024. For additional information and guidance materials, please visit the AFG website.
Workshop Event Topics:

Personal Protective Equipment and Equipment
AFG Fundamentals
Wellness & Fitness, Modification to Facilities and Training
Vehicle Acquisition
Narrative Development

To attend:

Visit the Workshop Schedule Page
Filter by topic (see topics)
View attendance date and time
Click workshop topic title
Select “Join Webinar”
Select “Register Now” and fill-in your details

In the meantime, please feel free to contact your Regional Fire Program Specialist with any questions.

Webinar on Engaging the USPTO: Advancing Indigenous Interests in Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Beyond
2024-01-09 10:00 | Virtual Event
January 9 at 11:00 am Eastern
Register Now
In preparation for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) upcoming consultation sessions on genetic resources, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expressions, this webinar aims to inform and support tribal leaders and others who intend to provide commentary to the USPTO regarding its positions at the World Intellectual Property Organization on these issues. As part of this event, we will work together to develop strategies and talking points that tribal leaders and others can use or adapt to their own purposes as they engage with the USPTO through consultations and comments.

Office of Indian Education | Native American Language Program Pre-Application Meeting
2024-01-09 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual Event
January 9 at 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Eastern
Register
January 16 at 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Eastern
Register
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications is March 7, 2024. Learn more.

HHS Tribal Consultation on the definition of Indian Tribe
2024-01-09 14:00 - 15:30 | Virtual Event
Dear Tribal Leader Letter

Tuesday, January 9 at 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Eastern
Thursday, January 11 at 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Eastern
Wednesday, January 17 at 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Eastern
Thursday, January 18 at 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Eastern

Zoom Registration
Please send your written comments and recommendations on which definition of Indian Tribe to include in the updated Consultation Policy by Friday, February 20, 2024 via e-mail to: consultation@ihs.gov with the subject line: DEFINITION OF INDIAN TRIBE.
What definition of Indian Tribe should be included in the updated Consultation Policy: the List Act Definition (25 U.S.C. § 5130); or the ISDEAA Definition (25 U.S.C. § 5304(e))?
Option #1: List Act Definition (25 U.S.C. § 5130): “Indian tribe” means any Indian or Alaska Native Tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village or community that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges to exist as an Indian Tribe.

Executive Order 13175 (“Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments”) defines “Indian Tribe” using the List Act definition. It is also the definition used in the Presidential Memorandum on Uniform Standards for Tribal Consultation (November 30, 2022), the HHS TCP, and all other Federal Tribal Consultation Policies.

Option #2: ISDEAA Definition (25 U.S.C. § 5304(e)): “Indian tribe” or “Indian Tribe” means any Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688) [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.], which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.

The ISDEAA definition of Indian Tribe includes Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) and is currently utilized in the existing IHS Tribal Consultation Policy.

American Climate Corp Listening Session
2024-01-11 09:00 | Virtual Event
In September, President Biden announced the launch of the American Climate Corps, a groundbreaking workforce training and service initiative that will prepare tens of thousands of young people for good-paying jobs in the clean economy.
Beginning this week, the Biden-Harris Administration will convene a series of virtual listening sessions to hear directly from prospective American Climate Corps applicants and implementing partners. Join the American Climate Corps team and special guests to share your thoughts about how to make the ACC a success.
The first listening session will be held on Thursday, January 11 at 10 am ET. Sign up here.
Additional listening sessions will be held on the following dates:

January 16 at 6 pm ET. Sign up here
January 25 at 6 pm ET. Sign up here
February 1 at 10 am ET. Sign up here

More information about the virtual listening sessions can be found here.
