United South & Eastern Tribes

House Natural Resources Committee Hearings
2025-09-10 09:00 (America/Chicago)
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.

Facilities Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Information Sessions
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.

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.

Bridging the Education Gap: A Behavioral Health Approach to Learning in Schools
2025-09-03 11:30 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Join USET’s Office of Tribal Public Health (OTPH) for a conversation with clinical psychologist Dr. Daryl Tonemah. This webinar will explore how behavioral health strategies are being integrated into classrooms to support healing, student well-being, boost academic performance, and create more inclusive learning environments. Together, we’ll examine how addressing mental and emotional health is helping bridge educational gaps and foster long-term student success.
When: September 3 at 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Central/12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Eastern
Who should attend: All Tribal Nation staff who work with children, including teachers, school administrators, youth counselors, club leaders, and caregivers.
Learning objectives

Understand the impact of behavioral health and trauma on student learning and academic performance.
Identify key behavioral health strategies that can be implemented in school settings to support student success.
Explore ways to collaborate across education and mental health systems to address barriers to learning.
Learn how behavioral health interventions can reduce disparities and close achievement gaps.
Gain insight into evidence-based practices that promote emotional regulation, resilience, and classroom engagement.
Discuss real-world examples and case studies of schools successfully integrating behavioral health supports.

Registration is open!
Questions? Please contact Caro Caballero at ccabalero@usetinc.org.

Tribal Health Services Self-Determination and Self-Governance Technical Assistance Monthly Office Hours
2025-09-03 11:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
Due to the high demand of additional information, the USET Office Tribal Public Health is hosting office hours with Martha Ketcher, a subject matter expert, who will provide resources and guidance related to the navigating the Indian Self Determination Education Assistance Act as it pertains to health operations.
To solicit feedback on topics, please email Onawa Miller, USET OTPH Director, at omiller@usetinc.org
When: First Wednesday of every month at 11:00 am – 2:00 pm Central/12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Eastern
Who should attend: Health Directors, Tribal Leaders, and Tribal Nation Designated Staff
Participants will learn about:

The Basic ISDEAA Contracting Title I vs Title V
How to write Letters of Intent (LOI); Estimating Pre Award and Startup Cost
The Preparation of Budget Negotiation, Aligning Salaries, Structuring Budgets, Contract Support Cost (CSC)
How to Interpret Tribal Shares Tables
How to Add new Programs, Functions, Services and Activities (PFSAs), Clinics, Pharmacy
The 340B Pharmacy
CSC on RCM
Maximizing Space for a 105(l)
TMG, TSG
HSP Tools, SAP

Registration: Register today
Questions and Feedback: Please contact Onawa Miller, USET OTPH Director, at omiller@usetinc.org with any questions or feedback on topics.

Tribal Public Health Preparedness and Resilience Task Force Meeting
2025-09-02 12:00 - 12:30 | Virtual Event
The USET Tribal Public Health Preparedness and Resilience Task Force (Tribal PHPR) is a Tribally centered epidemiological approach to public health preparedness and resilience with the primary goal of strengthening the resilience of Tribal Nations in the USET region through public health strategies focused on the mitigation, prevention, and preparation phases of the disaster management cycle.  The goal of this Task Force is to build relationships between Tribal Nations in the USET region and the USET Epidemiology team! Join the contact list today to start receiving updates.
Date: The first Tuesday of every month at 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Central / 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm Eastern

Who Should Attend?

Tribal Leaders and Tribal Council Members
Health Directors, Physicians, Medical Staff, Behavioral Health Professionals, Public Health Nurses
Emergency Response/ Coordination Personnel, Homeland Security Personnel
Emergency Services Personnel, First Responders, Public Safety Personnel
Epidemiologists, Data Specialists
Risk Management Personnel, Community Planners
Environmental Health Staff, Public Works Personnel
Anyone interested in Public Health Preparedness and Resilience

Registration: Once we receive your contact information on the form here, you will be sent the link for the calendar invite. We do this to preserve the integrity of the PHPR Task Force and ensure only USET member Tribal Nation staff and organizations are able to join.
Questions: For questions, please contact Anna Garrett, USET Senior Epidemiologist at agarrett@usetinc.org, Samantha Rieche, USET Staff Epidemiologist at srieche@usetinc.org, or Haley Tulis, Epidemiology Administrative Assistant at htulis@usetinc.org.

USET OERM Food Sovereignty Fridays
2025-08-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual Event
The USET Office of Environmental Resource Management presents
Food Sovereignty Fridays
On the last Friday of every month, the Food Sovereignty Program within the Office of Environmental Resources Management (OERM) will host a 1.5 hour webinar highlighting Tribal agriculture and aquaculture infrastructure best management practices that are successfully revitalizing Tribal food systems. Each Session will highlight Tribal Food Sovereignty Projects, and/or Culinary Traditions! All webinars will be open to the public and recorded.

When:

The last Friday of the month at 10:00 am – 11:30 am Central/11:00 am – 12:30 pm Eastern

Who should attend: Tribal Leaders and Tribal Agriculture/Natural Resources/Environmental Directors. This is open to all of Indian country.

Registration:
Register today.

Questions:
For more information, please contact Danielle Greendeer, USET Food Sovereignty Program Manager, at dgreendeer@usetinc.org.

Understanding the Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act of 2025
2025-08-28 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
In June, Senator Cortez Masto (D-NV), in partnership with Senator Murkowski (R-AK), introduced the Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act of 2025. This legislation seeks to correct longstanding tax inequities by establishing clarity and parity in the federal tax code, while promoting economic growth in Indian country by enhancing access to key financial tools, such as the New Market Tax Credits (NMTC) and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC).
NAFOA invites Tribal leaders for an in-depth discussion with policy experts on the Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act of 2025, exploring how key provisions create new opportunities for economic growth and fiscal parity in Indian Country.
This webinar is not open to members of the press.

Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council Meeting
2025-08-28 10:00 - 11:15 | Virtual Event
The Office of Partnership and Engagement is publishing this notice that the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council (“Council”) will meet in person on Thursday, August 28, 2025. This meeting will be open virtually to members of the public. This meeting will be led by the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Defense to provide updates from the Council Members.
Registration to attend the meeting is required and must be received via email no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Members of the public will be able to attend the meeting virtually. The meeting may end early if the Council has completed its business.

Tribal Listening Sessions to gather comments from Tribal Nations for the FEMA Review Council will be scheduled the week of September 8, 2025, and the week of September 15, 2025. USET SPF will provide the dates and registration information for these Tribal Listening Sessions once announced.

Public Health Infrastructure Defined and Reimagined
2025-08-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Virtual Event
USET’s Office of Tribal Public Health (OTPH) invites you to an upcoming virtual training on understanding Tribal Public Health Infrastructure with public health leader Dr. Charlotte Huntley.
The training includes:

Foundations of Public Health
Tribal Data Sovereignty
Building Public Health Infrastructure
Culturally Responsive and Community-Driven Public Health
Public Health Programs and Services and Their Interconnectedness
Systems Check

When: August 28 at 9:00 am – 11:00 am Central/10:00 am – 12:00 pm Eastern
Who should attend: All USET member Tribal Nation staff who interface with public health efforts, including but not limited to chronic disease prevention, maternal and child health, environmental health and clean water, emergency preparedness and response, behavioral and mental health, and infectious disease surveillance and response.
Learning objectives

Equip Tribal Nation staff with foundational and advanced knowledge of PHI concepts.
Provide practical tools and strategies to strengthen Tribal public health systems.
Foster peer-to-peer collaboration and knowledge-sharing among USET member Tribal Nations.
Support alignment with USET’s vision of healthy, vibrant Tribal communities through sustainable public health infrastructure.

Registration is open!
Questions? Please contact Hailey Wade, Public Health Planning & Infrastructure Manager, at hwade@usetinc.org or (803) 417-7009.

Pathways to Clean Energy Sovereignty for Tribal Nations: Opportunities Post-H.R.1 and Overview of New Treasury Guidances
2025-08-27 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
Please join us on Thursday, August 27th at 3:00 PM EST as we cover important federal clean energy policy developments. Hosted by the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy, and in partnership with the Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) and Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC), we will explain the most significant changes to the renewable energy landscape brought on by the Budget Reconciliation bill (P.L. 119-21), as well as how recent guidance from the Department of Treasury impacts a project’s ability to qualify for clean energy tax credits for wind and solar projects.
Attendees will hear from policy and tax experts who will provide insights into how these changes affect projects at all stages of development, and ways to access additional information and support. You will also learn about how Indian Country can continue to strive for energy sovereignty through renewable energy despite the current political climate.
Speakers include:
Dr. Crystal Miller, Head of Policy and Government Relations, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy
Nicholas Lovesee, Director of Policy, Native American Finance Officers Association
Grace Henley, Tax Attorney on Energy and Climate, Natural Resource Defense Council

Highway Reauthorization Bill Roundtable with Tribal Nations
2025-08-26 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
Dear Tribal Leader,
Please join the Office of Tribal Government Affairs on August 26th at 3:00PM (EST) as we will have a webinar/virtual roundtable to field questions regarding the upcoming Highway Reauthorization Bill and how to submit your ideas/comments.
You can find the link here: Highway Reauthorization Bill Roundtable with Tribal Nations | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams.
Additionally, if you haven’t done so you can find the link to submit your comments here: Federal Register :: Advancing a Surface Transportation Proposal That Focuses on America’s Most Fundamental Infrastructure Needs.
If you attend the roundtable, consider the following questions as conversation starters and feel free to ask any questions and comments you may have.

When is the comment period closing for the re-authorization of the highway Bill?
When do you anticipate the next Highway Bill to become law?
Can I still ask my congressional delegation what I’d like in the Highway Bill?
What is the process after submitting comments?

If you have any questions please contact Milo Booth, Director of Tribal Government Affairs at milo.booth@dot.gov.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Regards,
James A. Crawford
Assistant Secretary for Tribal Government Affairs
United States Department of Transportation

ED Tribal Consultation on Fiscal Year 2026 Grantmaking Priorities
2025-08-26 13:30 - 16:30 | Virtual Event
Dear Tribal Leader,
On August 26, 2025, from 2:30-5:30 p.m. ET, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) will conduct Tribal Consultation on Fiscal Year 2026 grantmaking priorities for the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) and Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE). The purpose of this consultation will be to receive meaningful input from American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities to ensure that Tribal leaders’ views inform the design of potential grant priorities. ED remains committed to upholding the federal trust responsibility as set forth in the Constitution of the United States, treaties, executive orders, and court decisions. This consultation will be conducted by the Office of Indian Education (OIE) and facilitated by the Tribal Consultation Official for ED.
Please follow the registration link to participate in the consultation. To maintain online security, each attendee must register individually, and registration cannot be transferred to or used by others. Once you have completed registration, an individualized access link for the session will be sent to you with additional information.
Written Comment Period
Written public comments for a topic will only be collected through the TribalConsultation@ed.gov email address. The comment period is now open and will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on 09/26/2025.
An Indian Tribe may designate information provided during the consultation as “sensitive” and request non-disclosure of the information to the public. Certain federal laws, including the Freedom of Information Act, may require disclosure of information designated sensitive by a Tribal government. Questions about this notice can be sent to TribalConsultation@ed.gov. This consultation is a closed press event.
Background
ED will be consulting on the following program(s) below:
1. Native American Career and Technical Education (NACTEP) Program
In FY 2026, OCTAE plans to hold a new competition and estimates $17 million available to make new grant awards. Grantees use funds for preparatory, refresher, and remedial education services that are designed to enable students to achieve success in career and technical education programs or programs of studies. Grantees also provide stipends to students who are enrolled in career and technical education programs and who have acute economic needs which cannot be met through work-study programs. NACTEP is authorized by Section 116 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V).
2. State Tribal Education Partnership (STEP) Program
In FY 2026, OIE anticipates receiving congressional directive language that may require grantmaking activities. Grantees use funds to promote the coordination of tribal, state, and local educational agencies to meet the unique educational and culturally related needs of Indian students. Grantees either develop a Tribal Educational Agency (TEA) operating as a “tribal charter school” or build capacity to administer and coordinate education programs via a Tribal Educational Agency operating as a “Tribal Education Department.” STEP is authorized by Section 6132 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
3. Native American Languages (NAL) Program
In FY 2026, OIE anticipates receiving congressional directive language that may require grantmaking activities. Grantees use funds to support the usage of Native American Languages as a medium of instruction. Grantees either maintain or expand full-immersion or partial-immersion Native American Language programs. NAL is authorized by Section 6133 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
Consultation Questions
ED invites Tribal leaders to provide input on the following questions:
1. On May 21, 2025, ED published a Notice of Proposed Secretarial Supplemental Priorities (90 FR 21710). On July 21, 2025, ED published an additional priority (90 FR 34203). If ED were to use any of these four proposed priorities, please rank order their importance (1 being the most important and 4 being the least) as it relates to your community:

Evidence-Based Literacy
Education Choice
Returning Education to the States [and Tribes]
Advancing Artificial Intelligence in Education

2. As each priority could relate to each of the NACTEP, STEP, or NAL programs differently could you please share your comments on the potential strengths, opportunities, and challenges with applying a proposed priority to a program?
3. Are there any other priority areas not covered under the proposed Secretarial Supplemental Priorities that should be considered for NACTEP, STEP, or NAL?
4. On April 23, 2025, the White House published Executive Order 14278 “Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future” (90 FR 17525). If ED were to focus on expanding access to registered apprenticeships, would such expansion align to any opportunities you are currently developing?
5. On July 23, 2024, OCTAE previously asked a question on “Direct Assistance to Students,” to identify any challenges associated with implementing the NACTEP direct assistance to students’ guidance (85 FR 76548). Since then, are there any changes needed to the direct assistance to students’ guidance?
6. Have you considered consolidating your NACTEP or STEP grant award via Public Law 102-477 (usually referred to simply as “477”)? As part of returning education to the Tribes, how can ED continue to support you before and after grants have been consolidated via 477?

Thank you in advance for your input and participation–we look forward to visiting and consulting with Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, and Native Hawaiian Organizations and their leadership to empower high-quality education for all students.
Respectfully,
/s/
Julian Guerrero Jr.
Director, Office of Indian Education

Reclaiming Native Psychological Brilliance: Wise Practices, a Tribal Behavioral Health ECHO Session
2025-08-26 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 Session. 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.
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 the Reclaiming Team, at ReclaimingTeam@usetinc.org.

FEMA Review Council Listening Sessions
2025-08-26 00:00 - 23:59
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 pleased to invite you to participate in a series of upcoming listening sessions. The Council is seeking comments from tribal leaders and representatives to ensure that tribal insights and views are understood and considered.
In accordance with the constraints set by the Council, as outlined in Executive Order 14180 signed on January 24, 2025: “The Council shall hold its first public meeting within 90 days of the date of this order and submit its report to the President within 180 days of the date of the Council’s first public meeting.”
We are seeking comments and insights from tribal leaders and representatives to help shape the future of FEMA. Your feedback will be used to inform and influence the FEMA Review Council’s report, ensuring that tribal perspectives and needs are adequately represented.
The proposed listening sessions are scheduled within a limited timeframe, and your comments and submissions, both in-person and electronically, are vital to the success of the Council’s efforts.
The overall focus of this initiative is to gather comprehensive input from tribal communities to enhance FEMA’s future operational posture. The timeline for this process includes multiple review board meetings, followed by the compilation and analysis of all submitted comments. The final report will be presented to President Trump for consideration and implementation.
Please note that tribal listening sessions will be exclusively available to registered Federally recognized tribal leaders and their government representatives.
In-Person Listening Session Details:

Location: TBD, Oklahoma City, OK
Date: August 26, 2025
Time: TBD
RSVP: If you are interested in attending, please RSVP at femareviewcouncil@hq.dhs.gov. More information will be provided as details are finalized.

If you are unable to attend the in-person session, two virtual tribal listening sessions will be scheduled the week of September 8, 2025, and the week of September 15, 2025. Separate emails will be sent out for these virtual listening sessions to include the specific dates and times and a link for registration.
The FEMA Review Council also welcomes written comments that can be emailed to femareviewcouncil@hq.dhs.gov or mailed 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
We greatly appreciate your participation and look forward to your contributions.
Sincerely,
FEMA Review Council

Tribal Consultations on the Implementation of the “Supporting America’s Children and Families Act”
2025-08-25 13:00 - 16:00
Dear Tribal Leader:
The Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) and the Children’s Bureau (CB) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) recognize the central role that Tribal Nations play in the care and protection of children and families. To advance our collaborative efforts to that end, we extend an invitation to participate in formal tribal consultation on the “Supporting America’s Children and Families Act,” (Public Law 118-258), which reauthorized Title IV-B of the Social Security Act (Act).
Consultation will focus on the changes to title IV-B of the Act, listed in detail in attached documents, and how they may impact Tribes. In summary, the focus areas are the Indian Child Welfare Act, title IV-B funding for child welfare agencies, the Court Improvement Program and remote hearings, and the Prevention Services Clearinghouse.
We are soliciting your input as we value your perspectives and experiences, which are crucial as we work together to implement the Act. The consultation is intended to create meaningful opportunity for dialogue that enhances the effectiveness of child welfare services for Tribal Nations and the people they serve.
We look forward to hearing from you at one or more of the following sessions:
CONSULTATION #1 – MINNESOTA
Date: August 25, 2025
Type: In-person and Virtual (Hybrid) Tribal Consultation
Time: 1 – 4 PM Central Time
In-Person Location: Grand Casino Mille Lacs, 777 Grand Avenue, Onamia, MN 56359
RSVP for In-Person Participation: Tribal Consultation In-Person RSVP
Zoom Registration for Virtual Participation: Zoom Link Registration
CONSULTATION #2 – SOUTH DAKOTA
Date: October 10, 2025
Type: In-person
Time: 1- 3 PM Mountain Time
In-Person Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Rapid City Downtown Convention Center, 505 N. 5th Street, Rapid City, SD 57701
RSVP for In-Person Participation: Tribal Consultation In-Person RSVP
CONSULTATION #3 – ALASKA
Date: October 14, 2025
Type: In-person
Time: 1:30 – 5 PM Alaska Daylight Time
In-Person Location: Hilton Anchorage, 500 West Third Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
RSVP for In-Person Participation: Tribal Consultation In-Person RSVP
CONSULTATION #4 – WASHINGTON
Date: November 18, 2025
Type: In-person and Virtual (Hybrid)
Time: 10 AM – 3 PM Pacific Time
In-Person Location: University of Washington School of Social Work -3rd floor Conference Room, 4101 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105
RSVP for In-Person Participation: Tribal Consultation In-Person RSVP
Zoom Registration for Virtual Participation: Zoom Link Registration
CONSULTATION #5 – WASHINGTON DC
Date: December 2, 2025
Type: In-person
Time: 2 PM – 5 PM Eastern Time
In-Person Location: Mary E Switzer Building
330 C Street
Washington DC 20201
RSVP for In-Person Participation by November 25, 2025: Tribal Consultation In-Person RSVP
**This is a Federal Building – Please be prepared to present valid ID to meet security requirements for building entrance.
Written comments may also be submitted to TribalConsultationACYF@acf.hhs.gov by January 9, 2026. Please include the following in the subject line: Title IV-B Implementation Tribal Consultation. A consultation report will be made available within ninety (90) of the final consultation session.
In addition to these formal consultations, and in response to requirements in the Act, ACF is also issuing a Federal Register Notice to solicit additional input from the public.
To facilitate preparation for the consultation, please find attached a Children’s Bureau Information
Memo of June 18, 2025, Summary of Provisions, Framing Questions, and a Side-by-Side
legislative language comparison.
If you have questions about the consultations, please contact Laurel Iron Cloud at ACYF,
Laurel.IronCloud@acf.hhs.gov.

Tribal Child Support Enforcement Agencies Onboarding Webinar
2025-08-25 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
The Supporting America’s Children and Families Act authorizes Tribal child support enforcement agencies (Tribal IV-D agencies) direct access to federal tax information (FTI) to obtain federal tax refund offsets for collection of past-due child support.
The topic of this webinar, held on August 25, 2025 from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET, will be the onboarding process for child support enforcement (CSE) programs. Access to FTI by CSE programs, and contractors of state, local, and Tribal IV-D agencies, is governed by the safeguarding requirements of sections 6103(p)(4) and 6103(p)(9) of the Code. Publication 1075, Tax Information Security Guidelines for Federal, State and Local Agencies (Publication 1075) provides guidance to ensure the policies, practices, technical security controls, and safeguards employed by recipient agencies, agents, contractors, or sub-contractors adequately protect the confidentiality of FTI.
Register for the Tribal Child Support Enforcement Agencies Onboarding Webinar.

NeighborWorks Training Institute
2025-08-25 00:00 - 2025-08-29 23:59
August 25-9
New Orleans, LA
NeighborWorks America, Oweesta Corporation, and Seven Sisters are partnering to deliver four tracks dedicated to scaling and deepening the impact of Native housing practitioners and those organizations partnering with Native communities. In addition to the training, NeighborWorks is sponsoring a networking reception in conjunction with the event.
Choose from more than 90 courses to enhance your impact – including updated or newly designed sessions on communication, microenterprise, fair housing, and coaching skills. After class hours, they’ll provide additional growth opportunities through hot-topic workshops and fun, interactive activities that deliver peer learning and help you build your professional network. You’ll be glad you came to New Orleans to experience what the NeighborWorks Training Institute has waiting for you.
Please see this flyer for scholarship information.

Schemitzun: Feast of Green Corn and Dance
2025-08-22 00:00 - 2025-08-24 23:59
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation will hold their Schemitzun: Feast of Green Corn and Dance event from Friday, Aug. 22 through Sunday, Aug. 24.
“All are welcome to join our annual family-friendly celebration as we usher in the 2025 harvest season and give thanks to the Creator for our rich heritage while honoring our ancestors, warriors, veterans, and Elders,” according to the event website.

Virtual Listening Session on Current Project “Federal Agency Collaboration with State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Governments”
2025-08-21 11:30 - 12:30 | Virtual Event
The Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) will host a listening session on August 21, 2025, to hear from tribal leaders and their designated representatives about federal agency approaches and processes for collaborating with tribal governments when administering federal programs. The listening session is part of a project, “Federal Agency Collaboration with State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Governments,” that is expected to result in recommendations to federal agencies.
To RSVP to the virtual listening session, please contact Becaja Caldwell (Attorney Advisor, ACUS) at bcaldwell@acus.gov.

CDC Virtual Listening Session - Tribal Implementation Center Program
2025-08-20 14:00 - 15:30 | Virtual Event
The CDC Office of Public Health Data, Surveillance, and Technology (OPHDST) is hosting a listening session on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET (2:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM MT, 12:00 PM PT, 11:00 AM AKST).
The purpose of this listening session is to receive tribal input on the design of the new Tribal Implementation Center and ensure its services effectively support tribal public health data modernization.
The intended audience for this listening session includes tribal leaders, tribal public health professionals, Urban Indian Health professionals, tribal healthcare providers, tribal-serving organizations, and others involved in tribal public health data efforts.
As part of this listening session, we are interested in learning about:

The specific community considerations we should integrate into the Tribal Implementation Center to ensure it respects tribal sovereignty and supports the public health initiatives in your tribal community.
What data modernization means in your role, and how it supports the public health initiatives in your tribal community.
The steps we should take to ensure the long-term sustainability of the capacity your tribe builds through the Tribal Implementation Center.

Tribal Implementation Center Background:
In early 2025, CDC’s Public Health Infrastructure Grant’s National Partners (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), the National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI), and the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB)) onboarded Chickasaw Health Consulting as the Tribal Implementation Center. This partnership aims to support tribes and tribal-serving organizations in their public health data infrastructure and modernization projects. The first cohort of tribes selected to receive support will be onboarded to the program in Fall 2025.
Learn more about the Tribal Implementation Center by visiting Tribal Implementation Center.

USET Community Resilience Virtual Roundtables
2025-08-20 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.

Overview of the Draft Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act
2025-08-20 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
NCAI is pleased to host a webinar on the recently released discussion draft of the Draft Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) in response to The Way Forward Report from the Commission on Native Children. To assist Tribal stakeholders in preparing their feedback, NCAI is working in partnership with our sister organizations – Tribal Self-Governance Communication and Education Tribal Consortium, Alaska Federation of Natives, National Indian Child Welfare Association, National Indian Health Board, National Indian American Housing Council, as well as Anita Fineday, Commissioner on Commission on Native Children to provide Tribal stakeholders information on this expansive and important legislation to assist in drafting comments to Senator Murkowsi. Comments are due on September 12, 2025 Murkowski_Outreach@Indian.Senate.Gov and will inform the Senator on changes and improvements to the legislation.
The webinar will be held on August 20, 2025, at 3:00 pm Eastern, 2:00 pm Central, 1:00 pm Mountain, 12:00 pm Pacific, 11:00 am Alaska, and 10:00 am Hawaii.
