Call To Action

Call To Action: Upcoming Tribal Consultations: Indian Affairs Workforce Efficiency and Productivity – EO 14210

tlmorri3 — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 23:03:48 +0000

Call To Action: Upcoming Tribal Consultations: Indian Affairs Workforce Efficiency and Productivity – EO 14210

tlmorri3 April 22, 2025

AIPI Blog

Call To Action: Upcoming Tribal Consultations: Indian Affairs Workforce Efficiency and Productivity – EO 14210

The U.S. Department of the Interior's Indian Affairs office has announced a new series of Tribal consultations in response to Executive Order 14210: “Revitalizing the Federal Workforce,” issued by President Trump on February 11, 2025. This directive establishes the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Workforce Optimization Initiative, a government-wide effort to reform the federal workforce by enhancing efficiency, streamlining operations, and improving the delivery of services to the American public, including Tribal Nations.

Who Should Attend?
These consultations are open to elected Tribal leaders or their designated proxies. Tribal citizens, staff, and organizations are also welcome to attend and listen in.

What’s at Stake?
As required by EO 14210, all federal agencies must develop an Agency Reorganization Plan to enhance workforce efficiency and productivity. For agencies serving Tribal Nations, such as Indian Affairs, this process must comply with related federal policies that require meaningful and timely Tribal consultation when developing policies with Tribal implications.

Thus, the decisions informed by these consultations extend beyond internal efficiency; they directly impact the federal government’s ability to uphold its trust and treaty obligations. This process provides a crucial opportunity for Tribal leaders to ensure that restructuring efforts align with Tribal priorities, protect sovereignty, and preserve vital services for Tribal communities.

Consultation Schedule

Session	Area	Format	Date & Time
1	Alaska	Hybrid	May 20, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. AT
2	California	Hybrid	May 22, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PT
3	Albuquerque	Hybrid	May 27, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. MT
4	Minnesota	Hybrid	May 29, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CT
5	BIE Personnel	Virtual Only	May 30, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET
6	Oklahoma	Hybrid	June 3, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CT
7	Washington, DC	Hybrid	June 5, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET
8	Open	Virtual Only	June 6, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET

Why It Matters
In a time of shifting political priorities and heightened scrutiny of federal programs, the future of Indian Affairs is being shaped in real time. Decisions made under the banner of efficiency and streamlining can have profound consequences for Tribal Nations, particularly if those decisions are made without meaningful input from the Tribal community.

Thus, these consultations are not just procedural, but pivotal. They provide formal avenues for Tribal Nations to assert their sovereignty, elevate community priorities, and ensure that restructuring efforts do not compromise the federal government’s trust and treaty obligations.

With EO 14210 driving a government-wide push for workforce realignment, Indian Country must remain at the table to ensure its representation. These sessions provide an opportunity to remind federal agencies that Tribal communities are not just stakeholders; they are sovereign nations. It’s essential to understand how services are delivered, but even more critical to ask who makes those decisions, and whether they reflect the self-determined priorities and visions of Tribal Nations.

How to Participate

Now more than ever, Tribal voices are essential in shaping a future for Indian Affairs that is accountable, responsive, and rooted in the government-to-government relationship. Visit the official Indian Affairs website to register for upcoming consultation meetings!

Additionally, you can review the official Dear Tribal Leader Letter for more information and context. Written comments can be submitted to consultation@bia.gov by May 24, 2024.

Posted on

April 22, 2025

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Letter to the President From Tribal Organizations: Tribal Funding Is a Legal Obligation, Not Discretionary Spending

tlmorri3 — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 23:12:01 +0000

Letter to the President From Tribal Organizations: Tribal Funding Is a Legal Obligation, Not Discretionary Spending

tlmorri3 February 4, 2025

AIPI Blog

Letter to the President From Tribal Organizations: Tribal Funding Is a Legal Obligation, Not Discretionary Spending

On Sunday, Feb. 2, a coalition of 23 Tribal organizations and intertribal councils representing the majority of sovereign American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Nations formally called on the President, members of Congress, and the Interior Secretary to uphold federal treaty and trust obligations. Their letter urges federal officials to consult with Tribal Nations and protect critical funding following recent executive actions that negatively impact Tribal programs.

At the core of the letter is a reaffirmation that “Tribal Nations are not racial groups but sovereign political entities with a unique legal and political relationship with the United States.” This relationship is rooted in inherent sovereignty, recognized by the U.S. Constitution, and upheld by treaties, federal laws, and court decisions. Thus, the signatories stress that federal funding for Tribal programs is not a discretionary budget item but rather should be understood and acknowledged as a legally mandated obligation owed to Tribal Nations.

Furthermore, the letter raises concerns about the impact of recent executive orders and the rescission of OMB Memorandum M-25-13, which M-25-14 now replaces. The new memorandum shifts decision-making authority to agency general counsels, increasing the risk that Tribal funds could be frozen or restricted under vague interpretations of executive orders. This uncertainty undermines the government’s ability to meet its trust and treaty responsibilities.

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and other Tribal organizations call on the administration to take immediate action, ensuring that executive decisions do not undermine the unique sovereign status of Tribal Nations. Specifically, they demand:

Clear recognition of Tribal sovereignty in the implementation of all executive orders.
Agency guidance that protects Tribal programs from unnecessary funding disruption.
Separation of Tribal programs from diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) and environmental justice (EJ) initiatives, emphasizing that Tribal programs are not DEIA or EJ initiatives. It warns that misclassifying these programs would undermine treaty obligations and harm Tribal communities.

Additionally, the organizations stress that reducing the federal workforce must not disrupt Tribal affairs, stating that workforce cuts should not disrupt the government’s ability to manage and administer trust and treaty obligations.

“The U.S. Supreme Court has consistently recognized and upheld the distinct legal and political status of Tribal Nations and their citizens, and the administration is urged to ensure that all agencies continue to engage and consult with Tribal Nations at the government-to-government level.”

To emphasize the urgent concerns, Tribal leaders have extended an invitation to the administration and members of Congress to attend the NCAI Executive Council Winter Session, held Feb. 10-13 in Washington, D.C. This session is a critical moment for lawmakers to hear directly from Tribal leaders about their responsibility to uphold Tribal sovereignty, honor trust obligations, and ensure that treaty rights and funding commitments are fully protected.

Government Response and Call to Action

In response to reports of Tribal Nations being unable to access different types of funding, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs has committed to tracking how pauses in federal funding impact Tribal communities. Tribal leaders and organizations experiencing funding disruptions are encouraged to report their issues by contacting the committee at oversight@indian.senate.gov.

To assist with oversight efforts, Tribal representatives should provide the following details:

Name of the Tribal program.
What grant(s)/loan(s)/funding/Tribe program has and tried to access?
How much funding was sought during the funding drawdown (Jan. 24 to present)?
What was the issue experienced? Is it ongoing currently?
When was the last successful fun drawdown (including a date)?
What were the impacts of this? Were services stopped, was staffing sent home, etc?

Posted on

February 4, 2025

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Tribal Library E-Rate Advocacy Program Resources

tlmorri3 — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 18:45:42 +0000

Tribal Library E-Rate Advocacy Program Resources

tlmorri3 November 19, 2024

AIPI Blog

Tribal Library E-Rate Advocacy Program Resources

On October 29, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) shared at the general assembly for the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Convention that the agency launched the Tribal Library E-Rate Advocacy Program (T-LEAP or E-Rate). E-Rate is an FCC program that is administered by the Universal Services Administrative Company (USAC). The program provides discounts of up to 90 percent of the costs for broadband connections to and within Tribal libraries.

T-LEAP is a permanent program that will provide one-on-one assistance in preparing, applying, and receiving E-Rate support for the upcoming funding year. Additionally, T-LEAP will support Tribal libraries in post-commitment processes.

To learn about the goals of T-Leap, please use this link.

There are two categories of service that are eligible for E-Rate funding.

1. Category one provides connectivity to a school or library building, which includes telecommunications services and Internet access (for example, the fiber or cable broadband connection to the library).

2. Category two provides Internet access within schools or libraries, which includes internal connections, basic maintenance of internal connections, and managed internal broadband services (for example, the equipment needed within a library to provide Wi-Fi to patrons).

Eligible applicants include:

T-LEAP is open to all Tribal libraries that are new to the E-Rate program or had challenges apply to the E-Rate program in the past.
Tribal libraries must be able to demonstrate that they have three basic characteristics of a library:

1. Regularly scheduled hours;

2. Staff; and

3. Materials for library users.

Deadline for applications:

Applications are accepted year-round.

How a library can be designated as a Tribal library:

Via a Tribal government entity using a Tribal Resolution, for example;
- By working with the state library administrative agency where they are located;
- If a Tribal college and university library acts as the public library by having dedicated library staff, regular hours, and a collection available for public use int its community.

Please use this link to sign up for T-LEAP. Participants will be expected to provide feedback about the E-Rate application and post-commitment processes, so that the FCC and USAC can continue to simplify and enhance the program experience for Tribal library applicants.

For additional information on how to apply, please contact the Office of Native Affairs and Policy at native@fcc.gov or tribaltraining@usac.org. USAC’s E-Rate Customer Service Center is open Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET at (888) 203-8100.

Posted on

November 19, 2024

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Census Bureau Tribal Consultation

tlmorri3 — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 18:39:20 +0000

Census Bureau Tribal Consultation

tlmorri3 November 19, 2024

AIPI Blog

Census Bureau Tribal Consultation

On November 12, 2024, the United States Census Bureau announced it would conduct two virtual Tribal consultations on updating the race/ethnicity code list for the American Community Survey and the 2030 Census. The consultations will occur on December 11, 2024, and January 15, 2025.

The Race/Ethnicity Coding Improvement Project allows Tribes to provide feedback on how detailed race and/or ethnicity and American Indian or Alaska Native populations will be coded in the American Community Survey (ACS) and the 2030 census.

The consultations will provide information on how to interpret and understand the code list and its impact on the data Tribes receive. Tribal leaders will have the opportunity to provide feedback on alternative terms, abbreviations, or in-language terms that individuals may use to identify themselves as a citizen of their Tribes and any groups that may be missing or misclassified in the code list.

The Census Bureau is seeking feedback from Tribal governments on the following questions:

1. Are there any groups missing from the proposed code list? If so, please identify them and suggest how and why the groups should be classified.

2. Are any groups on the proposed list misclassified? If so, please identify them and suggest an alternative classification or indicate if the term should be removed.

3. Are there alternative terms, abbreviations, or in-language terms people may use to identify with a specific group that should be added to the proposed code list? If so, please identify them and suggest a classification.

Deadline:

Tribes will have until February 5, 2025, to review the proposed updates to the code list and provide input.

Who may attend:

· These meetings are open to citizens of federal and State recognized Tribes by invitation.

Any questions or topics to be considered in the Tribal consultation meetings must be received in writing via email by December 2, 2024 to Dee.A.Alexander@census.gov or OCIA.TAO@census.gov.

Virtual Tribal Consultation #1:

· Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET.

· Registration Link

Virtual Tribal Consultation #2:

· Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET.

· Registration Link

Once you register as an attendee, you will receive an email with login information or the option to join via phone only.

For further information, please contact Dee Alexander, Tribal Affairs Coordinator, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs.

· Intergovernmental Affairs Office, U.S. Census Bureau, Washington, DC 20233;

· (301) 763-9335

· (202) 407-6635

· Dee.A.Alexander@census.gov

· OCIA.TAO@census.gov

Posted on

November 19, 2024

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Call To Action: Upcoming DEA Grant Program Topical Webinars for Native Entities

tlmorri3 — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 16:54:40 +0000

Call To Action: Upcoming DEA Grant Program Topical Webinars for Native Entities

tlmorri3 October 23, 2024

AIPI Blog

Call To Action: Upcoming DEA Grant Program Topical Webinars for Native Entities

The Digital Equity Act Grant Programs (DEA) provide funding for Digital Equity work like digital skills training, access to affordable devices, and content development for diverse users. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) administers the DEA programs and will hold several webinars for Native Entities applying to the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. Please see the links below to register for the upcoming webinars.

Wednesday, October 23 at 3 pm ET: Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program for Native Entities Applicant Webinar: Standard Form
Thursday, October 24 at 2 pm ET: Digital Equity Solutions for Tribal Nations
Wednesday, October 30 at 4 pm ET: Registration, Entity Type
Wednesday, November 13, 2 pm ET: Project Narrative
Thursday, November 21, 2 pm ET: Consolidated Budget Form
Wednesday, December 11 at 3 pm ET: Additional Funding & Other Certifications

Native Entities applying to the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program can apply for funding to implement an existing Digital Equity plan, or funding to develop and implement a new Digital Equity plan. However, funding from the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program cannot be used for planning alone. The application window to the State Digital Equity Capacity Program for Native Entities is now open and will close on February 7, 2025. Please see NTIA’s website for Native Entities as well as AIPI’s summary of the DEA grant programs for additional information, and please continue to follow AIPI for more updates on Tribal Broadband.

Posted on

October 23, 2024

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Call to Action: Review and Comment on the AZ BEAD Program Project Area Map

tlmorri3 — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 20:37:27 +0000

Call to Action: Review and Comment on the AZ BEAD Program Project Area Map

tlmorri3 October 10, 2024

AIPI Blog

Call to Action: Review and Comment on the AZ BEAD Program Project Area Map

Volume two of Arizona’s plan to utilize Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding was approved on August 5, 2024. Now, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is working to divide the state into project service areas that serve as a geographic reference to assign subgrant awards. A draft of the ACA’s project area map is available for review using the Arizona Broadband Navigator tool, and the ACA is seeking feedback from potential subgrantees like Tribal governments, Tribal ISPs and other Tribal entities through the BEAD Market Sounding. Comments must be submitted to the ACA by November 7, 2024. Anyone wishing to offer input on the draft project area map must use the Arizona Broadband Navigator tool to sign up for an account and submit their comments.

It is important to review locations in your area to ensure that eligibility information is correct at those locations. The state could potentially be divided into over 70 project areas, with Tribal lands designated as their own project areas. The ACA is seeking comments on the proposed project areas to ensure that they align with the BEAD program’s goal of expanding broadband access to unserved locations. Please visit the ACA’s BEAD Market Sounding website for more information and continue to follow AIPI for more Tribal broadband developments.

Arizona was awarded approximately $933 million from the BEAD program to expand broadband access throughout the state. The BEAD program prioritizes unserved locations, then underserved locations, and finally, Community Anchor Institutions. These locations are largely determined by FCC data published on the National Broadband Map. The BEAD program requires that states develop their maps and datasets based off of the National Broadband Map. Therefore, any data not represented on the FCC’s map will likely not be added to any state maps. The ACA will use a subgrant model to award BEAD funding to projects in each project area based on the criteria outlined in the BEAD Initial Proposal Vol. II. Generally, BEAD program funding cannot be used on locations that may be a part of other federally funded projects. The Broadband Navigator tool shows information on federally funded projects within each project area and marks locations that are eligible for BEAD funding.

Posted on

October 10, 2024

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