United South & Eastern Tribes

USDA Tribal Advisory Committee Meeting
2025-09-18 11:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Event
The USDA Tribal Advisory Committee will be convening to deliberate on advice and guidance for the Secretary on matters relating to Tribal and Indian affairs. The committee is authorized to meet under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the 2018 Farm Bill) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

Members of the public may register to hear these deliberations and/or to provide public comment to the Tribal Advisory Committee. Public comment will only be accepted between 3:00-4:00pm Eastern Time on September 18th and must be limited to no more than 5 minutes per person.

Written public comment must be submitted by Monday September 15, 2025, to Tribal.Relations@usda.gov.

Additional information will be made available at https://www.usda.gov/tribalrelations/advisory-committee

USET Community Resilience Virtual Roundtables
2025-09-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
Join the USET Community Resilience Program for a series of virtual roundtable discussions on strategies that Tribal Nations are using to protect their citizens and lands from environmental challenges. Each roundtable will begin with a short presentation on a resilience project or initiative taking place in the USET region followed by questions and open discussion for attendees to learn from one another and build community across the region. The roundtable topic will be announced one to two weeks before each session through an update to the outlook event. We encourage attendees to join all discussions as they’re able, since all facets of environmental care and resilience interact and discussions are enriched by diverse groups of participants.
When: on the third Wednesday of each month at 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Central/3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Eastern (ending on November 19, 2025)
Who Should Attend: USET member Tribal Nation staff, leaders, and citizens interested in community resilience, regardless of department or typical work duties.
What You will Learn: Participants will share and receive ideas for creative solutions for environmental adaptation and resilience across sectors while building relationships and potential partnerships across Nations.
Register: Registration is open.
Questions: Please contact Steph Courtney, USET Community Resilience Liaison, at scourtney@usetinc.org with any questions or concerns.

Economic Cluster Working Group – Creative Economies Kickoff Meeting
2025-09-17 13:30 - 14:30 | Virtual Event
USET’s Office of Economic Development welcomes you to join us in starting an important new project aimed at promoting a strong and healthy economy for USET Tribal Nations. As part of our updated Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) plan to help rebuild and grow different areas of Tribal economies, we are creating working groups that will work on key economic areas. This meeting will be focused on creative industries and entrepreneurship.
This effort will provide an important opportunity for Tribal leaders, Tribal economic developers and staff, and community stakeholders to discuss engaging with creative innovators, entrepreneurs, and professionals who are actively shaping vibrant creative economies in Native communities. “Creatives” in this context includes artists, crafters, designers, inventors, innovators, storytellers, performers, and other culture bearers whose work reflects and sustains cultural identity and economic resilience. By participating in this working group session, you will gain insights into the emerging ideas and practical strategies that support economic development through creative industries rooted in tradition, innovation, and community values.
We are excited to invite you to the kickoff meeting for the Creative Economies Working Group. This project aims to discuss innovative opportunities, support up and coming creative industries, and provide helpful resources to build creative economies. We look forward to your participation in this first step toward creating solutions that will make a real difference.
When: September 17 at 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Central/2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Eastern
Who should attend: Tribal leaders, Tribal economic developers and staff, and community stakeholders, creative entrepreneurs, artists, crafters, designers, inventors, innovators, storytellers, performers, and other culture bearers
Kickoff Meeting Agenda

Welcome and Introductions – Meet fellow participants and key stakeholders.
Project Overview – Understanding the initiative’s objectives and expected outcomes.
Resource Overview – Presentation of available tools and support structures.
Identifying Needs – Open floor for participants to share insights and requirements.
Next Steps and Timeline – Set milestones and action items for the coming months, and discuss roles and responsibilities.

Registration is open!
Questions? Please contact Brenna Ortiz, Project Admininstrator, at bortiz@usetinc.org.

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA) Hearing: ISDEAA Successes and Opportunities at DOI and IHS
2025-09-17 13:30
On September 17, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. Eastern, SCIA will hold an oversight hearing entitled “Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act: Successes and Opportunities at the Department of the Interior and the Indian Health Service.”

This hearing will be held both online and in person at Dirksen 628.

IRS office hours: elective payment of energy credits
2025-09-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
The IRS is offering office hours (through Microsoft Teams) to help entities with the pre-filing registration process on the Pre-filing Registration Tool. Pre-filing registration is a required step for applicable entities to take advantage of elective payment of certain credits. 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.

Date
Time
Register

August 20, 2025
1-2:00 p.m. Eastern time
Register

September 17, 2025
1-2:00 p.m. Eastern time
Register

October 15, 2025
1-2:00 p.m. Eastern time
Register

November 19, 2025
1-2:00 p.m. Eastern time
Register

December 17, 2025
1-2:00 p.m. Eastern time
Register

January 21, 2026
1-2:00 p.m. Eastern time
Register

Resources:

Video: How to complete Form 990-T for elective payment election
Video: Pre-filing Registration Tool Overview
Pre-Filing Registration Tool — User Guide and Instructions, Publication 5884 PDF
Clean Energy Authorization Permission Management User Guide, Publication 5902 PDF
Elective pay and transferability frequently asked questions

The tribal community can find answers to many questions on IRS.gov/tribes. If you have a question on any tribal tax matter, please visit Contact ITG.
For the latest tribal news, connect via IRS Social Media and subscribe to this and other IRS newsletters.

Clinical Operations Technical Assistance Office Hours with James Spillane
2025-09-17 11:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
The USET Office of Tribal Public Health (OTPH) is pleased to announce that starting January 15th we will be holding regular virtual office hours with James Spillane and OTPH Data Improvement Staff to offer technical assistance on a variety of healthcare related topics: Social Determinants of Health, GPRA measures, EHR templates and reminders, RPMS, iCARE panels, workflow management, and the Patient-Centered Medical Home model and accreditation. Please mark your calendars and feel free to drop by during these times.
When: The third Wednesday of the month at 11:00 pm – 2:00 pm Central/12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Eastern
Who should attend: USET member Tribal Nations Health Directors and Clinical Staff
Learning Objectives: These office hours are a great opportunity to discuss any questions, requests, or concerns you or your clinical staff may have regarding:

Social Determinants of Health
GPRA measures
EHR templates and reminders
RPMS
iCARE panels
workflow management
Patient-Centered Medical Home model and accreditation

Registration: Registration is not required.
Join via Zoom: Zoom link
Questions: Please contact Hailey Wade, USET Public Health Planning & Infrastructure Program Manager, at hwade@usetinc.org.

FEMA Review Council Virtual Listening Sessions
2025-09-17 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-10 11:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Dear Tribal Leader/Representative,

On behalf of Secretary Kristi Noem and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Co-Chairs of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Review Council, we are honored to invite you to participate in a series of virtual listening sessions. These sessions aim to gather valuable insights and perspectives from tribal leaders and representatives to ensure that tribal voices are understood and incorporated into the Council’s efforts.

In accordance with Executive Order 14180, signed on January 24, 2025, the FEMA Review Council is mandated to hold its first public meeting within 90 days of the order and submit its report to the President within 180 days of that meeting. Your feedback is critical to shaping the future of FEMA and ensuring that tribal needs are adequately represented in the Council’s report.

Purpose of the Listening Sessions: The FEMA Review Council seeks to gather comprehensive input from tribal communities to inform its recommendations for FEMA’s future operational posture. Your contributions will play a vital role in influencing the Council’s report and ensuring that tribal perspectives are prioritized in FEMA’s policies and practices.

Virtual Listening Session Details:

Date: September 10, 2025

Time: 12:00 PM ET – 2:00 PM ET

RSVP: Please RSVP to femareviewcouncil@hq.dhs.gov to confirm your attendance. Additional details will be provided upon registration.

Date: September 17, 2025

Time: 12:00 PM ET – 2:00 PM ET

RSVP: Please RSVP to femareviewcouncil@hq.dhs.gov to confirm your attendance. Additional details will be provided upon registration.

Submission of Written Comments: Your attendance at this virtual tribal listening session is welcome and appreciated. Please be aware that there is a limited amount of time allocated for verbal comments, with each speaker receiving four to five minutes. To ensure the FEMA Review Council receives your input, please submit your comments to FEMAReviewCouncil@dhs.dhs.gov or mail to:HQ/OPE Mail Stop #0385 Department of Homeland Security Designated Federal Officer Attn: Patrick Powers 2707 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE Washington, DC 20528-0078

Please note that these listening sessions are exclusively available to registered Federally recognized tribal leaders and their government representatives.

We deeply value your participation in this important initiative and look forward to hearing your insights. Together, we can ensure that FEMA’s future policies and operations reflect the needs and priorities of tribal communities.

Sincerely, FEMA Review Council

Court Technology Conference
2025-09-16 00:00 - 2025-09-18 23:59
September 16-18, 2025
Kansas City, MO
Conference website
National Center for State Courts’ (NCSC) Court Technology Conference (CTC) is the largest court technology conference in the world. Known for thought-provoking keynote speakers, CTC puts a focus on both court technology and policy, and technology leadership and governance issues. Attendees must plan ahead and choose carefully: with up to six concurrent education tracks, many courts send over a dozen participants to cover all the ground. CTC showcases the latest product innovations with over 100 exhibitors on the exhibit hall floor.

NICWA Trainings: Understanding the Indian Child Welfare Act or Positive Indian Parenting
2025-09-16 00:00 - 2025-09-18 23:59 | Barbie’s Village, 935 Northeast 33rd Avenue, Portland, OR, 97232, United States
Both NICWA trainings are being held on September 16-19 in Portland, Oregon. Visit the training website to register for one of the classes.
Understanding the Indian Child Welfare Act – $550.00

This three-day training provides participants with information about the basic legal requirements of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA) and the practice issues involved with ICWA’s implementation. A brief history of U.S. Indian policy as it relates to Indian children and families sets the stage for an examination of the specific provisions of ICWA and practice tips for both Tribal and state social workers. Participants will also learn how to successfully integrate other federal and state policies with ICWA—such as the Adoption and Safe Families Act—and support developing tribal and state agreements and other systems changes. This training includes information about the recent Bureau of Indian Affairs ICWA regulations and guidelines.
Positive Indian Parenting – $625.00
Their most popular training, Positive Indian Parenting (PIP) prepares Tribal and non-Tribal child welfare personnel to train American Indian and Alaska Native parents using a culturally specific approach. The materials presented during this training draw on the strengths of historic Indian child-rearing practices and blend traditional values with contemporary skills. Storytelling, cradleboards, harmony, lessons of nature, behavior management, and the use of praise are discussed.

Great Lakes Tribal Economic Summit
2025-09-16 00:00 - 2025-09-17 23:59 | Gun Lake Casino Resort, 1123 129th Avenue, Wayland, MI, 49348, United States
September 16-17, 2025
Gun Lake Casino Resort
1123 129th Avenue, Wayland, MI 49348
Summit website
The fourth annual Great Lakes Tribal Economic Summit presented by Tribal Business News will be held at the newly expanded Gun Lake Casino in Wayland, Michigan.
DAY 1: Tuesday, September 17, 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Registration 8:00 am
Continental breakfast and lunch 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Evening Reception 4:30 pm-6:00 pm, appetizers and cocktails

DAY 2: Wednesday, September 18, 9:00 am-12:00 pm

Continental breakfast and lunch to go

Tribal Consultation: One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act, Section 70403, Adoption Tax Credit
2025-09-15 12:00 | Virtual Event
Treasury is hosting an expedited Tribal consultation on implementation of Section 70403, Recognizing Indian Tribal Governments for Purposes of Determining Whether a Child Has Special needs for Purposes of the Adoption Credit, in Public Law 119-21, 139 Stat. 72 (July 4, 2025), commonly known as the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA). Please see the Dear Tribal Leader Letter, which includes more information and framing questions.
You may register for the expedited consultation here.
Treasury is accepting written comments received by Wednesday, October 10, 2025, 11:59 p.m. Alaska Time. Please submit written comments at tribal.consult@treasury.gov.

Second Annual Indigenous Aquaculture Summit
2025-09-15 00:00 - 2025-09-18 23:59
Save the Date
September 15-18, 2025
Sequim, Washington
Join the Second Annual Indigenous Aquaculture Summit, proudly presented by the Kurt Grinnell Aquaculture Scholarship Foundation and the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe.
Following the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural gathering, they are excited to return to the beautiful shores of Sequim, on the Olympic Peninsula, to continue the important conversations, knowledge sharing, and celebration of Indigenous scholarship in aquaculture, natural resource management and fisheries science. They’ve been busy planning, and this year promises to be even more robust, engaging, and impactful!
Stay tuned for upcoming announcements on:

Event Registration
2025 Program Highlights
Hotel Reservation Information: 75 Government-rate Rooms Available

UNDRIP Day
2025-09-13 | 123 Easy Street, Nashville, TN, 37211, United States
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) Day is celebrated every year on September 13. In honor of this day, USET/USET SPF offices are closed. Learn more about UNDRIP.

NPM Training: Streamlining ROWs for Broadband
2025-09-12 12:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
The following BIA National Policy Memorandum (NPM) has been signed and issued as of September 3, 2025, and published online to the IA Policy and Directives website: https://www.bia.gov/policy-forms/memoranda/npm.

NPM-TRUS-48: Streamlining the Rights-of-Way Application Processes for Broadband Infrastructure Projects Across Indian Trust and Restricted Land – This comprehensive policy framework based on BIA’s regulations for the efficient and effective processing of Rights-of-way (ROW) applications to build broadband infrastructure in all areas within out jurisdiction, with a focus on rural unserved Tribal communities.

The BIA OTS Division of Real Estate Services and IA SOL will host a series of training webinars on this newly released NPM will be open to BIA staff, Tribal Contract/Compact Realty Staff, Federally Recognized Tribes, Tribal Entities, Alaska Native Corporations, Federal Partners, and Industry.

We are requesting your assistance to forward the email and training webinar link with these subject entities located within your jurisdictional area. There is no cost to attend this overview session, however, participants must register at the link below in order to attend.

The training webinars will be held as follows:

Session 1 = Friday – September 12, 2025, at 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Mountain Time / 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Eastern Time. Registration Link: Session 1 – NPM-TRUS-48 ROWs for Broadband Infrastructure Projects on Trust and Restricted Lands

Session 2 = Monday – September 15, 2025, at 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Mountain Time / 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Eastern Time. Registration Link: Session 2 – NPM-TRUS-48 ROWs for Broadband Infrastructure Projects on Trust and Restricted Lands

Session 3 = Thursday – September 18, 2025, at 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Mountain Time / 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Eastern Time. Registration Link: Session 3 – NPM-TRUS-48 ROWs for Broadband Infrastructure on Indian Trust and Restricted Lands

Note: Each session will last approximately 1½ hours with ½ hour of Question & Answer Session.

Doing Business with the Oneida Indian Nation
2025-09-12 00:00 - 23:59
Oneida Indian Nation to Host Vendor and Economic Development Conference on September 12
Doing Business with the Oneida Indian Nation, a half-day vendor and economic development conference held on September 12, 2025, will allow local businesses to learn more about how to become a vendor or partner to the Oneida Indian Nation’s enterprises. Attendees can also meet with purchasing agents across the Nation’s business operations during the event.
On September 12, 2025, the Oneida Indian Nation is inviting regional businesses to attend Doing Business with the Oneida Indian Nation, a half-day vendor and economic development conference that will introduce new ways for prospective and current business partners to work with Turning Stone Enterprises.

Facilities Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Information Sessions
2025-09-11 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Dear Tribal Leader:

The Office of the Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs (AS-IA), through the Office of Facilities, Property, and Safety Management (OFPSM) and the Division of Facility Management and Construction (DFMC), will be conducting two virtual Tribal Informational Sessions to share the outcomes of Tribal Listening Sessions that were held on March 5 and 7, 2024, and Tribal Consultation Sessions that were held on August 27 and 29, 2024, regarding the calculation of Facilities Operations and Maintenance (O&M) funding.

During these Information Sessions, DFMC will present the O&M Formula that will be applied to calculate annual O&M funding needs and allocations utilizing data readily available in the Indian Affairs Facility Management System (IA-FMS), currently known as Maximo. This funding formula will be applied in Fiscal Year 2026 and beyond.

Tuesday, September 9, 20251:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ESThttps://www.zoomgov.com/j/1618386775?pwd=[REDACTED] Meeting ID: 161 838 6775Passcode: [REDACTED]

Thursday, September 11, 202511:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ESThttps://www.zoomgov.com/j/1612569796?pwd=[REDACTED] Meeting ID: 161 256 9796Passcode: [REDACTED]

We look forward to presenting this important topic and ensuring that you are well prepared for the upcoming changes. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact consultation@bia.gov.

Rivercane Gathering 2025 Webinar Series
2025-09-11 08:00 - 17:00 | Virtual Event
Rivercane Gathering 2025 Webinar Series
RESTORING RIVERCANE, WEAVING KNOWLEDGE: A GATHERING OF PRACTICE, STORY AND STEWARDSHIP
In each session, they will hold space for learning, dialogue, and the sharing of knowledge centered on our relative, rivercane. Together, you will engage with leaders and cultural practitioners who are in relationship with rivercane, and are actively engaged in its care, protection and renewal. This will be a welcoming space to learn, share and discuss rivercane stewardship, cultural importance and restoration approaches that bring together Indigenous Knowledge and western science.
WEBINAR SCHEDULE
June 12: Cultural Uses of Rivercane, Dr. Ian Thompson, THPO Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Register here
July 10th: Restoration and Propagation Techniques, Laura Young, Southwest Region Steward, Virginia Natural Heritage Program. Register here
August 7th: Rivercane Mapping Approaches, Theo Witsell, Chief Conservation Officer and Co-founder, South-eastern Grasslands Institute; Tina Rotenbury, GIS Specialist at Ozark St. Francis National Forest. Register here
September 11th: Canebrake Health and Care, Jaime Smith, Choctaw Nation, Roger Cain, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma, Adam Griffith, EBCI Cooperative Extension Agent Environmental Restorationist and Land Manager. Register here
October 9th: Rivercane Genetics, Michael P. Fedoroff, Director of CONSERVE Research Group, Michael R. McKain, Assistant Director of Watershed Biodiversity, CONSERVE Research Group, University of Alabama. Register here

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA) Meeting and Oversight Hearing
2025-09-10 13:30
On September 10, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. Eastern, SCIA will host a business meeting to consider Mr. William Kirkland’s nomination for Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The meeting will be followed by an oversight hearing entitled “Unleashing Indian Energy—Examining Federal Programs at the U.S. Department of Energy.”

This hearing will be held both online and in person at Dirksen 628.

NCN Policy Advocacy Strategy Webinar:NACA Program Funding and the Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act
2025-09-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
With Congress back in session and much work ahead with the Administration, the Native CDFI Network (NCN) will resume its regular policy webinar series, beginning with a webinar that will share key updates and needed next steps about three critical topics: FY 2025 and FY 2026 funding for the CDFI Fund’s Native American CDFI Assistance (NACA) Program, the USDA Native CDFI 502 Relending Program, and the Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act (which includes a provision increasing New Markets Tax Credits deployment in Indian Country). Pilar Thomas will provide updates on recent developments regarding NCN’s $400 million Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA) award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and how the One Big Beautiful Bill impacts Indian Country, as well as other Congressional developments relevant to Native CDFIs.

House Natural Resources Committee Hearings
2025-09-10 09:00
The House Natural Resources Committee will conduct a legislative hearing on September 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern. The hearing will consider:

H.R. 573, introduced by Rep. Yakym, titled “Studying NEPA’s Impact on Projects Act”

H.R. 4503, introduced by Rep. Johnson of South Dakota, titled the “ePermit Act” and

H.R. 4776, introduced by Rep. Westerman, titled “Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act” or the “SPEED Act.”

This hearing will be held online and in person in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building.

Tribal Nations Plant and Animal Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Training
2025-09-09 00:00 - 2025-09-11 23:59
Please consider joining us for the free 2½ day Tribal Nations Plant and Animal Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Training, in Miami, Florida at the Miccosukee Hotel on September 9th, 2025.
Tribal Nation program personnel are eligible for travel reimbursement including airfare, ride share, and host hotel accommodations.
The training hosts are USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the Southeast American Indian Studies Program, and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. This training will promote awareness of plant and animal health threats that could impact tribal lands and agriculture and emphasize the importance of developing Tribal Nation animal and plant health incident emergency response plans.
Training participants will learn about:

USDA APHIS programs and services;
Livestock and wildlife diseases;
Plant pests and diseases;
Agency surveillance and emergency response;
USDA Emergency Support Functions; and
Animal and plant health funding opportunities

Agenda topics include overviews and updates on:

Wild bird highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), New World Screwworm, African Swine Fever (ASF), Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), and other animal diseases;
APHIS programs – Veterinary Services (VS), Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), Animal Care (AC), and Wildlife Services (WS);
Sub-agency programs – National Rabies Management Program, National Feral Swine Damage Management Program, National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP), and Plant Pest and Disease Management and Prevention Program (PPDMPP); and
If available, Tribal Nation programs and projects.

The target audience is Tribal Nation personnel in agriculture, wildlife, natural resources, forestry, animal control, all-hazards emergency management, and other related Tribal enterprises.
For reimbursement, airfare and hotel must be booked through the travel point of contact.
Travel funding is limited and is reserved on first-come basis for new training participants, up to two representatives per Tribal Nation. Some restrictions apply.
For travel arrangements please use this hyperlink or contact:
Mary Beth Locklear, Director
Reserve Travel Funding
Mary.Locklear@uncp.edu (910) 775-4020
Southeast American Indians Studies. University of North Carolina, Pembroke
Please let me know if you have any questions and we look forward to seeing you at the training.
Thanks,
Andrew W. Hubble
ONTL Assistant Director, Wildlife Biologist
Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA) | Office of National Tribal Liaison (ONTL)
APHIS.UDSA.gov

Dear Tribal Leader Letter
FL APHIS Tribal Nations Plant and Animal Health Training information
Emergency Preparedness and Response Training

Consultation on Comprehensive Review of FCC's NEPA Rules
2025-09-08 00:00 - 2025-09-09 23:59 | Grand Sierra Resort & Casino, Reno, NV, United States
Coinciding with the 25th Annual National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers Conference, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announces an in-person opportunity for federally-recognized Tribal Nations and Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs) to consult with Commission staff regarding potential changes to the FCC’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) rules. FCC staff will be available to schedule one-on-one Tribal Consultation meetings at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nev., on September 8-9, 2025.

Location: Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, 2500 E 2nd St, Reno, Nevada 89595
Dates: September 8-9, 2025 (Monday and Tuesday)
Request an In-Person Tribal Consultation: Native@fcc.gov

Tribal consultation is in furtherance of the Commission’s government-to-government relationship as described in the Commission’s 2000 Tribal Policy Statement. To reserve a time for a Tribal Consultation, interested parties may submit a request to the Office of Native Affairs and Policy (ONAP) by sending an email to Native@fcc.gov. On-site confirmation at the conference venue will also be available. FCC staff will also be available throughout the conference to answer questions.
Background
The FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 25-47) on August 7, 2025, under WTB Docket No. 25-217, to take a fresh look at the Commission’s environmental rules to account for recent amendments to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) under the 2023 Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA). In addition, in January, President Trump issued Executive Order (E.O.) 14154 titled “Unleashing American Energy,” which called upon “all agencies [to] prioritize efficiency and certainty over any other objectives” in revising agency regulations implementing NEPA. In light of the changes to the legal landscape and consistent with the objectives of that Executive Order, the FCC seeks comment on how we should revise Commission rules to streamline the environmental review process, promote efficiency, and encourage deployment of infrastructure that results in more competition and technological innovation.
The FCC is also taking this opportunity to seek comment on whether there are parts of our environmental rules that are now unnecessary or outdated and should be deleted. Given the Commission’s environmental rules are entwined with our historic preservation rules, we also seek comment on any impact to our National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) framework and examine what rule changes, if any, might be appropriate.
Earlier this summer, on July 15, 2025, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) and the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau’s (CGB) ONAP held an opportunity for federally-recognized Tribal Nations and NHOs to consult with Commission staff regarding NEPA and the Section 106 process of NHPA, which included an overview of the CTIA Petition for Rulemaking (Docket No. RM-12003). Comments received under Docket No. RM-12003 regarding changes proposed in the CTIA Petition will be transferred to Docket No. 25-217.
Ex Parte Requirements
Tribal Nations and NHOs, like other interested parties, should file comments, reply comments, and ex parte presentations in the public record in order to put facts and arguments before the Commission in a manner such that they may be relied upon in the decision-making process. The Commission, however, will exempt ex parte presentations involving elected and appointed leaders, and duly appointed representatives, of federally-recognized Tribal Nations and NHOs from the disclosure requirements in permit-but-disclose proceedings (47 CFR § 1.1206) and the prohibitions on presentations during the Sunshine Agenda period (47 CFR § 1.1203). Specifically, presentations from elected and appointed leaders or duly appointed representatives of federally-recognized Tribal Nations or NHOs to Commission decision makers shall be exempt from disclosure. To be clear, while the Commission recognizes that consultation is critically important, we emphasize that the Commission will rely in its decision-making only on those materials that are placed in the public record for this proceeding.

Annual National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers
2025-09-08 00:00 - 2025-09-09 23:59 | Grand Sierra Resort & Casino, Reno, NV, United States
September 8-9, 2025
Grand Sierra Resort and Casino
Reno, NV
Conference website
Join the NATHPO’s 25th Annual Conference & Sacred Places Summit happening September 8-12 at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, NV. The NATHPO Conference demonstrates the importance of fostering meaningful connections among diverse sectors and stakeholders in the field of heritage preservation. It highlights the benefits of collaboration in achieving shared goals, enhancing mutual understanding, and creating positive impacts for both present and future generations. By emphasizing the purpose behind preservation, the conference also invites us to consider the values, stories, and identities that shape our cultural heritage, how we can communicate them effectively, and to what broader end. From thought-provoking presentations to interactive workshops and site visits, our agenda offers a dynamic array of sessions tailored to inspire innovation, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change.

Law Enforcement Training Week
2025-09-07 00:00 - 2025-09-13 23:59
The Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) will host the inaugural Law Enforcement (LE) Training Week during
the week of September 7 – 13, 2025 on the CDP campus in Anniston, AL. CDP training is completely funded for
state, local, tribal and territorial emergency responders to include roundtrip airfare, meals, lodging, tuition and any
equipment required during training.
The training week starts with a Law Enforcement Professional Development Day followed by training tracks that
include, Public Order training and CBRNE training for Law Enforcement. The training week ends with an Integrated
Capstone Event (ICE).
Upon successful completion, participants will have enhanced their response capabilities in multiple areas to
include active threat response, mass casualty incident response and recovery functions, decontamination
operations, civil disturbance mitigation and making critical decisions in an all-hazards event. Personnel who
attend this training will be better prepared to respond to emergencies
Some skill sets offered during the week include:

Public Order Training
CBRNE – Law Enforcement Detection and Response training
CDS: Fentanyl and its analogs
LE Specific Case Studies

For schedule and registration, please visit:
https://cdp.dhs.gov/training/theme-weeks/LE-WEEK-2025

NIHB National Conference
2025-09-07 - 2025-09-12 | Sheraton Grand at Wildhorse Pass, 5594 W Wild Horse Pass Blvd, Chandler, AZ, 85226, United States
September 7-12, 2025
Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, AZ
Conference Website
The wait is over—registration for NIHB’s 2025 Annual Tribal Health Conference is officially OPEN! This is your chance to connect with Tribal health leaders, policymakers, and advocates from across Indian Country to advance the future of Native health.

Register Now – Secure your spot for this can’t-miss event!

Marketplace & Tradeshow – Calling all vendors and exhibitors! Showcase your products and services to Tribal leaders, health professionals, and decision-makers.

Call for Workshop Proposals – Do you have insights, research, or best practices to share? Submit a proposal and be a part of this year’s dynamic program!

Metaksonekiyak Community Days
2025-09-06 00:00 - 2025-09-07 23:59
The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians’ 45th Annual Metaksonekiyak Community Days celebration kicks off at 7 a.m. with a pipe ceremony, followed by smudging and the grand entry at noon.
The two-day event on Saturday, Sept. 6 and Sunday, Sept. 7 celebrates the long and storied history of the region’s native people through traditional ceremonies, stories, dancing, drumming, games, food and fun.

Webinar: Federal Preparedness, Training and Resources for the Tribal Gaming Industry
2025-09-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
Join us for an informative and important discussion as we highlight September’s National Preparedness Month. Hear from Ruby Dawn Manning, FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) Tribal Liaison, as she discusses the program and the annual Tribal Training Week that provides Tribal Nation attendees the skills needed for Tribal emergency management, planning, response, and recovery. In addition, you’ll hear from Lana Morrison, OSHA’s Director, Office of Federal Agency Programs, as she discusses the OSHA Safe and Sound Week, enforcement, consultation, national emphasis program for casinos and hotels, and the Top Ten OSHA Violations for General Industry 2024/2025, among other available resources.
Presenters:
Ruby Dawn Manning, Shoshone-Paiute
Tribal and Western Region Coordinator (Regions 8,9,10)
FEMA Training Support Program Specialist | CDP Tribal Liaison
Lana A. Morrison, MS, CIH, Director, Office of Federal Agency Programs
OSHA/DEP
U.S. Dept. of Labor, OSHA
Eddie Ilko
Safety and Occupational Health Manager
National Indian Gaming Commission

The Supporting America’s Children and Families Act: Supporting Full Implementation of Tribal Provisions and Taking Action on Requests for Comment
2025-09-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
On January 4, 2025, President Biden signed into law the Supporting America’s Children and Families Act (P.L. 118-258). The legislation reauthorizes two child welfare programs under Title IV-B of the Social Security Act, which provides some of the most flexible federal funding for Tribes and states, to help children at risk of removal into foster care stay at home safely. The legislation contains several provisions that benefit Tribal Nations and Native children and families, including new funding and opportunities to address administrative burden and Indian Child Welfare Act compliance under Title IV-B.
The National Indian Child Welfare Association and the California Tribal Families Coalition will be hosting a one-hour webinar on September 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET to unpack new provisions in the law and explore how you can take action to support effective implementation. By the end of the webinar, participants will (1) understand the key provisions in the Supporting America’s Children and Families Act (P.L. 118-258) that benefit Tribal Nations and Native children and families and upcoming Tribal consultations, (2) gain insight into strategies for responding to the Administration for Children and Families request for public comment on Providing Technical Assistance Related to the Indian Child Welfare Act, and (3) access a sample letter to inform and shape their own submission of public comments by the September 22, 2025, deadline.
