United South & Eastern Tribes

US Forest Service Region 8 and Region 9 Listening Session
2025-07-11 08:00 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Event
July 11 at 9:00 am – 4:30 pm Eastern
Region 8 & 9 Joint Tribal Listening Session Registration link
Webinar ID 827 5669 4447
Region 8 Executive Session Registration link
Webinar ID 862 2448 9456
Region 9 Executive Session link
Webinar ID 857 4188 1059

9:00-9:15 am ET
Welcome/Housekeeping/Opening Remarks

9:15-9:30 am
Forest Service Leader’s Intent and Context
Keeping tribal voices involved in decision making and co-stewardship across ancestral homelands

9:30-10:00 am
Current Environment Update
· Energy Executive Orders (14270, 14241)
· Timber Executive Orders (14223, 14225)
· Secretary Memorandum 1078-006
· Secretary Memorandum 1078-010

10:00-10:30 am
Q&A and Discussion

10:30-10:45 am
Break

10:45-11:15 am
Annual Programs of Work/Tribal Capacity/ Future of Tribal Engagements

11:15-11:45 am
Integrated Compliance/Agreement Opportunities/New Technologies

11:45-12:00 noon
Q&A and Discussion

12:00-1:00 pm
Lunch

1:00-2:30 pm

Region 8 Executive Session

3:00-4:30 pm
Region 9 Executive Session

NATHPO Prep for TC Regarding the NEPA and the NHPA Section 106 Process
2025-07-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
Thursday, July 10 at 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern
NATHPO will be hosting a Prep Webinar to help THPOs and Tribal Leaders prepare for the upcoming FCC Consultation for Tribal Nations Regarding the NEPA and the Section 106 Process of the NHPA. (See TC details below)
Join Prep Meeting
Meeting ID: 224 927 187 896 3
Passcode: [REDACTED]
The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) and the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau’s Office of Native Affairs and Policy (ONAP) announced via Public Notice (DA 25-538) an upcoming opportunity for federally-recognized Tribal Nations and Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs) to consult with Commission staff regarding the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Section 106 process of the National Historic Preservation Act.
The consultation will be held via video conference on:

Tuesday, July 15, 2025
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
Click here to read Public Notice
>>> Register link here

Recognizing the Commission’s government-to-government relationship and its express desire to work with Tribal Nations, WTB and ONAP will hold a video conference to discuss the issues raised and proposals made in a March 2025 petition filed by CTIA—The Wireless Association (CTIA Petition).
Attendance will be limited to elected and appointed leaders or duly appointed representatives of federally-recognized Tribal Nations and NHOs, including Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPOs). Time permitting, we will invite statements from other Tribal representatives and participants during the Listening Session.
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, including THPOs, to Commission decision makers shall be exempt from disclosure.
For questions about the consultation, email Native@fcc.gov.

IHS Strategic Realignment Consultation
2025-07-10 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-07-08 12:00 - 16:00
The IHS Acting Director writes to Tribal Leaders and Urban Indian Organization Leaders to initiate Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer to seek your recommendations regarding the proposed realignment of the Indian Health Service. [PDF – 104 KB]

Enclosure: IHS Tribal Advisory Committees [PDF – 104 KB]

During these Tribal Consultations and Urban Confer, IHS would also like to discuss their current Tribal Advisory Committees. Please see the website that lists the current IHS Tribal Advisory Committees.

Tribal Consultation – Seattle, Washington
Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM PDT
Registration Link
Address: Seattle Airport Marriott
3201 South 176th Street
Seattle, Washington 98188
Tribal Consultation – Phoenix, Arizona
Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM MST
Registration Link
Address: Marriott Phoenix Chandler
1600 South Price Road
Chandler, Arizona 85286
Tribal Consultation – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Date: Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM CST
Registration Link
Address: Hyatt Regency Bloomington – Minneapolis
3200 East 81st Street
Bloomington, MN 55425
Tribal Consultation – Washington, District of Columbia
Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST
Registration Link
Address: Hubert H. Humphrey Building – Hall of Tribal Nations
200 Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20201
Urban Confer – Virtual
Date: Monday, July 28, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST
Registration Link

Rivercane Gathering 2025 Webinar Series
2025-07-10 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

ABA Webinar: 50th Anniversary of the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act
2025-07-09 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
50th Anniversary of the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act
Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. ET
Register
Format: Free non-CLE Webinar, available on-demand immediately after on YouTube
Sponsor: ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice
Since 1975, or for 50 years, the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDA) has provided a unique legal framework for tribes to assume the responsibility, and associated funding, to carry out programs and services that the United States government would otherwise be obligated to provide to American Indians and Alaska Natives. Today, the tribal self-determination and self-governance policies, and other legislative initiatives designed along the lines of the Act, have proven to be some of the most successful policies that the United States has ever enacted impacting American Indians and tribal communities.
These unique policies have fostered an extraordinary renaissance in tribal communities by empowering tribes to promote their tribal economies, build governmental infrastructures, provide law and order, manage tribal natural and cultural resources, meet the healthcare and educational needs of their members, and perform a myriad of other governmental functions. This webinar will include distinguished presenters that have been deeply involved in shaping and implementing the self-determination policy in tribal communities and nationally.
Speakers:

Mary L. Smith – Immediate Past President, American Bar Association; Former CEO, Indian Health Service; Vice Chair, VENG Group; Chair, Caroline and Ora Smith Foundation
Deb Haaland – Former Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior
Bobbie Greene Kilberg – Former White House Fellow, President Nixon’s Domestic Policy Council
Bryan T. Newland – Former Tribal Chairman, Bay Mills Indian Community; Former Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior
W. Ron Allen – Chair/CEO, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal
Natasha Singh – President and Chief Executive Officer, Alaska Tribal Native Health Consortium

Moderator:

Geoffrey D. Strommer – Partner, Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker LLP

Abandoned Hardrock Mine Reclamation Program Tribal Consultations
2025-07-09 12:00, 2025-07-08 10:00 | Virtual Event
The U.S. Department of the Interior is seeking tribal feedback and recommendations on a draft grant solicitation entitled “Abandoned Hardrock Mine Reclamation (AHMR) Program Tribal Grant Directed Announcement, May 2025.” Funding for Abandoned Hardrock Mine Reclamation (AHMR) on tribal lands will be distributed through a grant program managed by the Environmental Compliance and Cleanup Division (ECCD). The Department of the Interior will provide grants to reclaim those lands based on eligibility requirements established in Sec. 40704 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the AHMR Program. Grants will be available to Tribal Nations to inventory, assess, decommission, reclaim, respond to hazardous substance releases on, and remediate hardrock (non-coal) abandoned mines. AHMR Grants are subject to funding availability.
Consultations are scheduled for two online sessions:

Session 1: Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. ET
Session 2: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET

Written remarks may be provided by August 11, 2-25 at 11:59 p.m. ET by email to AHMRprogram@ios.doi.gov or by mail to: US Department of the Interior, Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance, Attn: AHMR Program, One Denver Federal Center, Building 46, Room 101, PO Box 25207, Lakewood, CO 80225.
On your correspondence, please note your tribal affiliation and include “Tribal AHMR Grant Directed Announcement” in the header or subject line to identify the subject matter. Keep in mind that all relevant comments, including personal information if provided as part of your comments, may be posted publicly without change.

2025-07-09 01:00 - 02:30 | Virtual Event
July 9 at 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Central
Register

You are invited to join the webinar meeting, designed to enhance communication and cooperation between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Tribal leaders, representatives, and members.

Annual Tribal Environmental Summit
2025-07-09 00:00 - 2025-07-11 23:59 | Route 66 Casino, 14500 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM, 87121, United States
July 9-11, 2025
Route 66 Casino Hotel
14500 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121
Summit website

NIHB Hosting Tribal Caucus in Preparation for Upcoming Consultations on the Ongoing IHS Realignment
2025-07-08 10:00 | Virtual Event
Dear Tribal Leader Letter
July 8 at 11:00 am Eastern
Register
The National Indian Health Board will host a virtual tribal caucus on July 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. ET, in preparation for the upcoming series of in-person tribal consultations on the ongoing realignment of the Indian Health Service (IHS).
The purpose of this caucus is to provide an overview of the ongoing IHS realignment proposal and give time and space for tribal leaders, health professionals, and advisors to prepare for the in-person tribal consultations.
Please be advised that this Tribal caucus is closed to Federal partners. This meeting is also off the record and not for press purposes. Please email federalrelations@nihb.org if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

Rescheduled: Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) Training for Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) Recipients
2025-07-08 00:00 - 2025-07-09 23:59 | United South and Eastern Tribes Nashville Office, 711 Stewarts Ferry Pike, Nashville, TN, 37214, United States
Update: This training has been rescheduled from July 10-11, 2025, to July 8-9, 2025

Participants will receive in-person instruction at no-cost in the Diabetes Management System package for RPMS (BDM) in both the roll and scroll interface and the Visual DMS graphical user interface (GUI). Topics include building and maintaining diabetes and pre-diabetes registers, editing patient information, and running register and quality assurance reports. Additional topics include using QMAN for custom searches to meet needs that commonly arise for diabetes programs, creating panels of patients in iCare, and performing the annual IHS Diabetes Audit with WebAudit.
When: July 8-9 at 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Central each day
Where: In-person only at the USET and Indian Health Service Nashville Area Office, 711 Stewarts Ferry Pike, Nashville, TN 37214, on the third floor in the computer training room
Hotel Accommodations:
Renaissance Hotel in downtown Nashville
611 Commerce Street
Nashville, TN 37203
To make your reservation, use the booking link here or call (877) 901-6632. The discounted room rate is $249.00 + taxes per night. The discounted room rates expire on June 9, 2025.
*A shuttle will be provided from the Tribal Best Practice Conference Hotel to the Nashville office where the training is being conducted.
Who Should Attend: USET member Tribal Nations that are Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) grant participants who submit the annual web
audit in SOS.
Learning Objectives:

Recognize the importance of building and maintaining a diabetes and pre-diabetes register.
Learn about best practices within the Diabetes Management System Package for RPMS.
Understand how to run quality assurance reports.
Learn the steps necessary to perform the annual IHS Diabetes Audit with WebAudit.

Registration: Register today.
Questions: For questions, please contact Michele Scarlata, USET Project Administrator, at mscarlata@usetinc.org.

2025 USET Best Practices Conference
2025-07-07 00:00 - 2025-07-09 23:59 | Renaissance Nashville Hotel, 611 Commerce Street, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
2025 USET Best Practices Conference
The Braided Path: Weaving together Wisdom, Innovation, and Community
July 7-9, 2025
Nashville, TN
Our Why: USET member Tribal Nations have cared for their communities and environments since time immemorial. This wisdom and these invaluable best practices have been passed down through the generations fostering a unique relationship among each other and all living things. This advances a deep connection with the environment, providing holistic health approaches, and cultivates sustainable economic development.

Conference Definition: USET presents an integrated approach to Tribal Sovereignty and Self-determination through the programmatic lens of our Offices of Environmental Resource Management, Economic Development, and Tribal Public Health. This conference hosts learning sessions for Tribal Leadership and staff to engage in a collaborative setting to share knowledge, wisdom, and innovation to enhance our collective strength and impact.

Goals:

To provide collaborative spaces for USET member Tribal Nation Leaders and staff to share knowledge, skills, resources, and fortify relationships.
To promote USET foundational pillars, which support USET member Tribal Nations in strengthening communities of practice.
To provide innovative support service through cross-sectional tracks.
To ensure the health, well-being, and self-determination of present and future generations.

When: July 7-9, 2025
The conference begins on July 7 at 1:30 pm and ends on July 9 at 4:30 pm.

Where: Nashville, TN
Renaissance Hotel in downtown Nashville
611 Commerce Street
Nashville, TN 37203
The Hotel Room Block has been extended to Monday, June 16. To make your reservation, use the booking link or call 615-255-8400. The discounted room rate is $249.00 + taxes per night. If you have any issues making your reservation, please contact Jane Wilson at jwilson@usetinc.org.
Transportation to/from the Hotel: The hotel does not provide a shuttle service. The Nashville BNA Airport does have taxis and ride shares that will easily transport you to/from the hotel.
Parking: The hotel has valet parking for $65.00 a day. Valet parking does have in/out privileges. Self-parking options are available nearby but are not associated with the hotel.
*Letter from Hotel regarding parking and the temporary closing of the garage at 151 6th Ave North.
Places to Eat and Things to Do Near the Renaissance Nashville Hotel:
Fifth + Broad – Connected to the hotel, explore Fifth + Broadway, where the city comes to life. With eats and entertainment for all ages, Fifth + Broadway is changing the way Nashville lives, works and plays. Enjoy premier shopping, ridiculously good food and more all while taking in the downtown views.
Things to Do in Nashville – Creativity is the heart and soul of Nashville, the “Music City,” and there’s never a shortage of inspiring things to do. From music, culture, and the arts to food, sports, and shopping, there is an “only in Nashville” experience waiting for you.
Renaissance Hotel Interactive Local Attractions Map – At Renaissance Nashville Hotel, you’re in the heart of all the city center action, from the Tennessee State Capitol to Bridgestone Arena to the one and only Music Row.

Who should attend:
USET member Tribal Nation Leaders, staff, committee members, volunteers, and citizens who can benefit in the exchange of information, such as:

USET Member Tribal Nation Leaders
USET Member Tribal Health Staff: Health directors, clinic staff, diabetes coordinators, behavioral health, social services personnel, emergency services personnel, and public health professionals.
USET Member Tribal Economic Development Staff: Development Directors, Enterprise leaders, Community Development professionals
USET Member Tribal Program Staff: Natural resource managers, water and wastewater utility professionals, agriculture program staff and producers, cultural resource managers, climate adaptation and resiliency staff, school and childcare facilities managers, and infrastructure and community development planners.

Tracks:
The USET Best Practices Conference tracks are designed to provide a diverse and comprehensive platform for exploring critical issues and emerging trends across various programmatic focuses. These tracks aim to foster dialogue, collaboration, and innovation. Through engaging presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, participants will gain valuable insights, share expertise, and forge meaningful connections with fellow professionals and thought leaders.
The USET Offices of Environmental Resource Management, the Economic Development, and Tribal Public Health will present across these three domains:

Our Homelands: Exploring the relationship between indigenous communities and their ancestral lands, this track delves into the challenges and best practices of preserving cultural heritage, community development, and environmental stewardship.
Our People: Focusing on the well-being and empowerment of indigenous people, this track addresses issues such as health, education, and the preservation of traditional knowledge and languages.
Our Voice: Envisioning a future shaped by indigenous perspectives, this track explores innovative solutions to pressing global challenges and inclusion of indigenous narratives.

Agenda:
Agenda (last updated July 1, 2025)

Registration: Registration is now open.

Travel Stipends:
The 2025 Travel Stipend Request is now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied and if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to BPCsupport@usetinc.org.

Special Events:

Barter Market: Back for the second year, the Barter Market is an activity to discuss trade and remember the value of our time, expertise, and craft beyond the cash economy. To participate, please bring a good or service, large or small, that can make for a good trade. Some examples include: Maple syrup, seeds, beadwork, baskets, jam, teas, traditional tools, books, a hug, resume review, seed sorting, etc.

Speakers:
For inquiries on speaker opportunities at the USET 2025 Tribal Best Practices Conference, please contact us at bpcsupport@usetinc.org.

Exhibitors:
For inquiries on exhibitor opportunities at the USET 2025 Tribal Best Practices Conference, please contact us at bpcsupport@usetinc.org.
FedEx Shipping Instructions
Renaissance Hotel Vendor Shipping Instructions

Meeting App:

Download the USET/USET SPF Events app from your app store. Then within the app search for USET 2025 Tribal Best Practices Conference. Download the event to the app. You can use it to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements, create your schedule, view all agendas, and connect with attendees.
If you have used the app for a previous USET meeting, you will need to exit that event. Click on your profile, go to settings, and click “exit the event” at the bottom of the screen. Then search for USET 2025 Tribal Best Practices Conference and download the event to your app.

Open the app in Google Play
Open the app in the Apple Store

What to Expect:

The hotel does not provide airport shuttle service.
All meals will not be provided.
A wellness room will be available for participants to take a moment to unwind and relieve some stress.
A lactation room will be provided for participants needing to pump or breastfeed.
It will be hot and humid in Nashville. The weather is a bit unpredictable, but heat and humidity are a guarantee. However, some rooms in the hotel might be a bit chilly so it’s suggested to bring a light jacket or sweater.
There will be fabulous prizes given during general sessions and you must be present to win.
There will be amazing vendors!
The USET/USET Event app will have the most up-to-date information regarding sessions, locations, and maps. Notifications will be sent throughout the conference for helpful reminders and announcements.

USET/USET SPF Safe Public Health Practices Policy for All USET/USET SPF Meetings
While the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us, the lessons learned during this time remind us of the importance of maintaining proactive and precautionary health measures. Moving forward, USET/USET SPF remains committed to fostering safe and healthy environments for all members, staff, and event attendees by applying general public health best practices. The USET Tribal Epidemiology Center (USET TEC) is a designated public health authority and encourages all attendees to adopt general health measures to protect themselves and others, such as:

Staying home when feeling unwell.
Washing hands frequently and thoroughly.
Practicing respiratory etiquette (e.g., covering coughs and sneezes).
Remaining aware of potential health risks and staying informed about public health updates.

IRS Office Hours on Pre-Filing Registration Process for Elective Payment and Transfer of Clean Energy and CHIPS Credits
2025-07-02 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
The IRS is offering office hours (through Microsoft Teams) to help entities with the pre-filing registration process on the IRA/CHIPS Pre-filing Registration Tool. Pre-filing registration is a required step for applicable entities and eligible taxpayers to take advantage of elective payment or transfer of credits available in the Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS Act. Representatives from the IRS will be available to answer your pre-filing registration questions.
Registration for office hours is open. Registration is required and can be completed by clicking on the links below.

Date
Time
Register

January 15, 2025
1-2:30 p.m. Eastern time
Register

January 29, 2025
1-2:30 p.m. Eastern time
Register

February 12, 2025
1-2:30 p.m. Eastern time
Register

February 26, 2024
1-2:30 p.m. Eastern time
Register

March 12, 2025
1-2:30 p.m. Eastern time
Register

March 26, 2025
1-2:30 p.m. Eastern time
Register

April 9, 2025
1-2:30 p.m. Eastern time
Register

April 23, 2025
1-2:30 p.m. Eastern time
Register

May 7, 2025
1-2:30 p.m. Eastern time
Register

May 21, 2025
1-2:30 p.m. Eastern time
Register

June 4, 2025
1-2:30 p.m. Eastern time
Register

June 18, 2025
1-2:30 p.m. Eastern time
Register

July 2, 2025
1-2:30 p.m. Eastern time
Register

July 16, 2025
1-2:30 p.m. Eastern time
Register

Tribal Health Services Self-Determination and Self-Governance Technical Assistance Monthly Office Hours
2025-07-02 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.

Joint BIE and Education Department Tribal Stakeholder Consultation
2025-07-01 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-01 10:30 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
Tribal webinar for Tribal leaders or their designee
July 1 at 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Eastern
Register After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Public webinar for school boards, parents, teachers, and other education stakeholders
July 1 at 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Eastern
Register After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA), the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Education (DOI/BIE) and the U.S. Department of Education (ED) are required to enter into an agreement for the distribution and use of certain ESEA funds for Covered Programs under terms that the Secretary of Education determines best meet the purposes of those programs. 20 U.S.C. § 7824(a)(2)(A). The agreement must set forth the plans of the Secretary of the Interior for the use of the amount transferred and the achievement measures to assess program effectiveness, including program objectives, and be developed in consultation with Indian Tribes. 20 U.S.C. § 7824(a)(2)(B). There was a substantially similar requirement in the ESEA prior to the ESSA amendments under which ED and DOI/BIE last entered into an Agreement in 2012. ED and DOI/BIE invite you to virtual tribal consultations to discuss the new draft Agreement on July 1, 2025.
The agreement defines the responsibilities of DOI/BIE and DOI/BIE-funded schools for Covered Programs. Specifically, Covered Programs included in the agreement are:

Title I, Part A (Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies)
Title I, Part B (State Assessment Grants)
Title II, Part A (Supporting Effective Instruction)
Title IV, Part A (Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants)
Title IV, Part B (21st Century Community Learning Centers)
Title V, Part B, subpart 2 (Rural and Low-Income School Program)
Title VI, Part A, subpart 1 (Indian Education Formula Grants)
ESEA section 2222 (Comprehensive Literacy State Development program)
McKinney-Vento Act Programs – Title VII, subtitle B (Education for Homeless Children and Youths)

Background information on the DOI/ED Agreement, including the draft Agreement itself, is available at www.bie.edu/tribalconsultations. The DOI/BIE strongly recommends reviewing the DOI/BIE’s webpage prior to attending a Tribal consultation session or submitting written comments for providing meaningful feedback.
If you would like to provide written input, please either email your comments to consultationcomments@bie.edu or mail them to Ms. Juanita Mendoza, 1849 C Street, NW, MS 3609, Washington, DC, 20240. The deadline for written comments is August 1, 2025. If you have any questions regarding the Tribal consultations, you may contact Ms. Juanita Mendoza by phone at (202) 208-3559 or by email at juanita.mendoza@bie.edu.

BIA Division of Drug Enforcement Training: Program Overview and Resources
2025-07-01 13:30 - 14:30 | Virtual Event
July 1 at 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Eastern
Register
Drug-related activity in Indian Country significantly contributes to violent crime and poses serious health and economic challenges for Indian communities. The Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services (BIA-OJS) conducts advanced investigations into narcotics, gangs, border issues, and human trafficking violations through its Division of Drug Enforcement (DDE). DDE Special Agents collaborate daily with DDE K-9 teams, OJS General Crimes Special Agents, and uniformed police officers in Indian Country. They also partner with federal and tribal programs to disrupt narcotics sales and dismantle criminal organizations that operate on Indian lands, targeting vulnerable communities. This webinar will provide an in-depth overview of the DDE program, agent capabilities, and available resources for Tribal Nations and other federal agencies working Indian Country.
This training is available to federal, state, and tribal criminal justice personnel, social service providers and community stakeholders serving tribal communities. There is no charge to attend this webinar. CLE will not be provided.
This training is a joint effort hosted by federal law enforcement agencies responding to violent crime in Indian Country. Sponsoring agencies include the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Indian Country Training Initiative, the United States Indian Police Academy, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Department of the Interior’s Office of Law Enforcement and Security’s Victim Assistance Program.
If you have any questions, please contact at Lamesha Bowman at Lamesha.Bowman@usdoj.gov, Deborah Thomas at Deborah.Thomas@usdoj.gov, or Leslie A. Hagen at Leslie.hagen3@usdoj.gov.

Tribal Public Health Preparedness and Resilience Task Force Meeting
2025-07-01 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.

Office of Child Support Services Tribal Consultation
2025-06-30 12:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
June 30 at 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Eastern
Register
Agenda
Dear Tribal Leader Letter
OCSS will host a virtual Tribal Consultation on June 30, 2025, from 1-4 p.m. ET. During the session, OCSS leadership will seek input on the following topics:

Employment and Training Final Rule (New Topic)
Implementing Public Law 118-258 – Supporting America’s Children and Families Act
Federal Parent Locator Service systems and data including the Federal Case Registry
Systems Security and Safeguarding

Financing Clean Energy Projects in Volatile Times Webinar Series
2025-06-27 12:00 | Virtual Event
Please join the Financing Clean Energy Projects in Volatile Times, a two-part webinar providing up-to-date information and serving as a platform to discuss strategies for ensuring that Tribal clean energy projects can secure the funding needed to succeed, even in the face of potential reductions or eliminations in federal funding.
Both sessions will be tailored to address specific questions based on participants’ needs. The first will be more content-focused, providing answers, and the second will offer an opportunity to workshop specific projects or topics that participants bring to discuss.
Session 1 — June 23, 2025
Learn about different ways to weave and stack capital, including utilizing tax credits, construction loans, convertible loans, grants, sale leasebacks, as well as energy and environmental attribute sale agreements to fund clean energy infrastructure.

Register here with questions for a more tailored discussion
No question too big or too small

Session 2 — June 27, 2025
Bring your specific questions to explore finance structuring and modeling for your particular project or interest.
Please register here and, to ensure the content is as tailored as possible, please answer the questions included in the registration:

At what stage are you with your clean energy project(s)? (Just getting started, early stage development, late stage development, stuck in the mud, other-please specify)
What are your primary financing concerns? (Select all that apply: tax credits, development capital, construction capital, term financing, all of the above, other-please specify)
Please describe any specific concerns you would like addressed during the sessions.

Presented by Alliance team members Todd Halvorsen, Head of Energy Finance & Structuring, and Landon Jennings, Finance Analyst. Moderated by Leigha Bradford, Tribal Engagement Program Manager.
If you have any questions, please contact us at finance@tribalcleanenergy.org.

USET OERM Food Sovereignty Fridays
2025-06-27 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.

2025 National UNITY Conference
2025-06-27 00:00 - 2025-07-01 23:59
June 27 – July 1, 2025
San Diego, CA
Register
Join the National UNITY Conference, a transformative five-day youth-led extravaganza. They’re anticipating over 2,500 Native youth and mentors to gather in San Diego, California, from June 27 – July 1, 2025. The conference, brimming with engaging sessions, regional caucuses, workshops, and an expansive career/education fair, offers an unparalleled opportunity for hands-on leadership development. It’s where the National UNITY Council conducts elections and holds its annual business meeting. This is your chance to be part of a platform where Native youth voices are amplified and cherished. Be there to make a difference.

Consultation on DOI Strategic Plan
2025-06-26 14:00 - 15:30 | Virtual Event
Dear Tribal Leader,
The Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010 (GPRAMA) requires federal agencies to publish a strategic plan one year after a presidential inauguration and to annually track the agencies performance in implementing the plan.
The Department of the Interior (the Department or Interior) is preparing to release its Fiscal Year (FY) 2026–2030 Strategic Plan in October 2025. The strategic plan outlines the Department’s strategic goals, objectives, and strategies for the next four years. The FY 2026-2030 Strategic Plan may look a bit different than in years past as it will be more streamlined in length and presented at a very high level. Federal agencies will be developing shorter strategic plans to support the Administration’s goal of providing clear and concise documents to the American public.
Interior is committed to working in partnership with Tribal Nations to ensure the outcomes in the plan are meaningful and valuable to Tribal communities. To support this collaboration, the Department will host a series of virtual consultation sessions from June 16-26, 2025. These sessions will provide Tribal leaders the opportunity to offer input on the strategic goals and objectives, and to recommend performance measures and areas of learning. Feedback received will help inform the final plan.
We invite you to participate in this important dialogue and help shape the Department’s path forward. A preview draft framework is available at https://www.bia.gov/service/tribalconsultations/department-interior-fy2026-2030-strategic-plan. Please register in advance of the consultation you plan on attending. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Please note, consultations will be closed to the press and the public to protect confidential information that may be addressed. Sessions are focused for each specific community, as noted below.
The consultations will be held virtually on:

June 17 – East Coast Tribal
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Eastern
https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/8geQldpcRUmmVO24AI6kcA
June 18 – ANC
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Eastern
https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/eNp2PDlySiapR0VTncAW9Q
June 24 – West Coast Tribal
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Eastern
https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/AxkiZxq0Q3ORw2pJ_41HoQ
June 26 – Native Hawaiian
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Eastern
https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/EZlEs_fQQ1qVj2I_65kaYg

After the last scheduled consultation session, the comment period will remain open for approximately 30 days. During the comment period, consultation session participants are invited to submit comments using the following consultation@bia.gov.
When submitting comments, we are specifically seeking insights on the following:

What changes would you like to see incorporated into the strategic goals, strategic objectives, or planned strategies in the FY 2026-2030 Strategic Plan?
What performance measures would you like to see the Department track?
Are there any questions you would like to see the Department pursue and learn about to become more efficient and effective?

Please reach out to the Office of Planning and Performance Management, at doi_strategic_plan@ios.doi.gov with any questions.

National Indian Country Training Initiative Online Training: Machinegun Conversion Devices (MCD)
2025-06-26 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
June 26 at 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Eastern
Register
This training is restricted to prosecutors and law enforcement. There is no charge to attend this webinar. CLE will not be provided.
This course introduces Law Enforcement personnel to current trends, technology, and identification associated with Machinegun Conversion Devices (MCD) that are currently encountered by Law Enforcement and how federal law applies to them. This is an overview of the most common MCDs used to convert firearms from their original semi-automatic configuration into fully automatic machineguns with small drop in devices commonly made with simple tools or 3D printers.
This training is a joint effort hosted by federal law enforcement agencies responding to violent crime in Indian Country. Sponsoring agencies include the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Indian Country Training Initiative, the United States Indian Police Academy, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Department of the Interior’s Office of Law Enforcement and Security’s Victim Assistance Program.
If you have any questions, please contact at Lamesha Bowman at Lamesha.Bowman@usdoj.gov, Deborah Thomas at Deborah.Thomas@usdoj.gov or Leslie A. Hagen at Leslie.Hagen3@usdoj.gov.

Travois Webinar - Innovations in affordable housing design in Native communities
2025-06-26 13:00 | Virtual Event
June 26 at 1:00 pm Central
Register
In this session, they will discuss the latest innovations and cost-saving measures for quality, affordable housing design. Their experts will discuss how these measures can help ensure the long-term financial viability of your project. They’ll touch on renewable energy and green design and how it can be adapted to fit into funding requirements. They’ll also highlight successful Tribal projects and share their designs for inspiration.
Speakers:
– Adam Rose, director of partnerships and growth
– Adam Teefey, director of design

Native American Code Officials Meeting
2025-06-26 11:00 - 12:30 | Virtual Event
June 26 at 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Central/12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Eastern
Register
The Native American Code Officials (NACO) invites you to a free Zoom meeting next Thursday June 26 from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm EST.
NACO is a Native founded, lead and focused organization serving as a resource for Tribal Nations seeking to utilize tribal building codes as an additional tool to promote Tribal sovereignty, health, safety, economic development and workforce development.

Forvis Mazars Webinar: Essential Techniques for Grant Writing Success
2025-06-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
June 25 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Eastern
Register
Join Forvis Mazars for an in-depth overview of the current grant landscape and practical strategies for developing an annual grants strategy. In this CPE-eligible presentation, learn about advanced techniques for identifying suitable grants and crafting compelling proposals. We’ll also share insights on best practices for articulating project goals, aligning with funder priorities, and effectively communicating impact within grant applications.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

Describe the current grant landscape.
Outline and plan a grant portfolio and annual grants strategy.
Explain the process of finding and applying for grants.

Discuss grant writing tips

HEARTH Act Tribal Outreach/Overview Session
2025-06-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual Event
June 25 at 10:00 am – 11:30 am Central
Register
The BIA Office of Trust Services’ Division of Real Estate Services (DRES) in coordination with the IA Office of the Solicitor will host a HEARTH Act Tribal Outreach/Overview Session on June 25, 2025, from 9:00-10:30 am (Mountain Time). The HEARTH Act is the Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Home Ownership Act of 2012.
The Tribal Outreach Session will discuss the 52 IAM 13 policy which covers the initial submission, internal review and approval process, and the Legal Sufficiency Checklist for Tribal HEARTH Act regulations. 52 IAM 13 policy link: 52-iam-13_hearth-act-modification_final_signed_508_updatedaddress.pdf
The target audience for this Outreach Session includes Tribal Leaders, Tribal Attorneys and Representatives, as well as Tribal staff who are interested in learning more about the HEARTH Act.
There is no cost to attend this overview session, however participants must register at the link below in order to attend.
https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/fe7c2db7-943c-4b00-9c03-56cdc88220d8@0693b5ba-4b18-4d7b-9341-f32f400a5494
Please contact John Smith, Acting Regional Realty Officer at john.smith@bia.gov with any questions.

US Sustainable Investment Forum
2025-06-25 00:00 - 2025-06-27 23:59
June 25-27, 2025
Washington, DC at the Conrad Hotel
Forum website
The largest US convening of leaders across the capital markets ecosystem coming together to drive a more sustainable economy. For over a decade, US SIF has gathered decision-makers from the institutional, retail, financial services and public policy space to share the ideas that help them navigate and shape the sustainable investing landscape.
In 2025, we’re bringing the conference to our home city – Washington, DC! We’re pairing our annual Hill Day with Forum 2025, bringing together what we do best: advocacy, education, and impact. Mark your calendars, more information coming soon!

Day 3 (June 27) will spotlight the launch of an investor guide and resource hub with a special breakfast event, keynote remarks from former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, and a high-impact panel on Indigenous Peoples’ rights and investment risk.

Special Breakfast Event: Soft Launch of Investor Guide and Resource Hub
Join US SIF, our partner ImpactARC, and US SIF board member Rebecca Adamson for the soft launch of our joint report: Sustainable Indigenous Finance: Investor Guide Navigating the Energy Transition
This event will highlight:

Key insights from our research
The increasing financial materiality of Indigenous Peoples’ rights
Practical guidance for investors on integrating these considerations into decision-making

The program will also include the unveiling of our new Sustainable Indigenous Finance Resource Hub, located on the US SIF website, followed by a networking breakfast.
Seats are limited – please email olieberthal@ussif.org to RSVP or learn more.

Keynote Remarks from Former U.S. Secretary Deb Haaland
We’re thrilled to announce that former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland will address the US SIF FORUM as a featured speaker. In a virtual address, she’ll speak on the government’s role in safeguarding people, the environment, and the economy — drawing from her Pueblo heritage and public service.

Plenary Panel on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights: Risks & Opportunities for Supply Chains & Bottom Lines
Research has found that overlooking actual or potential adverse impacts on Indigenous peoples can pose significant business risks, from supply chain disruptions to land tenure disputes and, in effect, potentially impact financial performance.
This panel will explore how investors and companies can mitigate these risks while unlocking opportunities for stronger partnerships and long-term value creation.
