United South & Eastern Tribes

Social Security Administration Free Training on SSA Programs and Services
2024-03-26 09:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Event
March 26 at 10:00 am Eastern
March 27 at 1:30 pm Eastern
Register
The Social Security Administration is hosting another training series following the published Tribal Benefits Coordinator Guide with lessons that build upon the prior session starting with SSA Benefits 101 in March. You may find the Dear Tribal Leader Letter here, which includes more information and registration link.
Who should attend: All Social Workers, Tribal Benefit Coordinators, Navigators, and others that serve critical support roles to the American Indian Alaska Native people.

VA Listening Session on Veterans Cemetery Grants Program
2024-03-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
The VA is having a listening session to
discuss issues affecting compliance with certain terms and conditions of grants made by the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program (VCGP) as well as proposed regulatory changes affecting Tribes. Section 2408 of Title 38, United States Code (U.S.C.) and implementing regulations in Part 39 of Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) govern processes and criteria for grant applications, award decisions, and define grantee responsibilities to meet specified grant terms and conditions. These requirements affect all VCGP grantees, but the focus of this listening session will be to facilitate communication with Tribal Leaders on the following topics for discussion.
NCA wants successful outcomes for Tribal grantee cemeteries. Our goal for the listening session is to better understand the unique aspects of American Indian and Alaska Native communities that may impact their ability to comply with VCGP requirements. This input will inform NCA as it contemplates potential actions and changes that may affect Tribal grantees. Additionally, NCA is developing regulatory amendments that would require grantees to inter Veterans and other eligible individuals and to eliminate residency restrictions on interment and memorialization in VA grant-funded cemeteries. Tribal input is needed on the impact, if any, of these proposed changes. Below are issues NCA has identified for discussion having administered cemetery grants to fourteen Tribal Nations:

Maintaining the cemetery according to NCA Operational Standards and Measures.
Correcting deficiencies identified during a Compliance Review assessment of the cemetery.
Submitting Annual VA Form 40-0241 (VA Grant-Funded Veterans Cemetery Data) documenting current burial activity at the cemetery, use of gravesites, and additional operational information intended to answer questions about the status of the grant program.
Clarifying any potential impacts of regulatory changes currently under consideration by VA.

They welcome input from Tribal Leaders (or their designee) on questions presented below but are open to any other topics Tribal Leaders would like to raise.

What solutions would Tribal Leaders suggest to improve Tribal Veterans’ cemeteries compliance with grant terms and conditions, specifically meeting NCA Operational Standards and Measures? What are some of the challenges facing Tribal grantees?
Do Tribal Veteran cemeteries have Tribal membership requirements? Would Tribes be affected by a proposed regulation that would require grant funded cemeteries to inter individuals eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery without regard to State residency?
What means of communication work best for Tribal Veteran grantees and communities?
Are there other recommendations, concerns, or suggestions that VA should consider?

VA invites you to participate in a virtual listening session to discuss these issues, clarify ambiguities, and address any other topics of concern to enhance collaboration between NCA and Tribal Cemeteries.
The virtual listening session has been scheduled to address the above topics on Monday, March 25, 2024, 3:00-5:00 pm (Eastern Time). Participants can access the session hosted on Teams by using the following methods:

Join on your computer’s Teams app using this link: Click here to join the meeting.
Join on the Teams web-based platform using this link: Join on the web and enter Meeting ID: 247 382 430 590 and Passcode: [REDACTED]
Call in (audio only) by dialing +1 872-701-0185, then enter when prompted the Conference ID 390440417#.

Please submit written comments to tribalgovernmentconsultation@va.gov before March 25, 2024. For questions regarding these efforts, please contact James Earp, Director, Veterans Cemetery Grants Program by email at james.earp@va.gov or by phone at 202-461-0620 (not a toll-free number).

2024 Preparedness Summit
2024-03-25 - 2024-03-28 | Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, 300 Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44113, United States
2024 Preparedness Summit | Public Health, Healthcare, and Emergency Management: Aligning to Address Cascading Challenges
Cleveland, Ohio
March 25-28, 2024
Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
Event website
A successful working relationship between the public health, healthcare, and emergency management sectors is critical to public health and medical emergency mission success. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vital importance of collaboration among public health, emergency management and healthcare. Across these sectors, the strengths of existing relationships vary and the language each sector speaks is different—making collaboration more difficult. Also, how each sector employs various response systems such as ICS was evident.
At the same time, challenges faced by our communities grow—with multiple emergencies occurring simultaneously and the impacts of each compounding. How can public health, emergency management, and healthcare work to strengthen their partnerships in support of communities? The time is now to talk about it, examine response systems, and take steps to deepen relationships.
The theme of the 2024 Preparedness Summit, “Public Health, Healthcare, and Emergency Management: Aligning to Address Cascading Challenges,” will provide an opportunity for sectors to come together, align missions, and discover better ways to work as true partners. By investing in these partnerships now, we can build connections that enhance our individual and collective capabilities and readiness for ongoing and future response and recovery.

Monthly CDFI Certification Conference Calls
2024-03-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
The CDFI Fund conducts monthly CDFI Certification Conference Calls which are intended to serve as a forum for potential CDFI Certification Applicants, Certified CDFIs, and other CDFI Certification stakeholders to ask questions and discuss CDFI Certification and the CDFI Certification process.
Access InstructionsTo access conference calls participants need to call the toll-free number (800) 369-1639 and dial in the numeric Participant Passcode [REDACTED]. No prior registration is necessary. Please note the dial in process is automated. The conference call will have a moderator to direct the Q&As. Please note all call are Eastern Time (ET).
CDFI Certification Conference Call Schedule

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

CDFI CONTACT INFORMATION

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

US Army Corps of Engineers Public Virtual Meeting on Rescinding Appendix C
2024-03-21 12:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
the US Army Corps of Engineers formally proposed rescinding Appendix C of its regulatory program and instead following the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP)’s regulations for implementing the National Historic Preservation Act. You can view the proposal HERE. This would represent a big win for THPOs and Tribal Nations, one that has been a long time coming. NATHPO has been working diligently with THPOs and allied organizations to advocate for this change.
The Corps of Engineers will be holding two virtual meetings to discuss this proposal, one open to the public on February 22 and a second for Tribal Nations on March 21. The Zoom information for those sessions is below. Additionally, comments on this proposal are due April 9, 2024. NATHPO will be preparing a comment letter, which we will share with you when it’s ready. NATHPO will also be hosting a webinar for THPOs and Tribal representatives to talk through these proposed changes and hear questions and your concerns directly. We will share the details of that webinar as soon as they are finalized.
Appendix C Virtual Meeting Information:
Public Virtual Meeting on February 22, 2024 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm EST
Webinar Link: https://www.zoomgov.com/s/1611505118
Call-in Information:
Phone Number: 669-254-5252
Meeting ID: 161 272 1966
Tribal Virtual Meeting on March 21, 2024 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm EDT
Webinar Link: https://www.zoomgov.com/s/1612721966
Call-in Information:
Phone Number: 669-254-5252
Meeting ID: 161 272 1966

USDA Forest Service Informational Webinar on Funding Opportunity for Invasive Species Funding for Work on Tribal Lands
2024-03-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
March 21 at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Eastern
Microsoft Teams Meeting link
Proposal Template

IHS Virtual HSPD-12 for Background Investigations Information Session
2024-03-20 14:30 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
Dear Tribal Leader Letter
March 20 at 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Eastern
Zoom link

Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan Webinar Series: Advancing Health Equity for Native Communities
2024-03-20 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
SESSION 1: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 3 – 4 PM ET
Navigating Native Partnerships: How to Build Trust and Advance Health Equity
REGISTER HERE: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nLkaCreXT_G54vx5scZxsA (-> keepitsacred.us11.list-manage.com)
SESSION 2: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 3 – 4 PM ET
Ensuring your Message Lands: Reaching Tribal Communities with Multimodal Media Campaigns
REGISTER HERE: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EH0-TxioStOtGyJn_Pv4jA (-> keepitsacred.us11.list-manage.com)
SESSION 3: WEDNESDAY MAY 1, 3 – 4 PM ET
Supporting Tribes of All Sizes: Ensuring Streamlined Funding Sources to Support Rural Tribal Communities
REGISTER HERE: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FzZbXwT-RoWoGOUdD2ZbAQ (-> keepitsacred.us11.list-manage.com)
The National Native Network, administered by the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan (ITCM), will host a three-part webinar series to reach a variety of state and local health departments around the country to advance health equity and address social determinants of health among American Indian and Alaska Native populations.
The three-part webinar series will include topics on best practices of Community Based Participatory Approaches to working with American Indian and Alaska Native populations, culturally tailored communications for prevention services, and expansion and infrastructure support garnered through the work of the Tribal Vaccine Equity Project.
This webinar series was made possible by funding from the National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI) to support state and local health departments who received the CDC OT21-2103 grant, National Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities Among Populations at High-Risk and Underserved, Including Racial and Ethnic Minority Populations and Rural Communities.

IRS Office Hours to assist with IRA/CHIPS Pre-filling Registration Tool
2024-03-20 12:00 - 13:30, 2024-03-13 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
The IRS is excited to offer additional office hours (through Microsoft Teams) to help entities with the pre-filing registration process on the new IRA/CHIPS Pre-filing Registration Tool. Pre-filing registration is a required step for applicable entities and eligible taxpayers to take advantage of elective payment or transfer of credits available in the Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS Act. Representatives from the IRS will be available to answer your pre-filing registration questions.
Registration for office hours is now open. Registration is required and can be completed by clicking on the links below.

Date
Time
Registration Link

February 28, 2024
1-2:30 PM EST
Register Here

March 6, 2024
1-2:30 PM EST
Register Here

March 13, 2024
1-2:30 PM EDT
Register Here

March 20, 2024
1-2:30 PM EDT
Register Here

March 27, 2024
1-2:30 PM EDT
Register Here

April 3, 2024
1-2:30 PM EDT
Register Here

April 10, 2024
1-2:30 PM EDT
Register Here

April 17, 2024
1-2:30 PM EDT
Register Here

April 24, 2024
1-2:30 PM EDT
Register Here

FEMA Webinar: Grants Portal Functionality with EMMIE Decommissioning Training
2024-03-20 11:30 - 15:30 | Virtual Event
FEMA is hosting a webinar and in-depth training to provide information, guidance, and answer questions on its official system of record for Public Assistance grant activities – Grants Manager and Grants Portal. The informational webinar will provide an overview and timeline of the decommissioning process of the agency’s Emergency Management Mission Integrated Environment (EMMIE) system, and the training will help enhance user experience with the system as the agency replaces EMMIE with the more modern, transparent, and accessible Grants Manager and Grants Portal systems.

Audience: State, Tribal, and Territorial partners – Recipient level
Host: Public Assistance Training and Development Branch, SLTT Section

What:
The Public Assistance Training and Development Branch, SLTT Section will be hosting a Grants Portal Overview in response to scheduled EMMIE decommissioning. The overview will highlight the Grants Portal functionality for completing Amendments, Time Extensions, Closeout and Reporting with the decommissioning of EMMIE.
Additionally, a registration process will be shared for participating in additional training webinars to review in depth the Grants Portal and Grants Manager workflow for each of the following: Amendments, Time Extensions, Closeout and Reporting. Webinars will be available on FEMA YouTube at a future date.
Why:
To assist our State, Tribal and Territorial partners in managing the impact of EMMIE decommissioning and transitioning fully to Grants Portal for the management of Public Assistance grants.
When: March 20, 2024 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. ET
Where: Zoom https://fema.zoomgov.com/j/1610975089
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Or One tap mobile :
+16692545252,,1610975089# US (San Jose)
+16469641167,,1610975089# US (US Spanish Line)
Dial by your location
+1 669 254 5252 US (San Jose)
+1 646 964 1167 US (US Spanish Line)
+1 646 828 7666 US (New York)
+1 669 216 1590 US (San Jose)
+1 415 449 4000 US (US Spanish Line)
+1 551 285 1373 US (New Jersey)
Meeting ID: 161 097 5089
Passcode: [REDACTED]

The American Buffalo: A Conversation on the Indigenous-led Buffalo Movement
2024-03-19 16:00 - 18:30 | Doris Duke Center, 444 Madison Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY, 10022, United States
Please join for an illuminating evening where history, conservation, and Indigenous cultures converge. The Doris Duke Foundation invites you to a gathering to celebrate Indigenous-led buffalo restoration efforts across North America, with a brief screening of Ken Burns’ latest documentary, The American Buffalo, and the companion short film, Homecoming, by Julianna Brannum. The films will be coupled with a discussion with leaders in the Indigenous-led buffalo conservation movement.
Register
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, March 19th
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Venue: Doris Duke Center, 444 Madison Ave, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10022

Evening Schedule:
5:00PM – 5:30 PM Reception
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Screenings and Program

Speakers:

Donovan Waupoose (Menominee Nation): Director of Medicine Fish – Menominee Buffalo Initiative
Ervin Carlson (Blackfeet Nation): Director, Blackfeet Nation’s Buffalo Program; President, InterTribal Buffalo Council; and Co-founder and Strategic Advisor, INDIGENOUS LED
Jason Baldes (Eastern Shoshone Tribe): Executive Director, Wind River Tribal Buffalo Institute
(Moderator) Cristina Mormorunni (Métis): Co-founder, INDIGENOUS LED; Founder and Principal, the TERRAMAR collective

This event will delve into the ecological, cultural, and spiritual significance of the buffalo from an Indigenous perspective, exploring themes of ecological restoration, cultural revitalization, and healing. It’s a chance to engage with leaders in the field, learn about the current realities and future possibilities of buffalo conservation, and discuss the role of Indigenous political power and stewardship in shaping a sustainable and just future.

Treasury Tribal Consultation: TTAC Subcommittee Project Plan and Report on Tribal Pension Issues
2024-03-19 12:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
Dear Tribal Leader Letter
Project Plan and Report on Tribal Pension Issues
March 19 at 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Eastern
Register
The Report is a work product of the TTAC. It highlights issues that Tribal employers have raised under the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA ‘06), including related provisions under section 414(d) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) and section 3(32) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and contains proposed recommendations.

Tribal Interior Budget Council (TIBC) Meeting
2024-03-18 - 2024-03-22 | Washington Marriott Capitol Hill, 175 L St. NE, Washington, DC, 20002, United States
Below is updated information about the upcoming TIBC meeting, including important information about lodging. Note that the TIBC meetings will be conducted in-person only and there will be no virtual option.
Dates:
The next TIBC meeting days will be March 18th – 22nd, 2024.
Location:
The next TIBC meeting will take place at the Washington Marriott Capitol Hill, located at 175 L St NE, Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 972-9800
Registration:
If you are planning on attending the TIBC meetings, please fill out this short registration form so that we can plan for the appropriate number of attendees: https://forms.gle/F5VqGHjd1kqU3rhx5
Lodging:
Hotel reservations link: https://www.marriott.com/events/start.mi?id=1704730950302&key=GRP To receive the discounted rates, you must make your reservations by February 17th, 2024
Additional information about the TIBC meeting can be found here:
https://www.ncai.org/initiatives/bia-tribal-budget-advisory-council
Questions:
Please don’t hesitate to respond to this email (tibc@ncai.org) with any questions or concerns you might have.

National NAGPRA Program Webinars
2024-03-15 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
The National NAGPRA Program will host a series of 10 webinars on the new regulations on the third Friday of every month from 1pm to 2:30pm Eastern time. Registration is required, but the meeting information is always the same. Register once and attend any session. Mark your calendars and bring your questions. https://doitalent.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_lh7ZTDUUR3KuMODpLhqwPw
January 19, 2024 – Overview of Revised Regulations, Watch Recording
February 16, 2024 – Deep dive into Repatriation of Human Remains and Associated Funerary Objects, Watch Recording
March 15, 2024 – Deep dive into Repatriation of Cultural Items
April 19, 2024 – Notices under NAGPRA

U.S. Department of Energy: Clean Energy Technology Deployment on Tribal Lands – 2024 (DE-FOA-0003298) FOA Webinar
2024-03-14 14:00 - 16:30 | Virtual Event
March 14 at 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm Central
Register
The DOE Office of Indian Energy will conduct an informational webinar on March14, 2024 (1:00-3:30 p.m. MT) to provide information on the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to potential applicants. In addition to describing the FOA, information will be provided on who is eligible to apply, what an application needs to include, cost share and other requirements, how to ask questions, and how applications will be selected for funding. If you are unable to attend the webinar, it will be recorded and posted for later viewing.

DOI Briefing Call to discuss the Biden-Harris Administration's FY 2025 Budget Request
2024-03-14 14:00 | Virtual Event
Dear Tribal Leader Letter
The briefing call will focus on the Administration’s budget plan to bolster the level of resources needed for Indian Affairs’ mission of service to Tribes and support its role in strengthening the Federal Government’s nation-to-nation relationship with Tribes as well as its treaty and trust responsibilities. The President’s Budget supports an all-of-government approach to addressing Federal responsibilities and Tribal needs in Indian Country and is committed to Tribal sovereignty, self-sufficiency, and self-determination.
MEETING INFORMATION:
DATE: Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time
FORMAT: ZoomGov or Call-In
Register in advance for this meeting: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsc-mqpzspHtcrqlJbvngwlwF9bXDzeCw
Please note that this meeting is off-the-record and not for press purposes. It is highly encouraged to join the meeting 5 to 10 minutes early to avoid any potential technical delays.

FEMA Webinar: EMMIE Decommissioning Webinar
2024-03-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
FEMA is hosting a webinar and in-depth training to provide information, guidance, and answer questions on its official system of record for Public Assistance grant activities – Grants Manager and Grants Portal. The informational webinar will provide an overview and timeline of the decommissioning process of the agency’s Emergency Management Mission Integrated Environment (EMMIE) system, and the training will help enhance user experience with the system as the agency replaces EMMIE with the more modern, transparent, and accessible Grants Manager and Grants Portal systems.

EMMIE Decommissioning Informational Webinar
When: March 14, 2024, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. ET
Where: Zoom https://fema.zoomgov.com/j/1605377504
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Or One tap mobile :
+16692545252,,1605377504# US (San Jose)
+16468287666,,1605377504# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 669 254 5252 US (San Jose)
+1 646 828 7666 US (New York)
+1 646 964 1167 US (US Spanish Line)
+1 551 285 1373 US (New Jersey)
+1 669 216 1590 US (San Jose)
+1 415 449 4000 US (US Spanish Line)
Meeting ID: 160 537 7504
Passcode: [REDACTED]

NAP Member Education Session: Pop Culture and Media Representation
2024-03-14 12:00 | Virtual Event
March 14 at 1:00 pm Eastern
Register
On March 14th, at 1:00 PM ET, Native Americans in Philanthropy is excited to spotlight advocates for Indigenous representation in pop culture and media. Moderated by Stephine “Steph” Poston, along with a member of our Native Youth Grantmaker program, they are honored to welcome Kristin Gentry (Choctaw) from IndigiPopX, Michael Johnson (Three Affiliated Tribes of ND) from IllumiNative, and Vogue’s Christian Allaire (Ojibwe). Together, they will engage in a conversation about Indian Country’s growing presence and power throughout media and pop culture.

USET Reception At RES 2024
2024-03-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Caesars Palace Julius Tower Penthouse, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas, NV, 89109, United States
YOU’RE INVITED TO THE USET RECEPTION AT THE RESERVATION ECONOMIC SUMMIT 2024
March 13 at 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

CAESARS PALACE
JULIUS TOWER, FOURTH FLOOR, ROOM 458
3570 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las
Vegas, NV 89109
Join us for an evening of networking, camaraderie and discussions on the latest developments at USET, including our Tribal Infrastructure Development Program.
Please complete the RSVP form by March 12, 2024.
Location and more information will be sent out once we receive your RSVP.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Rebecca Naragon, USET Office of Economic Development Director at Rnaragon@usetinc.org or Sarah Fly, USET Administrative Assistant, at Sfly@usetinc.org.

USDA ReConnect Round 5 Webinar for Tribal Applicants
2024-03-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
March 13 at 2:00 pm Central
Register
Presented by USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service, this webinar will provide an overview of the ReConnect Program, highlight resources, and key considerations for tribal applicants, and allow ample time for questions and answers.
This webinar will include:

A brief overview of the ReConnect Program
A brief overview of the round 5 Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)
Key considerations for Tribal applicants
Extended question and answer period

NIHB Tribal Environmental Health Webinar Series
2024-03-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
March 13 at 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Eastern
Register
Join the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) for the rescheduled webinar of the Regional Tribal Environmental Health Summit Series. The webinar is free to attend and will be held on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month.
This upcoming webinar will focus on Extreme Weather Preparedness and will take place on March 13, 2024, from 3:00 – 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Our featured speaker, Aliza Bolling, will discuss how to prepare for extreme weather events in Tribal areas as well as how to declare a disaster in the area as a Tribal Nation.
We encourage you to come prepared to participate and share your insights and experiences. If you have any questions about the Tribal webinars, please contact Aliza Bolling, at abolling@nihb.org.

USET Infectious Disease ECHO
2024-03-13 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
We invite you and your staff to participate in the Infectious Disease ECHO. This ECHO merged the previous COVID-19 and Hepatitis C ECHOs and will focus on a different topic every month. Additionally, clinical cases are encouraged to be submitted to gain insight into healthcare recommendations from other medical providers working in the field. Beginning in March 2024, this no-cost telehealth series is held on the second Wednesday of every month at 1:00 pm Central/2:00 pm Eastern.
Each session is one hour in length and provides an opportunity for participants to:

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

This month’s ECHO will focus on HIV and Traditional Practices in support of the National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (March 20) and National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (March 10).
Who should attend? Tribal Nation health directors, clinic staff, physicians, nurses, Tribal Epidemiology Center staff, and anyone supporting Tribal Nation citizens through the health sector are welcome to join.
Registration: Register in advance for the session. You ONLY need to register ONCE for the series. Once you register, you can download the reminder to your calendar with the Zoom information.
Continuing Education: This activity will offer CE credits for a variety of professionals. More information will be provided at a later date.

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

FCC Webinar: Wind Down Affordable Connectivity Program
2024-03-13 12:00 | Virtual Event
March 13 at 1:00 pm Eastern
The briefing will be streamed live on www.fcc.gov/live and recorded and archived for public viewing available at fcc.gov/acp.
On March 4, 2024, the FCC issued a Public Notice (DA 24-23) confirming that absent additional funding from Congress, April 2024 is the last fully funded month for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). April will be the final month that households receiving the benefit will see it applied to their monthly internet bill and without renewed funding from Congress, the ACP will only be able to provide a partial reimbursement for May 2024. ACP service providers are required to send notices about the program’s end no later than 15 days after the release of the March 4, 2024, Public Notice.
As part of its continued consumer education, the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) will host a webinar on March 13, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The briefing will be streamed live on www.fcc.gov/live and recorded and archived for public viewing available at fcc.gov/acp.
Please join CGB’s Consumer Affairs and Outreach Division for more information and the latest updates regarding the ACP Wind-Down, the release of new consumer education materials, a review of the program’s consumer protections, and how to solicit support from the agency’s outreach and engagement teams to minimize consumer confusion.
This webinar will be webcast with open captioning and sign language interpreting at www.fcc.gov/live. Other reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Include a description of the accommodation you will need and tell us how to contact you if we need more information. Make your request as early as possible. Last minute requests will be accepted but may be impossible to fill. Send an e-mail to FCC504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice).
Registration is not required for this public event.
For more information about the ACP Wind-Down, visit www.fcc.gov/acp. The Order released on January 11, 2024, provides requirements and guidance on the ACP Wind-Down.

2024 Intertribal Timber Council Symposium
2024-03-13 - 2024-03-16
2024 Symposium – Save the Date

47th Annual National Indian Timber Symposium
Hosted by ITC & Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
May 13-16, 2024, Cherokee, NC

USAC Tribal Teleconference on the National Verifier System
2024-03-12 15:00 | Virtual Event
Universal Service Administrative Company’s (USAC) March Tribal Teleconference will provide an overview of the National Verifier (NV) system. Please join the teleconference on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 4 p.m. ET – Register.
The Lifeline program lowers the monthly cost of phone and internet services for qualifying low-income consumers. Consumers living on qualifying Tribal lands can receive a larger discount, plus up to $100 off their first-time connection charges for Lifeline services at their primary residence.
During this interactive training session, subject matter experts will provide attendees with important program updates, discuss how to navigate the NV system, and answer any questions about the program.
USAC will continue to host free monthly teleconferences for Tribal stakeholders throughout 2024. To view USAC’s calendar of Tribal events and browse past trainings, visit the Tribal Nations page.

FEMA Annual Tribal Nations Training Week
2024-03-09 - 2024-03-16 | Center for Domestic Preparedness Campus, Anniston, AL, United States
The Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) will host the 9th
Annual Tribal Nations Training Week the week of March 9 –
16, 2024 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, training, and any equipment required during training.
View the list of classes and additional information for this training week.

Permitting Council Tribal Consultation
2024-03-07 13:30 - 15:30 | Virtual Event
The Permitting Council Executive Director cordially invites Tribal leaders and their designees to a virtual Tribal consultation on the Permitting Council’s Draft Tribal Consultation Policy and Plan.

Registration
The consultation on the Permitting Council’s Tribal Consultation Policy and Plan will be held virtually on the date below. Registration is required to participate in the consultation.

March 7, 2024 from 2:30-4:30 pm ET

Click here to register.

Background
The Permitting Council is responsible for implementing Executive Order (E.O.) 13175, “Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments.” The enclosed draft Tribal Consultation Policy and Plan implements E.O. 13175.

Email Attachments:

Dear Tribal Leader Letter
Consultation Framing Paper
Draft Permitting Council Consultation Policy and Plan

Please contact PoQueen Rivera, Director of Tribal Affairs, for the Permitting Council at poqueen.rivera@fpisc.gov should you have any questions.

Department of the Treasury Reporting Webinar | Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) program
2024-03-07 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual Event
Thursday, March 7 at 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Eastern
Register
The U.S. Department of the Treasury will host a Reporting Webinar for Tribal governments about the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) program. During the session, Treasury will provide the following:

Overview of LATCF
Overview of compliance requirements
Demonstration of the Treasury Reporting Portal
Overview of resources

Who should attend: All Tribal governments are required to submit an Annual Report by March 31, 2024. Staff new to administering their Tribe’s LATCF program are especially encouraged to attend, in particular, staff directly responsible for reporting.

USET/ DOE Webinar on Clean Energy Tax Credits and Financing
2024-03-07 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual Event
March 7 at 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Eastern
Register
You are cordially invited to join the USET Tribal Infrastructure Development Program in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Programs Office Tribal Energy Finance Program for an informational webinar on renewable energy tax credits available to Tribal Nations and our enterprises under recently-enacted infrastructure laws and how these and DOE loan guarantees can be combined to finance energy projects in Indian Country.
Guest Speakers:

Claire Newfeld, Associate, Hobbs Straus Dean & Walker
David Sickey, Tribal Energy Finance Program, DOE
Lisa Garcia, Tribal Energy Finance Program, DOE

Under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a new provision called elective payment allows certain tax credits as payments from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to Tribal governments and other tax-exempt entities to help fund new renewable energy infrastructure and reduce costs. The newly accessible tax credits include the major/green energy production tax credit, investment tax credits, as well as credit for qualified clean commercial vehicles, credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property, and credit for carbon oxide sequestration.
In addition to tax credits, the IRA increased loan authority under the Tribal Energy Financing Program at DOE to $20 billion. The Tribal Energy Financing Program supports Tribal investment in energy-related projects by providing loan guarantees to federally recognized Tribal Nations or a Tribal Energy Development Organization that is wholly or substantially owned by a federally recognized Tribal Nation.
Learn more about how Tribal Nations can access these tax credits, loans, and other benefits under newly-enacted infrastructure laws by visiting the USET Tribal Infrastructure Development webpage.
