President’s Fiscal Year 2013 Budget Request for Indian Affairs Maintains Commitment to Improving Conditions Throughout Indian Country

WASHINGTON – President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2013 budget request for Indian Affairs, which includes the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), is $2.5 billion – a $4.6 million decrease below the FY 2012 enacted level. The proposed budget maintains the President’s commitment to meeting the government’s responsibilities to the 566 Federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, while holding the line on fiscal responsibility and improving government efficiency.

Overview of the Obama Administration's Proposed Fiscal Year 2013 Budget for the Indian Affairs

Media Advisory - News teleconference Monday, Feb. 13, 2012; 3 p.m. EST

Interior Seeks Comments on Cobell Land Consolidation Draft Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Department of the Interior today announced two important steps in the ongoing commitment to fulfilling this nation’s trust responsibilities to Native Americans. Today, Interior announced the publication of a draft plan and a request for comment on implementing the potential Cobell Land Consolidation Program. Additionally, Interior announced that the first meeting of the Commission established to undertake a forward-looking, comprehensive evaluation of Interior’s trust management of Native American trust funds is set for the first week of March.

Sweeping Racketeering Indictment Charges Alleged Members of the Native Mob

MINNEAPOLIS— A federal indictment unsealed in part late yesterday charges 24 alleged members of the Native Mob gang with conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity and other crimes. The Native Mob is a regional criminal gang that originated in Minneapolis in the early 1990s. Members routinely engage in drug trafficking, assault, robbery, and murder. Membership is estimated at 200, with new members, including juveniles, regularly recruited from communities with large, young, male, Native American populations. Association with the gang is often signified by wearing red and black clothing or sporting gang-related tattoos.

BIE Begins Search for Green Ribbon Schools

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Bureau of Indian Education-funded schools can now apply for the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon School program (ED-GRS), which provides national recognition for schools using outstanding environmental programs and techniques, BIE Director Keith Moore announced today.

Energy Production on Ft. Berthold Reservation in North Dakota Provides Substantial Economic Benefits to American Indian Communities

WASHINGTON — A partnership among Department of the Interior agencies and American Indian communities in North Dakota has spurred a 400 percent increase in revenues from increased domestic energy production over last year – providing substantial economic benefits to the tribal government and individual mineral owners.

BIA to Hold Tribal Consultation Meetings on Proposed Rules for Part 162 Leasing Regulations

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) will hold tribal consultation meetings for tribal leaders to review and provide input on the proposed rules on leasing in Indian Country. The proposed rules will establish subparts to 25 CFR Part 162 (Leasing and Permits) addressing residential leasing, business leasing and wind and solar resource leasing on Indian trust lands. Tribal leaders were notified of the upcoming consultation in a letter dated November 28, 2011.

Echo Hawk Issues Reaffirmation of the Tejon Indian Tribe’s Government-to-Government Status

WASHINGTON, D.C.— In a letter to the Tejon Indian Tribe of California, Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk reaffirmed the federal relationship between the United States and the Tejon Indian Tribe. The Assistant Secretary’s letter confirms that the Tribe has a relationship with the federal government

Echo Hawk Issues Decisions on Two Tribal Gaming Applications

WASHINGTON – Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk today took action on two tribal gaming applications from tribes in Michigan and New York.

BIE-Funded Schools to Have Opportunity to Participate in ED Green Ribbon Schools Program

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Bureau of Indian Education Director Keith Moore announced today that BIE-funded schools across Indian Country will have the opportunity to participate in the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) Green Ribbon Schools program, and will soon invite them to apply to the BIE to be nominated for this national recognition.

DOI Establishes Negotiated Rulemaking Committee

DENVER — The Department of the Interior’s Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) today published a Federal Register Notice establishing an Indian Oil Valuation Negotiated Rulemaking Committee charged with bringing clarity and consistency to oil valuation regulations governing production on American Indian lands.

Advisory For Tomorrow: Administration Officials To Make Announcement On Tribal Nations And Federal Disaster Aid

WASHINGTON - Tomorrow, Wednesday, December 7 at 10:30 am eastern, Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Craig Fugate and White House Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Cecilia Munoz will hold a press conference call with reporters to make an announcement regarding tribal nations and federal disaster aid.

Secretary Salazar Kicks Off White House Tribal Nations Conference at Department of Interior

WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar kicked off the White House Tribal Nations Conference today at the Interior Department, emphasizing President Obama’s commitment to reform, restructure and rebuild federal relations with Indian Country and underscoring initiatives that are building safer and stronger American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

Secretary Salazar, Assistant Secretary Echo Hawk Launch Comprehensive Tribal Consultation Policy

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk today announced a Tribal Consultation Policy for the Department of the Interior, launching a new era of enhanced communication with American Indian and Alaska Native tribes. The new policy emphasizes trust, respect and shared responsibility in providing tribal governments an expanded role in informing federal policy that impacts Indian Country.

Salazar Names Members to National Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform

WASHINGTON -- As part of President Obama’s commitment to fulfilling this nation’s trust responsibilities to Native Americans, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today named five prominent American Indians to a national commission that will undertake a forward-looking, comprehensive evaluation of Interior’s trust management of nearly $4 billion in Native American trust funds.

Significant Leasing Reform will Spur Commercial, Residential and Renewable Energy Development on Indian Lands

WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk today announced a sweeping reform of federal surface leasing regulations for American Indian lands that will streamline the approval process for home ownership, expedite economic development and spur renewable energy development in Indian Country.

Today: Secretary Salazar, Assistant Secretary Echo Hawk to Announce Significant Reforms to Spur Economic Development, Renewable Energy in Indian Country

Today, November 28, 2011, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk will hold a media teleconference to announce a sweeping reform of federal leasing regulations for American Indian lands that will help to expedite economic development and spur renewable energy development in Indian Country.

BIA Director Black Names Bryan Rice Deputy Bureau Director of Trust Services

WASHINGTON – Bureau of Indian Affairs Director Michael S. Black today announced that he has named Bryan Rice deputy bureau director of the BIA’s Office of Trust Services at the bureau’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. Rice, an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation, had been serving as the OTS’s assistant director for resource protection since August 2009. His appointment became effective on October 23, 2011.

Echo Hawk Names Businesswoman Karen J. Atkinson Director of Indian Energy and Economic Development Office

WASHINGTON – Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk today announced that he has named businesswoman and attorney Karen J. Atkinson, an enrolled member of the Three Affiliated Tribes in North Dakota, as director of the Indian Affairs Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development.

White House Drug Control Director Kerlikowske and Assistant Secretary Echo Hawk Announce October 29 as Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

WASHINGTON – Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Gil Kerlikowske and the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk today announced that on Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time, Americans will be able to drop off their expired, unused and unwanted prescription drug pills at sites across Indian Country free of charge, no questions asked. By doing so, they will be helping prevent drug abuse and theft.

Tribal Leaders from BIA Great Plains and Other Regions Consult with Indian Affairs Officials About Cobell Trust Land Consolidation Program

WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Deputy Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs for Policy and Economic Development Jodi Gillette and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Director Michael Black met with tribal leaders in Rapid City, S.D., today in the final regional government-to-government tribal consultation meeting on the Trust Land Consolidation component of the Cobell Settlement. The consultations are part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to re-invigorating nation-to-nation relationships with tribes.

President Obama Announces 2011 White House Tribal Nations Conference

President Obama Announces 2011 White House Tribal Nations Conference

Assistant Secretary Echo Hawk Congratulates BIA OJS Recipients of U.S. Attorney General Award

Assistant Secretary Echo Hawk Congratulates BIA OJS Recipients of U.S. Attorney General Award

Assistant Secretary Larry Echo Hawk’s Statement on the new Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation

WASHINGTON – Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk issued the following statement today on the election of the new Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation:

BIA Director Black Names Sharon Pinto Navajo Regional Office Director

WASHINGTON – Bureau of Indian Affairs Director Michael S. Black today announced that he has named Sharon A. Pinto as regional director of the BIA’s Navajo Regional Office in Gallup, N.M. Pinto, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, had been serving as the regional deputy director since October 28, 2007, and as the acting regional director since May 4, 2011.

Assistant Secretary Larry Echo Hawk’s Statement on the Passing of Elouise Cobell

WASHINGTON – Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk issued the following statement today on the passing of Elouise Cobell:

Assistant Secretary Echo Hawk Announces $2.0 Million in Economic Development Technical Assistance Grants to 30 Tribes

WASHINGTON – Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk today announced that the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development (IEED) has awarded approximately $2.0 million in economic development technical assistance grants to 30 federally recognized tribes. The funding was provided by the IEED’s Native American Business Development Institute (NABDI) grant program to foster economic activity and create jobs within tribal communities.

Echo Hawk Swears in James C. Redman as Haskell’s Sixth President

WASHINGTON – Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk today administered the oath of office to James C. Redman at his inauguration as Haskell Indian Nations University’s (HINU) sixth president. The ceremony took place today on the Haskell campus in Lawrence, Kan., where Echo Hawk and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Director Keith Moore were joined by local dignitaries, tribal leaders, students, staff, faculty and fellow regional academic community members.

Indian Affairs Officials Listen to Tribal Leaders From BIA Eastern Oklahoma and Southern Plains Regions About Cobell Trust Land Consolidation Program

WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Deputy Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs for Policy and Economic Development Jodi Gillette and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Director Michael Black met with tribal leaders in Oklahoma City, Okla., today in the sixth regional government-to-government tribal consultation meeting on the Trust Land Consolidation component of the Cobell Settlement. The consultations are part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to re-invigorating nation-to-nation relationships with tribes.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Gillette and BIA Director Black to Attend Sixth Cobell Regional Tribal Consultation in Oklahoma City

Washington, D.C.— On Thursday, October 6, 2011, Department of the Interior (DOI) Deputy Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs for Policy and Economic Development Jodi Gillette and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Director Michael Black will attend the sixth regional government-to-government tribal consultation regarding the Trust Land Consolidation component of the Cobell Settlement. Tribal leaders from the BIA Eastern Oklahoma and Southern Plains Regions and Other Regions are scheduled to participate in the consultation session.

BIE Director Moore Names Dr. Charles M. Roessel Associate Deputy Director for Navajo Schools

WASHINGTON – Bureau of Indian Education Director Keith O. Moore today announced that he has named Dr. Charles M. “Monty” Roessel as the associate deputy director overseeing 66 BIE-funded schools on the Navajo Nation reservation. Roessel, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, had served since 2007 as superintendent of the Rough Rock Community School, a BIE-funded, tribally operated K-12 boarding school near Chinle, Ariz., on the Nation’s reservation. His appointment is effective today.

Western Regional Tribal Leaders Address Cobell Trust Land Consolidation Program with Federal Officials

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Department of Interior (DOI) Solicitor Hilary Tompkins, Associate Deputy Secretary Meghan Conklin, and Deputy Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs for Policy and Economic Development Jodi Gillette met with tribal officials in Phoenix, Ariz., today for the fifth of six scheduled regional government-to-government consultation meetings on the Trust Land Consolidation component of the Cobell Settlement. The meetings with tribal leaders are a part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to re-invigorating nation-to-nation relationships with tribes.

Senior Interior and Indian Affairs officials to Attend Fifth Regional Tribal Consultation in Phoenix

Washington, D.C.— On Thursday, September 29, 2011, the United States Department of the Interior (DOI) Solicitor Hilary Tompkins, Deputy Associate Secretary Meghan Conklin, and Deputy Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs for Policy and Economic Development Jodi Gillette, will attend the fifth regional government-to-government tribal consultation regarding the Trust Land Consolidation component of the Cobell Settlement.

Southwest Regional Tribal Leaders Address Cobell Trust Land Consolidation Program with Federal Officials

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Associate Deputy Secretary Meghan Conklin, Principal Deputy Special Trustee Ray Joseph today were in Albuquerque, N.M., for the fourth of six regional government-to-government tribal consultations regarding the Trust Land Consolidation component of the Cobell Settlement. The meetings with tribal leaders are a part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to re-invigorating nation-to-nation relationships with tribes.

Senior Interior Officials to Attend Fourth Regional Tribal Consultation in Albuquerque

Washington, D.C.— On Tuesday, September 27, 2011, the Associate Deputy Secretary Meghan Conklin at the United States Department of the Interior (DOI) and Principal Deputy Special Trustee Ray Joseph will attend the fourth regional government-to-government tribal consultation regarding the Trust Land Consolidation component of the Cobell Settlement.

Regional Tribal Leaders Address Cobell Trust Land Consolidation Program with Federal Officials

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Associate Deputy Secretary Meghan Conklin and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Director Michael Black today were in Tulalip, Washington for the third of six regional government-to-government tribal consultations regarding the Trust Land Consolidation component of the Cobell Settlement. The meetings with tribal leaders represent part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to re-invigorating nation-to-nation relationships with tribes.

Senior Interior and Bureau of Indian Affairs officials to Attend Third Regional Tribal Consultation in Seattle

Washington, D.C.— On Friday, September 16, the Deputy Associate Secretary Meghan Conklin at the United States Department of the Interior, and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Director Michael Black, will attend the third regional government-to-government tribal consultation regarding the Trust Land Consolidation component of the Cobell Settlement

Assistant Secretary Echo Hawk Issues Four Decisions on Tribal Gaming Applications

Washington D.C. - Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk today issued decisions on four tribal gaming applications in California and New Mexico, determining that two of the proposed gaming sites meet the legal and regulatory requirements and two do not.

Federal Closings Due to Earthquake

Some buildings are closed pending further inspections. Please see this list of closed buildings provided by GSA, as of 1:50am Wednesday, August 24th. While this list is as complete as possible, we do not have the status of all buildings. Check with your agency (e.g., agency website, emergency phone number, or supervisor, as appropriate) to see if your building has opened. Guidance from your agency or supervisor supersedes this list. This list will not be updated again until 4am on Thursday, August 25th.

Second Regional Tribal Consultation on Cobell Trust Land Consolidation Program

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Deputy Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs for Policy and Economic Development Jodi Gillette and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Director Michael Black today were in Minneapolis, Minnesota for the second of six regional government-to-government tribal consultations regarding the Trust Land Consolidation component of the Cobell Settlement. The meetings with tribal leaders represent part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to re-invigorating nation-to-nation relationships with tribes.

Deputy Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs for Policy and Economic Development Jodi Gillette and BIA Director Michael Black to Attend Second Regional Tribal Consultation in Minnesota

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Thursday, August 18, Deputy Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs for Policy and Economic Development Jodi Gillette and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Director Michael Black will attend the second regional government-to-government regional tribal consultation regarding the Trust Land Consolidation component of the Cobell Settlement.

BIE School Communities Celebrate the Opening of ARRA-funded Replacement Facilities

WASHINGTON – Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk today celebrated the opening of the new educational facilities at Rough Rock Community School, noting the high-tech, culturally sensitive buildings and classrooms will better serve students and teachers on the Navajo Nation reservation in Arizona. Following his participation in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the official opening of the Rough Rock Community School’s new replacement school facilities, Echo Hawk spoke to attendees about the significance of the occasion.

Echo Hawk to Speak at Opening of Rough Rock Community School Replacement Buildings

WASHINGTON – Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk will participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony and speak at the official opening of the replacement Rough Rock Community School on Monday, August 15, 2011.

Echo Hawk, Lavendure Announce MOU with Harvard University to Collaborate on Promoting Tribal Economic Development through Research, Outreach and Leadership Education

WASHINGTON – Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk and his principal deputy assistant secretary, Donald “Del” Laverdure, today announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Harvard University’s Project on American Indian Economic Development whereby DOI and Harvard will collaborate on promoting tribal economic development through research, outreach and leadership education. The MOU was finalized July 12, 2011.

New approach launched to reduce tribal alcohol and substance abuse problems

A new federal framework to assist American Indian and Alaska Native communities in achieving their goals in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of alcohol and substance abuse was announced today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Ken Salazar, and Attorney General of the United States Eric Holder.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Jodi Gillette Provides Welcoming Remarks at Action Summit for Suicide Prevention

WASHINGTON – Deputy Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Jodi Gillette today provided opening remarks at the Action Summit for Suicide Prevention/2nd Annual Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Initiative Conference running from August 1- 4, 2011, in Scottsdale, Ariz. The Summit is sponsored in part by the Bureau of Indian Affairs(BIA), the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), the Indian Health Service (IHS), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Assistant Secretary Echo Hawk Visits With Wounded Marine at Bethesda Naval Hospital

WASHINGTON – Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk visited Marine Corporal Phillip Baldwin of Ft. Hall, Idaho, today at the Bethesda Naval Hospital.

Salazar Announces $1.5 Million in Grants under Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act

WASHINGTON -- Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced $1,483,632 in grants to assist American Indian tribes, Alaska native villages, and museums with implementation of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).

Interior Secretary Says Montana Tribal Meetings Signal New Era for Indian Country Nationwide

BILLINGS AND CROW AGENCY, MT--At two events with tribal leaders in Montana today, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and other top Interior officials took what he called “the latest steps to implement President Obama’s pledge for reconciliation and empowerment for American Indian nations.”

Echo Hawk Announces SIPI and Oneida Nation High School as Featured Entries of the 2011 Indian Education Renewable Energy Challenge

WASHINGTON – Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk today announced that the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) has submitted the featured entry in the 2011 Indian Education Renewable Energy Challenge targeting college age students and the Oneida Nation High School has submitted the featured entry in the high school-age challenge category.

Lacrosse Played on the White House Lawn Highlighting the Let’s Move! in Indian Country Initiative

WASHINGTON –– The White House hosted its first-ever lacrosse clinic today on the South Lawn featuring some of the nation’s best lacrosse players showcasing the health benefits of the nation’s fastest growing sport to 100 youth as part of the First Lady’s Let’s Move! in Indian Country (LMIC) initiative.

AMERICA’S GREAT OUTDOORS: Salazar Announces $4.4 Million in Grants for Historic Preservation by American Indian Tribes

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced $4.4 million in grants from the Historic Preservation Fund to 117 American Indian tribes to assist with the preservation of important historic and cultural sites and to promote education and interpretation programs.

Let's Move! In Indian Country Mobilizing Native Youth at 2011 United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) Conference

MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- The First Lady’s, Let’s Move! in Indian Country initiative is partnering with the United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) council, and the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute at the 2011 UNITY National Conference. Let’s Move! in Indian Country (LMIC) is an initiative dedicated to ending childhood obesity among Indian youth, a group which is twice as likely to be overweight when compared to the general U.S. population.

MONDAY: ATHLETES, YOUTH TEAM UP TO PLAY LACROSSE ON THE WHITE HOUSE LAWN

Washington, DC— On Monday July 11, 2011 at 10 AM, DC area and Native American youth will visit the White House for a South Lawn Series event highlighting Let’s Move! in Indian Country and celebrating lacrosse and its origins.

Salazar Establishes Commission to Evaluate Indian Trust Administration and Reform

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced the establishment of a new Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform that will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of Interior’s trust management and provide recommendations on how to improve performance. The announcement kicks off a 30-day period during which Secretary Salazar is seeking nominations and input from the public on individuals to serve on the new commission, as well as comments on the commission’s proposed charter.

Interior Awards Contract to Evaluate BIA & BIE Support Services

WASHINGTON – The Department of the Interior (DOI) has awarded a contract to Bronner Group, LLC, a small, woman-owned business based in Chicago that specializes in consulting with government and the public sector. The contract for more than $400,000 is on behalf of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), and is to conduct an evaluation of their support services. Bronner will assist the Assistant Secretary–Indian Affairs as he oversees a review of functions that support the two bureaus and suggest improvements.

BIA Director Black Applauds Office of Indian Services for Computerworld Award

WASHINGTON – Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Director Michael S. Black today announced that the Office of Indian Services (BIA-OIS) Division of Human Services was recognized by Computerworld for the Division’s case management automation initiative. The Laureate award bestowed on the Division recognizes visionary application of information technology promoting positive social, economic, and educational change.

Secretary Salazar and Associate Attorney General Perrelli Applaud Final Approval of Cobell Settlement

Today, the Departments of Interior and Justice applauded the final approval by U.S. Senior District Judge Thomas F. Hogan of the settlement of Cobell v. Salazar, a long-running and contentious individual American Indian trust class-action lawsuit. The court’s approval of the $3.4 billion settlement paves the way for payments to be made to as many as a half-million individual American Indians who had Individual Indian Money accounts or an interest in trust or restricted land managed by the Department of the Interior. The suit has been pending for 15 years.

Echo Hawk Outlines Progress of Empowerment Agenda in Speech to National Congress of American Indians at NCAI 2011 Mid-Year Conference

Washington - In a keynote address to tribal leaders attending the National Congress of American Indians 2011 Mid-Year Confernce in Milwaukee, Wis., Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk today described the progress being made in a comprehensive agenda to restore integrity in U.S. government relations with American Indians and Alaska Natives leaders, fulfill trust responsibilities to tribal members, and work cooperatively to build stronger economies and safer tribal communities.

Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Echo Hawk Charts Balanced Course for Off-Reservation Gaming Policy; Rescinds Guidance Memo

Milwaukee, Wisc. - Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk today affirmed that the Department of the Interior will continue to pursue a balanced course on off-reservation gaming policy, taking into account the views and concerns of tribes, Federal, State and local officials and affected citizens.

Assistant Secretary Echo Hawk to Speak at 2011 SAIGE Annual National Training Conference

Washington - Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk will offer remarks at the Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE) 8th Annual National Training Conference being held June 13-17, 2011, in Okla.

First Regional Tribal Consultation on Cobell Trust Land Consolidation Program Announced

Washington, D.C. - Deputy Secretary of the Interior David J. Hayes today announced Billings, Montana as the location for the first of six regional government-to-government tribal consultation regarding the Trust Land Consolidation component of the Cobell Settlement.

Echo Hawk to Speak at 2011 NCAI Mid-Year Conference in Milwaukee

Washington - Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk will deliver a keynote address at the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Mid-Year Conference on Tuesday, June 14, 2011, in Milwaukee, Wis.

Echo Hawk Applauds the First Lady's Planting of the Three Sisters in the White House Garden

Washington - Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk today joined First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House kitchen garden for the planting of the Three Sisters - corn, beans, and squash - a traditional indigenous agricultural method of planting.

Echo Hawk Announces Chris Redman as Haskell President

Washington - Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk today announced that the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Director Keith Moore has selected Chris Redman as president of Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU), the 127-year old, BIE Education-administered post secondary institution for American Indian and Alaska Natives from the nation's 565 federally recognized tribes.

Interior Secures Authorization to Talk with Tribal Leaders on Land Consolidation Provisions of Cobell Settlement

WASHINGTON – A federal judge, in response to a motion on behalf of the Department of the Interior, has granted permission for Interior officials to begin communicating with class members on land trust consolidation provisions of the Cobell Settlement agreement. The Department will soon publish a Federal Register notice announcing its intent to begin formal government-to-government consultations with tribal leaders. Interior expects the land consolidation consultations to begin by late-summer.

Let’s Move! in Indian Country Launched at Menominee Reservation First Lady’s Health Initiative Touted by Echo Hawk, Twilight Actor in Wisconsin; New Website Provides Resources to Help End Childhood Obesity

WASHINGTON –The Office of the First Lady’s Let’s Move! Initiative and four federal agencies today launched Let’s Move! in Indian Country (LMIC). LMIC is an initiative to support and advance the work that tribal leaders and community members are already doing to improve the health of American Indian and Alaska Native children. As a part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative, LMIC brings together federal agencies, communities, nonprofits, corporate partners and tribes to end the epidemic of childhood obesity in Indian Country within a generation.

Echo Hawk Announces the Official Launch for Let's Move! in Indian Country with the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin

Media Advisory -Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk will announce the official launch of Let's Move!in Indian Country on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin.

Interior Indian Affairs Official Speaks on Indigenous Rights at United Nations

NEW YORK, NY—Donald “Del” Laverdure, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, today addressed the United Nations on U.S. support for the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. He emphasized that President Obama holds his Administration to a high standard of action on Native American issues.

Echo Hawk Announces KinLani Bordertown Dormitory as the Winner of the BIE Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) Challenge

Washington - Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk today announced that the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) Challenge was given to the KinLani Bordertown Dormintory in Flagstaff, Ariz., a Bureau of Indian Education-funded facility.

BIE Director Keith Moore, Chicago Bears’ Levi Horn and Nike N7 to Announce President’s Active Lifestyle Award Challenge Winning School

NATIONAL POLICE WEEK: ATF HONORS FIRST NATIVE AMERICAN, POST-PROHIBITION ERA, ATF INVESTIGATOR KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY

WASHINGTON—The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will hold a memorial ceremony on Wednesday, May 11, 2011, to honor the first Native American, post-Prohibition era, ATF investigator killed in the line of duty. The name of William Louis Pappan, a member of the Kaw Nation, who was killed 75 years ago, will be unveiled at the ATF Headquarters Memorial Wall in Washington.

Echo Hawk Conveys Nation's Gratitude for Fallen Officers at 20th Annual Indian Country Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service

Washington- Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk conveyed the nation's gratitude to the families of seven police officers who were being remembered and honored at the 20th Annual Indian Country Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service held today at the United States Indian Police Academy in Artesia, N.M.

Echo Hawk to Deliver Keynote Address at 20th Annual Indian Country Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service

Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk will deliver the keynote address at the 20th Annual Indian Country Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service being held Thursday, May 5, 2011, at the United States Indian Police Academy in Artesia, N.M.

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, NFL Quarterback Sam Bradford Urge Native American Youth to Get Active

Washington, April 27, 2011—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack welcomed St. Louis Rams Quarterback Sam Bradford to the Agriculture Department today and joined him in urging Native American youth to spend the summer pursuing healthy outdoor activities.

Echo Hawk Issues a Final Determination Against Acknowledgement of the Choctaw Nation of Florida

WASHINGTON - Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk today issued a final determination not to acknowledge the petitioner known as the Choctaw Nation of Florida (Petitioner#228) as an Indian tribe.

BIA Director Black Announces Training Program for Tribal Court Judges, Prosecutors, Clerks and Administrators

Washington - Bureau of Indian Affairs Director Michael S. Black today announced that the BIA's Office of Justice Services (OJS) has created a training program for tribal court judges, prosecutors, clerks and administrators in a effort to improve the adminstration of justice in Indian Country.

Echo Hawk Issues a Final Determination Against Acknowledgement of the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation

Washington - Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk today issued a final determination not to acknowledge the petitioner known as the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation (Petitioner #84A) as an Indian tribe.

Echo Hawk Issues a Final Determination Against Acknowledgement of the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians

Washington - Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk today issued a final determination not to acknowledge the petitioner known as the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians (Petitioner #84B)as an Indian tribe.

Secretary Salazar Highlights Indian Country Education Initiatives by Visiting the Riverside Indian School

Laverdure Announces BIA to Hold Tribal Consultation Meetings on Draft Part 162 Leasing Regulations

Washington, DC - Principle Deputy Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Del Laverdure today announced that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) will be holding tribal consultation meetings for tribal leaders to review and provide input on draft regulations on leasing in Indian Country.

Indian Affairs Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Request Reflects President's Commitment to Fiscal Discipline While Strengthening Tribal Nations

Indian Affairs Fiscal 2012 Budget Requests Reflects President's Commitment to Fiscal Discipline While Strengthening Tribal Nations

Echo Hawk Announces that BIE will participate with Levi Horn and Nike in the Presidential Lifestyle (PALA) Challenge

Echo Hawk Announces the Bureau of Indian Education's Participation with Levi Horn and Nike in the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) Challenge

Notifications Begin in Cobell Settlement

WASHINGTON, DC -- Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced that the Court-ordered process of notifying individuals of their right to participate in the $3.4 billion Cobell settlement is underway.

Black Names Eugene R. Virden as Alaska Regional Director

Washington - Bureau of Indian Affairs Director Michael S. Black today announced that he has named Eugene R. Virden as Regional Director of the BIA's Alaska Regional Office in Juneau.

Public Comments Invited on SIPI Accreditation

Salazar: Repealing the Affordable Care Act Would Set Indian Country Back

Secretary Salazar, Assistant Secretary Echo Hawk Submit Draft Consultation Policy to Tribal Leaders