United South & Eastern Tribes

USET OERM Webinar | Learning About Lead Exposure in Tribal Children
2024-04-04 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Event
The USET Office of Environmental Resource Management presents
the Learning About Lead Exposure in Tribal Children Webinar
USET’s Office of Environmental Resource Management (OERM) is introducing our Lead Testing program. EPA’s 3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools and Child Care Facilities was developed to help schools and child-care facilities to implement a voluntary program for reducing lead in drinking water. This EPA program is focused on promoting voluntary testing of drinking water for lead, taking corrective action if problems are identified, and sharing testing results and plans for reducing lead exposure in drinking water with parents, staff, students, and the community at large.

When:

April 4 at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Central/3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Eastern
May 9 at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Central/3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Eastern
June 12 at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm /3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Eastern

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

What: This webinar will cover the following:

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

Registration:
Register today.

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

FEMA Webinar for FEMA GO Training for prospective FY 2024 THSGP applicants.
2024-04-04 13:00, 2024-04-01 13:00 | Virtual Event
Monday, April 1, 2:00 pm Eastern
Register
Thursday, April 4, 2:00 pm Eastern
Register
Friday, April 5, 2:00 pm Eastern
Register

GPD is continuing a series of webinars that began in 2021 with the goal of increasing transparency and ensuring stakeholders have the information they need to successfully submit their Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 THSGP applications. The upcoming webinars will focus on:

FEMA GO Training for prospective FY 2024 THSGP applicants.

Three separate sessions are being offered to accommodate participant schedules. There is no need to participate in more than one session since the agenda is the same for both.

2024 Indian Law Conference
2024-04-04 - 2024-04-05
April 4-5, 2024
Join the Indian Law Section for the 49th Annual Indian Law Conference at the Sandia Resort in Albuquerque, NM.
Co-Hosted by the Indian Law Section
Conference Website

HHS Tribal Consultation on the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
2024-04-03 14:30 | Virtual Event
April 3 at 3:30 pm Eastern
Register in advance
The Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is committed to partnering on a nation-to-nation basis with Tribes to ensure the wellbeing of Tribal children and preservation of Tribal families. We invite you to provide your input on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to amend the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) regulations to require state title IV-E agencies to collect and report additional data elements related to the procedural requirements related to the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA). The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on February 23, 2024 (89 FR 13652).
The NPRM proposes to require State title IV-E agencies to collect and report data elements on: (1) whether the state inquired with named entities as to whether the child is an Indian child as defined in ICWA and when the agency first discovered information indicating that the child is or may be an Indian child as defined in ICWA; (2) information on court determinations that ICWA applies for the child, and whether the testimony of one or more qualified expert witnesses was included for voluntary and involuntary terminations of parental rights, and removals; (3) whether the child’s parent or Indian custodian was sent notice in accordance with ICWA; (4) information on requests to transfer cases to tribal court; (5) information on meeting the placement preferences under ICWA; and (6) whether the court determined there was active efforts. This NPRM does not impose any burden or cost on Tribal title IV-E agencies because ICWA does not apply to Tribal title IV-E agencies, therefore, they do not have to report the data elements proposed in this NPRM. However, we are seeking input from Tribes.
ACF uses AFCARS data for a variety of requirements, including but not limited to providing national statistics on the child welfare population, budgeting, providing reports to Congress, and monitoring compliance with the titles IV-B and IV-E requirements.
The Tribal consultation is open to all tribal leaders or their designees and may address any aspect of the NPRM. In addition to participating in the tribal consultation webinar, ACF encourages Tribal leaders to submit comments in writing in response to the NPRM to Regulations.gov. The deadline for the receipt of written comments in response to the NPRM is April 23, 2024.
You may submit written comments to the NPRM in any of the following ways:

Federal eRulemaking Portal: Use this link for the NPRM, click the “Comment now!” button and follow the instructions for submitting comments: https://www.regulations.gov/document/ACF-2024-0001-0001
The Children’s Bureau recommends use of this method.
Email: CBComments@acf.hhs.gov. Include docket number and/or RIN number in subject line of the message.

Additional information is provided in Information Memoranda ACYF-CB-IM-24-02.
If you have any questions regarding registration, please contact Bethany Imbody at bethany.imbody@icf.com.

Office of Tribal Government Affairs Webinar: Safe Streets and Road for All Program Funding Opportunity
2024-04-03 12:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
April 3 at 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Eastern
Join via Microsoft Teams
The Office of Tribal Government Affairs is hosting a webinar on April 3rd, 2024 1-3pm (Eastern Time) for tribal communities to get the latest information about the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, including what kind of projects can be funded under planning and demonstration activities grants and where to get information on the FY2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
The fiscal year (FY) 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for SS4A grants is open. Our SS4A team has been hosting webinars on the program that funds transportation safety improvements is available through the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program. Overall, SS4A is a $5 billion grant program created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that goes toward both creating and informing a comprehensive safety action plan in local communities and implementing those plans. Funding goes directly to political subdivisions of a state (e.g., counties, tribes, cities, MPOs, special districts, etc.). While funding for the implementation activities is quite competitive, in FY 22 and FY 23 all eligible activities from eligible applicants who applied for planning and demonstration applications received funding. Despite that, we continue to be undersubscribed in meeting our requirement to award these types of projects. Next year there will be $650 million available for planning and demonstration awards.
More information on SS4A program: https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A The FY 2024 NOFO has multiple deadlines, depending on the grant type:

April 4, 2024, 5 p.m. (EDT): Deadline #1 for Planning and Demonstration Grants.
May 16, 2024, 5 p.m. (EDT): Sole deadline for Implementation Grants. Deadline #2 for Planning and Demonstration Grants.
August 29, 2024, 5 p.m. (EDT): Deadline #3 for Planning and Demonstration Grants. NOFO closes.

Late applications will not be accepted.

IRS Office Hours to assist with IRA/CHIPS Pre-filling Registration Tool
2024-04-03 12:00 - 13:30, 2024-03-27 12:00 - 13:30, 2024-03-20 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

USDA ReConnect Round 5 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Ask Me Anything (AMA) Webinar for Tribal Applicants
2024-04-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
April 3 at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Eastern
Register
Presented by USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS), this AMA webinar will provide Tribal stakeholders an opportunity to ask questions directly to RUS staff about the ReConnect Program and requirements outlined in the recently published ReConnect Round 5 NOFO.
There is no predefined presentation, so please bring your questions. All questions will be answered live and in real-time in the order they are received.

FEMA Webinar | Achieving Equitable Recovery: A Post-Disaster Guide for Local Leaders and Officials
2024-04-03 01:00 - 14:00, 2024-04-02 01:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
You are invited to attend two webinars for Tribal Nations on April 2 and 3, 2024, on FEMA’s “Achieving Equitable Recovery: A Post-Disaster Guide for Local Officials and Leaders” (Equity Guide). The purpose of these webinars is to share how the Equity Guide can serve as a tool and resource to assist Tribal Nations during post-disaster recovery work.
The webinars will be hosted by FEMA’s Office of Response and Recovery in partnership with the FEMA Tribal Affairs branch. Key concepts in in the Equity Guide include:

Lessening recovery disparities for people who are under-resourced, underserved, and marginalized.
Building resilience for the whole community, reduce impacts of recurring disasters, and mitigate climate risks.
Aligning recovery efforts with Executive Orders 13985 and 14008 and the Justice40 Initiative.
Engaging FEMA Goal 1: Instill equity as a foundation of emergency management.
Building upon Community Assistance Recovery Support Function Technical Assistance and resource guides.

The Equity Guide webinars will be held on Zoom on the following dates and registration is required:

Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET
Register to attend
Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET
Register to attend

The full Equity Guide is available on the FEMA website at: Achieving Equitable Recovery: A Post-Disaster Guide for Local Officials and Leaders (fema.gov)
If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Office of External Affairs:

Congressional Affairs at (202) 646-4500 or at FEMA-Congressional-Affairs@fema.dhs.gov
Intergovernmental Affairs at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-IGA@fema.dhs.gov
Tribal Affairs at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-Tribal@fema.dhs.gov
Private Sector Engagement at (202) 646-3444 or at nbeoc@max.gov

DOI Consultation to Receive Feedback on Potential NPS Activity
2024-04-02 11:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Tuesday, April 2 at 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Eastern
Zoom link
Thursday, April 4 at 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Eastern
Zoom link
In June 2021, Secretary Deb Haaland (Secretary) launched the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative (Initiative) at the U.S. Department of the Interior (Department) to highlight the troubled history of Federal Indian boarding school policies and their legacy for Indigenous Peoples. To address the intergenerational impact of Federal Indian boarding schools and to promote spiritual and emotional healing in our communities, we must acknowledge and shed light on the traumas of the past.
In May of 2022, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland released Volume I of the Investigative Report, as called for as part of the Initiative. Volume I of the report lays the groundwork for the Department’s continued advancement of the Initiative, in coordination with sister agencies.
Through generous investments from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Mellon Foundation, we have provided a grant to the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) to gather first-person survivor narratives. These will help form a permanent oral history collection and ensure stories and experiences that Federal Indian boarding school survivors share can be learned from and heard by current and future generations.
To build on this work, the Secretary has also directed the National Park Service (NPS), often referred to as our nation’s storyteller, to explore opportunities for enhanced interpretation of this history and preservation of related resources. This examination could include potential opportunities through NPS programs and historic Federal Indian boarding school sites, burial sites, and artifacts.
The Department will consult with Indian Tribes to receive feedback on potential NPS activity regarding preservation and interpretation of the Federal Indian boarding school system.
In addition to receiving general input, the Department is seeking specific views to the following questions:

How should the history of the Federal Indian boarding school system be acknowledged and publicly shared at sites within existing national park units? Are there other sites critical to preserving the boarding school system history?
How can NPS’s historic preservation programs support the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative?
Should the Department invest support or resources to protect the physical sites of historical Federal Indian boarding schools that are currently located on Federal lands, including burial sites and artifacts, even as Federal agencies fulfill their responsibilities for repatriation or disinterment
Would you like to share any additional suggestions or comments related to the NPS preservation and interpretation of the Federal Indian boarding school system?

The Department welcomes your written comments on the proposed NPS activity related
to the historical Federal Indian boarding school system by email to consultation@bia.gov
by 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, April 12, 2024.
If you have any questions regarding the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative, please contact Mr. Joaquin R. Gallegos, Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, by email at joaquin.gallegos@indianaffairs.gov.

USDA Forest Service Tribal Consultation on the National Old Growth Amendment
2024-03-27 13:30 | Virtual Event
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service invites you to consult on the National Old Growth Amendment (NOGA). The Forest Service Washington Office will host multiple opportunities for collaboration and consultation throughout the NOGA process to incorporate Tribal government and ANC perspectives. We hope you or a member of your staff will be able to participate in the first engagement, which will be a collaborative virtual Tribal Forum on March 27, 2024.
The NOGA invitation to consult and summary analysis are hyperlinked below and attached:

Invitation to Consult: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/4ooig74vs5tj7ztpfrz6ikff5jrlg58s
Summary Analysis: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/3qvycbpn0hhm7yunc8esa4y9us3a5mcu

Tribal Forum Details
March 27, 2024 at 2:30 pm Eastern
Register
This information is also available online through the National Consultation Calendar at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/tribal-relations/national-consultation. The Office of Tribal Relations is utilizing email to ensure timely communication of this opportunity to consult on national initiatives.
The Office of Tribal Relations is available to facilitate consultation with Deputy Chief Chris French, the delegated consulting official at the national level. You may also consult on national policy with a Regional Forester or Forest Supervisor in lieu of Deputy Chief Chris French. Line Officers will summarize issues and report the outcomes of consultation to the Deputy Chief and the Office of Tribal Relations. Consultation may be requested at any time during the implementation of the National Old Growth Amendment.
Please contact the Regional Tribal Relations Program Manager in your area or Reed Robinson, Director of the Office of Tribal Relations in Washington, D.C., at SM.FS.otrtribalcon@usda.gov to request consultation on the proposed policy or to ask any questions. For your convenience, your Regional Forester, Regional Tribal Relations Program Manager, and Research Station Tribal Relations Program Manager are copied on this email.

Social Security Administration Free Training on SSA Programs and Services
2024-03-27 12:30, 2024-03-26 09:00 | 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.

2024 USET/USET SPF Impact Week
2024-03-27 - 2024-03-29 | Crystal Gateway Marriott, 1700 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA, 22202, United States
2024 USET/USET SPF Impact Week
March 27-29, 2024
Crystal Gateway Marriott
Arlington, VA
Dissimilar to many other Tribal/Native organizational meetings and conferences held across Indian Country, the USET/USET SPF Impact Week, Semi-Annual, and Annual Meetings are not open for general public registration due to the nature of these being formal meetings of our Board of Directors. As such, anyone who is not representing a member Tribal Nation would need an invitation from the organization and/or a member Tribal Nation in order to attend and participate.

Hotel Information
Crystal Gateway Marriott
1700 Richmond Highway
Arlington, Virginia 22202
Group rate of $258.00/night expired on March 4, 2024, however it is sold out. We encourage to continue checking availability in case there are cancellations.
Book your group rate reservation
Here is a list of hotels in the area:

Crystal City Marriott
The Westin Crystal City Reagan National Airport
Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel
Residence Inn by Marriott Arlington Capital View
Courtyard by Marriott Arlington Crystal City/Reagan National Airport

Registration
On-site registration opens at 7:00 AM on Wednesday and Thursday.
ALL attendees (including USET/USET SPF Board members, Committee members and presenters) are strongly encouraged to pre-register for the meeting.
The early bird registration fee is $300.00 for USET committee members, general attendees, and artisans.
The registration fee increases to $350.00 on Friday, March 1, 2024.
Register today.

Agendas
USET/USET SPF Board of Directors Agenda
USET Committee Agendas:

Culture and Heritage Committee
Economic Development and Entrepreneurship Committee
Education Committee
Health Committee
Homeland Security and Emergency Services Committee
Housing Committee
Natural Resources Committee
Social Services Committee
Transportation Committee
Tribal Administration Committee (will not be meeting during USET/USET SPF Impact Week meeting)
Tribal Justice Committee
Veterans Affairs Committee

Special Events

Laying of a Wreath by the USET Veterans Affairs Committee at the NMAI National Native American Veterans Memorial | Wednesday, March 27 at 12:45 pm (arrive no later than 12:30 pm | All are invited | Transportation is on your own. | 300 Maryland Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20002
USET/USET SPF Welcome Reception | Wednesday, March 27 at 6:00pm | Crystal Gateway Marriott Salon 3 | All are welcome to attend
Public Health Emergency Preparedness Workshop | Thursday, March 28 at 9:00 am – 3:00 pm | All USET Committees are invited

Resolutions
Please submit resolutions to Liz Malerba at lmalerba@usetinc.org by March 1, 2024. Late resolutions may not be considered.
Draft resolutions submitted after the deadline are only eligible for consideration at the authorization of the USET SPF Executive Officers Committee (EOC) if: (1) the resolution addresses an emergency, an issue that was not known before the deadline, or for other good cause; and (2) the EOC, at its discretion, agrees to consider the resolution. Emergency resolutions must be received by 5 pm local time during the first day of the USET SPF meeting. Otherwise, they will not be considered.

USET SPF Resolution Template for 2024 Impact Week

Meeting App
We have a meeting app – USET/USET SPF Events. Download the app from your app store and search for USET/USET SPF Impact Week. Download the event to the app. You can use it to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements, create your personal schedule, view all agendas, and connect with attendees.

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

If you have used the app for a previous USET/USET SPF 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 2024 USET/USET SPF Impact Week Meeting and download the event to your app.

Vendors and Artisans
The space is full and we are no longer able to accommodate space for any more vendors or artisans.
For questions, please contact Destiny Smith, USET Employee Relation & Personnel Management Assistant, at dsmith@usetinc.org.

COVID Protocols (as of 04/17/2023, subject to change)
The USET Tribal Epidemiology Center (USET TEC) is a recognized public health authority supported by the Tribal Nations within the USET region. Throughout the course of the COVID pandemic, we have relied on their expertise to guide us to ensure for the overall safety, health, and wellness for our members, staff, and event attendees. As the impacts of COVID have evolved, we have continued to assess our protocols to ensure that they remain reflective of the current status of the pandemic.
Currently (as of 04/17/2023, subject to change), USET is no longer requiring proof of vaccination to attend USET-sponsored meetings. A supply of masks and tests will be made available for attendees to use at their discretion.

Reclaiming Native Psychological Brilliance: Wise Practices, a Tribal Behavioral Health ECHO Clinic
2024-03-26 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 Clinic. 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 Deviyani Bajpai, THPS Public Health Program Coordinator, at dbajpai@usetinc.org.

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation | Preserve the Past, Build for the Future Webinar Series
2024-03-26 13:00 | Virtual Event
Preserve the Past, Build for the Future is a webinar series designed to introduce college students to historic preservation and related fields.
Register NOW for the 2024 series. Click the links of each webinar title to go to the registration page for that session.
Tuesday, January 23, 2024 – 2 p.m. ET: So, You Want to Be a Preservationist? The umbrella of positions that fall under the field of historic preservation is wide and broad. This webinar will demonstrate the many different career paths within the field that speak to various interests.
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 — 2 p.m. ET: Living History: The Past, Present, and Future of Historic Black Towns and Settlements. Historic Black towns and settlements are communities started by formerly enslaved people after the Civil War. They allowed Black communities the opportunities to purchase land, start businesses, attend schools, serve in elected positions, and foster a sense of community after hundreds of years of enslavement. Many of these historic towns and settlements were violently destroyed by white supremacists during the Jim Crow era. Some scholars argue that up to 1,200 Black towns and settlements were established between the 19th and 20th centuries. Approximately 30 communities continue to exist today. Historic preservation practitioners and other professionals are working to document the histories of these communities and preserve their legacies for generations to come.
Tuesday, March 26, 2024 — 2 p.m. ET: History in Danger: Community-Led Responses to Preserving AAPI Heritage Sites. Many of the historic sites and spaces that are significant to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are underrepresented when it comes to official recognition. Less than 3 percent of the official sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places are associated with AAPI history. Preservation practitioners around the country are advocating for the preservation of sites that represent the culture and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. At a time when many historic Chinatowns are at-risk of erasure from encroaching development and gentrification, professionals and community members are working together to preserve their heritage for future generations.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 — 2 p.m. ET: Traditional Trades Careers in Historic Preservation. The traditional trades field is a great career option for students looking for hands-on engagement within historic preservation. The traditional trades is a diverse field that includes managing, documenting, restoring, and adapting historic structures. From the private sector to government agencies, employers are looking for those with specialized skills to preserve our built heritage.
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 — 2 p.m. ET: Disappearing Indigenous Heritage: Climate Change and Community Displacement. Climate change is actively threatening communities around the United States. Sea level rise, coastal erosion, and increased wildfires are displacing entire communities and the cultural landscapes they leave behind. Many of the areas at-risk of displacement are made up of marginalized communities, further compounding systemic inequality. Preservationists and cultural resource specialists are responding to this displacement and loss of cultural heritage by partnering with communities to discuss ways to preserve their heritage while providing alternatives for their communities’ futures.

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.

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.
