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NCAI Annual Convention Agenda October 21-October 26, 2012 Sacramento, CATheme: Our Rights, Our Sovereignty DRAFT UPDATED: 10/10/2012

Saturday, October 20

9:00-3:00 NCAI Executive Committee MeetingRoom 101 & 102

11:00 Embassy Fundraiser Golf TournamentTeal Bend Golf Club 7200 Garden Highway, Sacramento, CA 95837Enjoy a great day of golf with friends while supporting the Embassy of Tribal Nations. For more information click here or contact Chris Pata at [email protected].

Sunday, October 21

9:00-4:00 US Fish & Wildlife Service National Eagle Repository ConsultationRoom 103The US Fish & Wildlife Service’s (FWS) National Eagle Repository is considering changing its eagle and eagle feather distribution process. Because of the potential impact such a change would have to tribes across the country, the FWS invites officially designated tribal representatives to attend this meeting and share input on the repository’s feather distribution process.

Steve Oberholtzer, Special Agent in Charge, US Fish & Wildlife ServiceBernadette Atencio, Repository Supervisor, US Fish & Wildlife Service

9:00-3:00 Native Women’s ForumRoom 1059:00-Noon Violence Against Women Task Force

The NCAI Task Force on Violence Against Women is working diligently to ensure passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) with key tribal provisions intact, including a limited jurisdictional fix to address domestic violence against Native women perpetrated by non-Indians on tribal lands. Speakers will discuss key tribal VAWA amendments, the current status of the VAWA reauthorization, and legislative strategy moving forward.

1:00-3:00 Native Women’s CaucusThe Native Women’s Caucus supports the interests of women throughout Indian Country. The Caucus gives visibility and respect to Native women’s perspectives and actions. Sessions will explore emerging issues that our communities are facing and the central roles of women and families.

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mailto:[email protected]

http://www.ncai.org/events/2012/10/21/ncai-69th-annual-convention-and-marketplace


9:00-3:00 Fostering Resilience in Native Youth Room 204It is no secret that today’s Native youth face many challenges and pressures, ranging from alcohol and substance abuse to suicide. This session will bring together members of NCAI’s suicide/meth prevention, TANF, and SAMHSA task forces to learn how to most effectively equip Native youth with healthy coping mechanisms. Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, a pediatrician specializing in adolescent medicine, will provide adult leaders with tools and strategies to build on youths’ internal strength to foster resilience. Most importantly, participants will consider how to leverage Native cultures and adapt existing youth resiliency models in a culturally appropriate way to best serve Native youth. Please RSVP to Tara Kitcheyan at [email protected].

9:00-Noon Energizing our Community, Respecting our EnvironmentRoom 104Tribal energy resources can be a key and a motivator in developing Tribal economies. Unlocking the full potential of its resources under the guise of Tribal regulations, Tribes can not only have access to affordable energy, but they can be instrumental in developing and providing solutions to ensure protection of our environment.

Tribes can also be strengthened by their understanding of the tax policy and how existing tax legislation impacts Indian self-development. NCAI also believes that it is vital for Tribes to be updated on Legislation currently before Congress that advances Tribal interests and Tribal consultation, as we continue to work toward American Indian and Alaska Native self- sufficiency.

9:00-Noon Training: Information to Support Housing in Indian CountryRoon 102The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is undertaking a national Indian Housing Needs Study and is offering tribes the opportunity to learn how to undertake their own housing needs assessment. This half-day HUD training will provide tribal leaders and tribal housing officials with the tools they need to gather information and use the study results to shape tribal housing policy. For more information contact Jennifer Stoloff, HUD Office of Policy Development and Research at [email protected] or 202.402.5723.

9:00-Noon Training: Tribal Communicators Circle - Best Practices for Indian CountryRoom 202Tribal communicators, tribal leaders, and Indian Country advocates come together to share challenges with each other, provide ideas and feedback, and

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hear from industry experts on how to deal with the day-to-day challenges of tribal communications.

The interactive session hosted by NCAI’s National Tribal Communications Network will be in two parts; one part best practice sharing by participants along with Pyramid Communications giving a presentation focusing on the company’s experience working on crisis communications in Indian Country and provide work flows for how to deal with the toughest Public Information Officer challenges. The second part will be to update individuals on pressing communications issues and messaging strategies and use of new media technologies.

10:00-1:00 Building a Stronger Future Together - Native Organizations Meeting Moving Forward TogetherRoom 203Native organizations at the local, regional and national level, provide an important institutional infrastructure supporting tribal and Native community efforts. Each organization has its own mission and programs but sharing information about trends and strategies that affect Indian Country can serve to help strengthen varied efforts. Join in this special session for leaders of Native organizations and tribal leaders to discuss emerging trends that impact tribes and Native communities and share strategies to work together for the common good. NCAI leadership will facilitate an interactive discussion to develop opportunities for coordination and action.

10:00-5:00 Registration/ Rules & Credentials Open West Lobby

1:00-5:00 Large Land Base Tribal Nations Task ForceRoom 101The purpose of the Large Land Base Tribal Nations Task Force is to strengthen the ability of NCAI to advocate for the unique issues of the large land base tribes and to foster unity and cooperation among all tribes to preserve tribal sovereignty, lands, culture, and quality of life for all.

1:00-3:00 Ensuring Tribal Public Health Laws Protect Our CommunitiesRoom 102During this roundtable session, we welcome tribal leaders, health practitioners, tribal health program directors and staff, and other stakeholders to discuss public health laws in Indian Country. Staff from NCAI and NIHB will share current information on tribal public health laws and from the Network on Public Health Law to inform the discussion. The objectives are to: 1) Provide information to tribal leaders on the scope and range of tribal public health law; 2) Share with tribal leaders the importance of public health law development; 3) Identify unique aspects of public health law in Indian

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Country; and 4) Inform the development of a tribal public health law database that will benefit tribal communities.

Moderators: Malia Villegas, Director, PRC, NCAIEmily White Hat, Program Manager, PRC, NCAI

1:00-5:00 Saving Lives: Improving Communications for Our First Responders Room 104Legislation passed earlier this year created ‘FirstNet’, which will become a nationwide public safety broadband network. FirstNet will allow police officers, fire fighters, emergency medical service professionals, and other public safety officials to communicate with each other across agencies and jurisdictions on a single nationwide network. It is imperative that tribes participate in the build out of FirstNet in order to identify areas where communications services are either nonexistent or in complete disrepair. Attend this session to engage with federal officials and the FirstNet Authority to ensure your tribe is included in the deployment of this network on tribal lands.

Speakers:Brian Howard, Wilma Mankiller Fellow, NCAI Fuzzy Fletcher, Member, SAFECOM Emergency Response CouncilGene Fullano, Associate Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, invitedGeoffrey Blackwell, Chief, Office of Native Affairs and Policy, Federal Communications Commission, invited

1:00-5:00 Federal Recognition Task Force Room 202The Federal Recognition Task Force was established to address the interests of all tribes, both federally and non-federally recognized, on any recommended changes to policies, procedures, or strategic plans in the federal recognition process. This session will continue work on the development of realistic, actionable recommendations to Congress and the Administration on revising the federal recognition process.

1:00-5:00 Emergency Management Overview for Tribal LeadersRoom 201Tribal leaders have demanding schedules that precludes them from attending multiple-day workshops and training sessions. This is a purposely abbreviated course to assist tribal leaders seeking to successfully prepare for, respond to, and recover from incidents and disasters through a better understanding of emergency management. The curriculum includes how effective emergency

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management can improve the sustainability of tribal communities and better protect tribal citizens, lands, culture, and sovereignty. Upon completion tribal officials are eligible for 4 hours of CEU credit.

2:30-5:00 US Environmental Protection Agency ConsultationRoom 301The US Environmental Protection Agency's Office of International and Tribal Affairs is initiating consultation and coordination with federally-recognized Indian Tribes, and seeks feedback and input from Tribal leaders on the following consultations that may have national impacts and/or interest: Guidance on the award and management of general assistance agreements (GAP Program) for tribes and inter-tribal consortia (aka for Guidebook for Building Tribal Environmental Capacity); Consultation on the State of Drinking Water Compliance in Indian Country, and The Environmental Protection Agency-Wide Plan to Provide Solid Waste Management Capacity Assistance to Tribes.

3:00-5:00 Tribal TANF Task ForceRoom 204NCAI recently established the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Taskforce to develop national tribal priorities for the reauthorization of TANF. During this meeting, the Taskforce will finalize its set of national tribal TANF priorities, which were drafted during NCAI's Midyear Conference. These recommendations encompass recommendations on effective implementation strategies, administrative fixes, and programmatic changes that will assist tribes and tribal TANF participants.

3:00-5:00 New NCAI Member Orientation Room 102

All members and officers are invited to this welcoming session for new members of NCAI and a briefing on membership, committees, voting, and process. This is an opportunity to learn more about NCAI meeting policy and procedures.

Jackie Johnson Pata, Executive Director, NCAIRobert Holden, Deputy Director, NCAIJohn Dossett, General Counsel, NCAIJuanita Ahtone, Chair, Resolutions Committee, NCAI

5:00-6:00 NCAI Committee and Subcommittee Chairs Meeting with Resolutions Committee Room 102NCAI requests all committee and subcommittee chairs to attend.

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6:00-8:00 Welcome Reception Exhibit Hall DCome and visit old friends and make some new ones. This reception will kick off the great week we are going to have at the 69th Annual Convention. Hosted by the Local Tribes.

Monday, October 22

7:00-8:00 National Native Prayer Breakfast Room 202This event is a casual breakfast gathering. Attendees will hear encouraging stories of faith and strengthen relationships. This breakfast is reflective of a national event held every year in Washington, DC. Here, we will join together in prayer in order to better serve the concerns of Native communities and nations. Tickets are for sale at registration.

Speaker: Billy Mills, 1964 Gold Medalist

7:30-5:00 Registration/Rules & Credentials - Open for the week West Lobby

7:30-5:00 Resolutions Office Open for the week Room 101

8:30-Noon First General Assembly Exhibit Hall B

8:30 Call to Order Jefferson Keel, President, NCAI

Color Guard Tule River Native American Veterans Post 1987

Honor Song Invocation

9:00 Welcome from Host Tribe

9:10 California WelcomeJerry Brown, Governor, California

9:20-10:00 Rules of the Convention

Yvonne Oberly, Credentials Committee Chair

Resolutions Process

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Juanita Ahtone, Resolutions Committee Chair

President’s Address Jefferson Keel

Executive Director’s Report Jacqueline Johnson Pata

10:30 Message from the White House Jodi Gillette, Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs, The White House

10:50 Message from the U.S. Department of the InteriorHonorable Ken Salazar, Secretary, US Department of the Interior

11:10 Message from the Bureau of Indian AffairsKevin Washburn, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior

11:30 Tribal Leader Discussion

12:00-1:00 NCAI Press Conference Room 102

1:30-4:00 Second General Assembly Exhibit Hall B

1:30 Call to OrderJuana Majel Dixon, First Vice-President, NCAI

NCAI Announcements

1:40-1:55 Energy UpdateTracey Lebeau, Director, Office of Indian Energy, US Department of Energy

2:20-2:40 Economic Forecasting

2:40-3:00 Google Earth Rebecca Moore, Outreach Leader, Google Earth

3:00-3:30 Messages from the US Presidential CampaignsKatherine Archuletta, Representative, DNCRepresentative, RNC, invited

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3:30-3:50 Assembly of First Nations MessageShawn A-in-chut Atleo, National Chief, Assembly of First Nations

3:50-4:00 Briefing on Constitutional ConventionJoe A. Garcia, Constitutional Committee

4:00-4:30 Tribal Leader Discussion

4:30-6:00 Committee MeetingsEconomic, Finance & Community Development-Room 306Human Resources-Room 307Land & Natural Resources-Room 308 Litigation & Governance-Room 316Veterans-Room 317

6:30-8:30 United League of Indigenous Nations Evening EventRoom 202The United League of Indigenous Nations Treaty was developed and proposed by NCAI’s Special Committee on Indigenous Nation Relationships in 2007. The Treaty establishes an international political and economic alliance to advance the common interests of Indigenous Nations, to bring their cultural properties under the protection of the laws of Indigenous Nations, to protect the human rights of Indigenous Peoples and to assert traditional rights to cross international borders. This event will provide treaty signatories, as well as tribes interested in endorsing the treaty, a forum for discussion and presentation.

Tuesday, October 23

7:30-8:30 Area Caucus Meetings

Alaska Area-Room 202Eastern Oklahoma Area-Room 203Great Plains Area-Room 204 Midwest Area-Room 301 Northeast Area-Room 304 Northwest Area-Room 306

Pacific Area-Room 307 Rocky Mountain Area-Room 305 Southeast Area-Room 309 Southern Plains Area-Room 310 Southwest Area-Room 308 Western Area-Room 311

9:00-5:00 Exhibit Hall Open Exhibit Hall C & E

8:30-Noon Third General Assembly Exhibit Hall B

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8:30-8:40 Call to OrderEdward K. Thomas, Recording Secretary, NCAI

Invocation

8:40-9:10 Mobilizing Tribes to Protect the Federal Indian BudgetAmber Ebarb, Legislative Associate and PRC Program Manager

9:10-9:30 Civil RightsThomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, US Department of Justice

9:30-11:30 Preparing for the Next 4 Years: What do we need to do to get ready?Kevin Gover, Director, Smithsonian’s National Museum of American IndiansJacqueline Johnson Pata, Executive Director, National Congress of American IndiansGregory Mendoza, Governor, Gila River Indian Community

11:30-12:00 Tribal Leaders Strategy and Discussion Session

12:00-1:00 Youth Honor Luncheon Rooms 314 & 315MCs: Quintin Lopez and Randi Ashley Begaye, Co-Presidents, NCAI Youth Commission NCAI Youth Leadership Awards presented by Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chairman, National Indian Gaming Association Speaker: Billy Mills, 1964 Gold Medalist, invitedTickets are for sale at registration.

12:00-1:00 Native Financial Education Coalition Lunch and MeetingRoom 301Join us for a meeting with tribal leaders and others interested in a national effort to share information and resources and to promote policies supporting financial education in Indian Country. The Native Financial Education Coalition (NFEC), active throughout the last decade, is re-establishing a membership network and identifying ways to support financial education in Indian Country. Come to participate and share lunch with others interested in this topic and in NFEC. Box lunches will be available for purchase.

1:30-4:00 Concurrent Breakout Sessions

Internet Gaming and its Impact in Indian CountryRoom 306

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Internet gaming is a hot topic in California and around the country. State governments like California are considering legislation that would enable Internet gaming, Congress is working on legislation, and some have concluded that gambling on the Internet is inevitable. The session will provide valuable information on what is going on around for tribes.

Moderator: Mark Macarro, Chairman, Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians

Robert Martin, Chairman, Morongo Band of Mission IndiansJason Giles, Executive Director, National Indian Gaming AssociationW. Ron Allen, Chairman, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe

Protect Native Money: Financial Skills for the FutureRoom 307A sustained and coordinated national campaign to build financial capability of Native people – especially tribal youth – is essential to secure a strong financial future for tribal nations and Native peoples. Recent settlements in Indian Country – Cobell, Keepseagle, and more than 40 tribal trust settlements – have elevated the urgency of protecting Native money and promoting financial education efforts. This session will provide tribal leaders with information they can use to build their tribes’ and citizens financial capability in three critical areas: Consumer Protection Efforts; Best Practices in Native Financial Education; and Building a National Campaign.

Moderator: Sherry Salway Black, NCAI and President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability

Speakers: Shannon Augare, Blackfeet Nation Council Member and Montana State SenatorJames Ramos, Civic Leader, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, invitedLevon Henry, Executive Director, DNA Legal ServicesEleanor Blume, Intergovernmental Affairs, Consumer Financial Protection BureauDavid Burrell, President and CEO, Pinnacle BankMike Roberts, President, First Nations Development Institute

Developing Digital Infrastructure to Promote Tribal SovereigntyRoom 308Digital infrastructure has become a vital component of tribal sovereignty. Installation of broadband technologies on tribal lands has increased self-determination in governance, healthcare, and economic development. This session will highlight tribes that have used these technologies to increase efficiency and streamline services for their membership. Tribal leaders will gain exposure to new advancements in these fields, and the cost-savings associated with usage of telecommunications technologies in these operations.

Speakers:Aaron Fisher, Executive Director, Information Technology, Kalispel Tribe, invitedPaul Romero, IT Director, Yurok Tribe

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Bruce Holdrige, General Manager, Gila River Telecommunications, Inc. , invited Jay Brudzinski, Telehealth Coordinator, Alaska Federal Health Care Access Network, invited

Intertribal Tax Initiative: Tribalizing National Tax Reform in 2013Room 310Please join us for a lively discussion about the need for Tribal Government parity in both general government tax treatment and under the Internal Revenue Code. We will discuss the national tax landscape and how tribal leaders can participate in an effort to include tribal tax priorities within the larger discussion of national tax reform. This session will include insights from tribal leaders, tax attorneys, and policy advocates.

Moderator: Will Micklin, Executive Director, California Association of Tribal Governments

Speakers: Gary Hayes, Chairman, Ute Mountain Ute TribeDante Desiderio, Executive Director, NAFOA Aurene Martin, President, Spirit Rock ConsultingWendy Pearson, Principal, Pearson Law Office

An Issue of Global Proportions: Protecting Our Sacred Lands Room 311Protection of and access to Indian sacred places is a key priority for Indigenous peoples on both the domestic and international fronts. This session will bring together international experts and federal representatives to discuss international and domestic strategies for protecting Indian religious and cultural sites. Particular attention will be given to the relationship between sacred places, the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), as well as to ongoing initiatives concerning sacred places within the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior.

Moderator: Andrea Carmen, Executive Director, International Indian Treaty Council

Speakers: Marshall McKay, Chairman, Yocha Dehe Wintun NationDion Killsback, Counselor to the Assistant Secretary, US Department of the InteriorJanie Hipp, Senior Advisor on Tribal Relations, US Department of Agriculture

Using Digital Tools to Sustain Our Cultures and Improve Academic AchievementRoom 312All around Indian Country, tribes are taking advantage of digital tools such as apps and distance learning to improve academic achievement, better integrate Native cultures into schools, and teach Native languages to the younger generations. This session will highlight some of these initiatives and discuss how tribes have formed partnerships with technology companies, universities, school districts, and others to make these innovations a reality in their communities.

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Moderator: Dr. Heather Shotton, President, National Indian Education Association

Philip Johnson, Director of Rural Schools, Kodiak Island Borough School District Diane Merrick, Director of Dakota Language Program, Marty Indian School Iris Sanchez, Pauma Band of Mission Indians Jessie Ryker-Crawford, Chair of Museum Studies, Institute of American Indian Arts, invitedYolanda Espinoza, Tribal Librarian, Pauma Band of Mission Indians

Tribal Homeland Security/Emergency ManagementRoom 309Tribes have made progress in the past decade regarding obstructive federal Post 9-11 homeland security policies, disaster assistance, and funding for emergency management infrastructure capacity building. This moderate success has come through the engagement of tribal leaders and tribal community members in federal policy and legislation and dialogue with the Secretary of Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Emergency Management Administrator (FEMA) Administrator and other Administration officials. This session will cover current national public safety challenges which require continued monitoring and action by tribes. Topics will range from inconsistent treatment of tribal members using tribal IDs for border crossing to a strategy update on Stafford Act legislation to authorize tribal leader direct disaster declaration authority to options for creating a tribal disaster readiness fund and many other topics; and, telecommunication coordination during national disasters and Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS). Moderator: Robert Holden, Deputy Director, NCAI

Speakers: Steve Golubic, Director, Office of Tribal Affairs, US Department of Homeland Security LaTanya Watson, Preparedness Grants Directorate, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland SecurityJeremiah L. Jones, Chief of Strategy, Plans and Outreach, DHS Office of Cybersecurity and Communications Kirsten Riesbeck, Tribal Liaison, US Coast Guard

Strengthening Native Families through Indian Child WelfareRoom 313Financing and providing culturally appropriate, accessible child welfare services that prioritize keeping families together are significant challenges. To overcome these obstacles, tribes are putting unique policies in place, using available funding in creative ways, and developing partnerships with state governments and other service providers. This session will illustrate how tribes can enhance Indian child welfare practices, including pathways to permanency, to better serve Native children and families.

Moderator: Terry Cross, Executive Director, National Indian Child Welfare Association

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Speakers:Edward K. Thomas, President, T& H, invitedSuzanna Garcia, Assistant General Counsel, Washoe Tribe, invitedKaran Kolb, Tribal Family Services, Indian Health Council, Inc. , invited

4:00-6:00 Subcommittee Meetings

Disabilities/Elders-Elder’s LoungeEconomic Development, Finance & Employment-Room 202Education-Room 301Energy & Mineral Policy-Room 308Environmental Protection & Land Use-Room 309 Health-Room 304Housing-Room 204 Human, Religious & Cultural Concerns-Room 310

Indian Child & Family Welfare-Room 312Jurisdiction & Tribal Government-Room 311Taxation-Room 307 Telecommunications-Room 203 Tribal Gaming-Room 306Transportation & Infrastructure-Room 313 Trust Lands, Natural Resources & Agriculture-Room 316Veterans-Room 317

6:00-9:00 Cultural EveningExhibit Hall DCome out for a fun and exciting evening hosted by the Local Planning Committee. They have arranged for an entertaining evening of dance and song from their local tribes. You won’t want to miss it!

Wednesday, October 24

7:00-8:00 Area Caucus Meetings *note time




8:00-Noon Fourth General Assembly Exhibit Hall B

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8:00-9:00 National Native American Just Move It! Terrace LobbyHealthy Lifestyles Walk, Run, and Rally9th Annual National Native American Health & Fitness Walk. Come and join leaders from more than 500 nations as we all walk the talk, and show our commitment to wellness. Incentives are provided for participants.Rally Speaker: Jefferson Keel, President, NCAI

9:30 Call to Order W. Ron Allen, Treasurer, NCAI

Invocation Announcements

Credentials and Membership Report Yvonne Oberly, Credentials Committee Chair

9:45 Boys and Girls Club 80th AnniversaryJim Clark, President, Boys and Girls Club of America, video

10:00 Health and Human Services UpdateKathleen Sebelius, Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services, video

George Sheldon, Acting Assistant Secretary, Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services, invited

Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, Director, Indian Health Services, Department of Health and Human Services

10:25 Native Vote

10:40-11:00 Senate Committee on Indian Affairs ReportSenator Daniel K. Akaka, videoLoretta Tuell, Majority Staff Director, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs

11:00-12:00 Tribal Leader Discussion

12:00-1:00 Trade Show Networking Reception Exhibit Hall C & E

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Network with top businesses in their field including Tribes, Federal Agencies, Corporations, Non-Profits, Tribal Enterprises, Tribal Entrepreneurs and Artisans. Join us and discover new business opportunities!

12:00-1:00 Lunch Discussion on State/Tribal Relations with Representatives from the National Caucus of Native American State LegislatorsRoom 315Representatives from the National Caucus of Native American State Legislators will host this lunch to engage with tribal leaders on topics such as revenue sharing agreements and eliminating barriers to health care access. In these difficult economic times, partnerships between Indian tribal governments and their respective state legislatures that involve revenue distribution, tax collection and access to health care are more important than ever. Please join us for this lunch. Space may be limited, please RSVP to Derrick Beetso at [email protected] if you plan to attend.

Representatives from National Caucus of Native American State Legislators:Karen Awana (Native Hawaiian), State Representative, HawaiiShannon Augare (Blackfeet), State Senator, MontanaKevin Killer (Oglala Lakota/Kiowa), State Representative, South DakotaJohn McCoy (Tulalip Tribes), State Representative, WashingtonShelly McDonald, State-Tribal Institute, National Conference of State Legislatures

1:30 -4:00 Concurrent Breakout Sessions

Digital Communities: Establishing Effective Communication Outreach Room 310Communications networks serve a variety of beneficial purposes for tribal communities. Social media has proven to be an effective tool for increasing collaboration with business entities, and promoting government transparency. This session will bring together experts to discuss how tribes can use social media to (e.g. Twitter, Facebook, and blogs) to develop guidelines and protocol for communications outreach. Special emphasis will be placed on tribal governance and economic development ventures that have successfully established these communication guidelines. Issues regarding cybersecurity and network integrity will also be addressed.

Speakers: Rob Jacks, Chief Information Officer, Commerce Division, Chickasaw NationRobert Pollard, Director of Information Technology, Blue Lake Rancheria, invitedChris Pata, NCAIRhonda LeValdo, President, Native American Journalists Association, invited

Tribal Lands: HEARTH Act, Land Consolidation, and Land RestorationRoom 308

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This session will address important topics in tribal lands. First, Congress recently passed the HEARTH Act, which permits tribes to lease their lands under tribal regulations without the approval of the Secretary of Interior. The Navajo Nation has had a similar law in place since 2000, and will provide information on how tribes can take advantage of this opportunity. Second, the Indian Land Consolidation Program is poised to receive $1.9 billion under the Cobell Settlement and many tribes want to contract with Interior. Chickasaw Nation Industries will discuss their experiences as a contractor with the Indian Land Consolidation program. Third, recently, in Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Potowatami v. Patchak (2012), the Supreme Court disregarded decades of interpretation of the Quiet Title Act to permit retroactive challenges to the status of federal Indian trust land. We will discuss ongoing efforts to ensure tribal land restoration overcomes this challenge.Moderator: Scott Russell, Secretary, Crow Tribe

Speakers: Karis Begaye, Attorney, Navajo Department of Justice, Economic Development UnitNeal McCaleb, Chickasaw Nation IndustriesChet Kaviratne, Chickasaw Nation IndustriesJohn Dossett, General Counsel, NCAIPatrice Kunesh, Deputy Solicitor for Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior, invited

Strengthening Tribal Workforces Room 307As the country continues to focus on jobs, it is critical that tribes remain an active player in developing an effective and versatile workforce. Rather than create unneeded jobs, many tribes are molding their workforces to fill key positions within their communities. This session will discuss the need for productive tribal workforces, and examine how tribes are currently using resources, including the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), in innovative ways to meet the needs of their communities.

Moderator: David Gipp

Speakers: Mary Trimble Norris, Executive Director, American Indian Child Resource Center, invitedLana Chanda, Director, Gila River Employment and Training Department, invitedCarrie Billy, President and CEO, American Indian Higher Education Consortium, invitedEvangeline Campbell, Indian and Native American Program, US Department of Labor, invited

Agribusiness and Traditional FoodsRoom 311Tribes have created strategic plans to protect tribal “First Foods” while ensuring water and land are available for other uses. Additionally, tribes are taking advantage of domestic and foreign markets to export their agriculture products. The panels for this session will feature tribal agriculture and food organizations that provide food for consumption off the reservation and outside the US as well as insight into revitalizing and maintaining our traditional foods. Speakers

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will share the history and planning considerations tribes have made while beginning or restarting and growing their agriculture base. There will be opportunities for Participants to discuss tribal agriculture development practices, marketing and exporting and First Food initiatives.

Zach Ducheneaux, Intertribal Agriculture Council, USDA Technical Assistance CentersKurt Grinnell, Council Member, The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, invitedGeorge Costa, Director of Resource and Economic Development, Colusa Indian Community Council Farming OperationsMark Tilsen, President, Native American Natural Foods Kevin Hudson, Farm Manager, Tribal Farm Enterprise, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Michael Roberts, President, First Nations Development InstituteWenix Red Elk, Public Outreach & Education Specialist, DNR/CTUIR, Department of Natural Resources, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian ReservationMiguel Hernandez, Muckleshoot Community Gardener, Northwest Indian College

Juvenile Justice Reform: Developing Alternatives to IncarcerationRoom 312Association, working with the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF), recently convened tribal leaders, tribal court judges and juvenile justice experts to consider the treatment of Native youth by juvenile justice systems (a key issue under the Tribal Law and Order Act) and whether the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) developed by AECF might be of value to tribes. This seminar will report on this effort, discuss the Working Group’s recommendations, and present information about JDAI (from a tribal perspective) and the availability of an OJJDP/AECF grant for a “tribal JDAI” pilot site.

Speakers: Terry Cross, Executive Director, NICWAJack Trope

Building Healthy Economies – What does success look like? Room 306Join tribal leaders, federal partners, and financial institutions to define the tools and information your tribe needs to build a strong, healthy economy. Participants will be joined by staff from the Native Initiative of the CDFI Fund that works to promote the development of financial institutions that serve Native communities. They are seeking tribal input on the information that should be coasdfllected in their Native American Lending Study.

Tribal Homeland Security/Emergency ManagementRoom 309Tribes have made in the past decade regarding obstructive federal Post 9-11 homeland security policies, disaster assistance, and funding for emergency management infrastructure capacity building. The moderate success has come through the engagement of tribal leaders and tribal

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community members in through federal legislation and dialogue with the Secretary of Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Administrator and other departmental officials. The sessions will encompass current national public safety challenges which require continued monitoring and action by tribal leaders and tribal advocates at every level. Topics will include inconsistent treatment of tribal members using tribal IDs for border crossing; threatened loss of the Department of Homeland Security Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program; strategy update on Stafford Act legislation to authorize tribal leader direct disaster declaration authority; options for creating a tribal disaster readiness fund, utilizing GIS technology to facilitate tribal emergency management; tribal flood insurance management participation, state/tribal homeland security relationships, and telecommunication coordination during national disasters and Government Emergency Telecommunication System (GETS).

Moderator: Robert Holden, Deputy Director, NCAI

Speakers: Richard Flores, Special Advisor to the Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency, US DHSFrank Harjo, GIS Program Coordinator, Muscogee (Creek) NationLee Shipman, Emergency Management Director, Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe and Tribal Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) CoordinatorDenise Banker, Native American and Tribal Government Affairs Tribal Liaison, California Office of Emergency ManagementCurtis Parker, Diversity Programs Manager, American Red Cross

5:00 Membership and Registration Deadline West LobbyMembership and registration needs to be current and paid by 5:00 pm in order to vote in the Constitutional Convention on Thursday morning in General Assembly.

4:00-6:00 Subcommittee Meetings

Disabilities/Elders-Elder’s LoungeEconomic Development, Finance & Employment-Room 202Education-Room 301Energy & Mineral Policy-Room 308Environmental Protection & Land Use-Room 309 Health-Room 304Housing-Room 204 Human, Religious & Cultural Concerns-Room 310

Indian Child & Family Welfare-Room 312Jurisdiction & Tribal Government-Room 311Taxation-Room 307 Telecommunications-Room 203 Tribal Gaming-Room 306Transportation & Infrastructure-Room 313 Trust Lands, Natural Resources & Agriculture-Room 316Veterans-Room 317

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6:00-8:00 US Department of Veteran Affairs Listening Session on Burial and Memorial PreferencesRoom 317Understanding and meeting the burial and memorial needs of Native American Veterans is key to ensuring that Veterans as a whole are satisfied with the burial and memorial benefits available to them through VA. NCA and OTGR would like to utilize the NCA vision and meet the needs of Native Veterans through a listening session to assess the burial and unique preferences or options available to this important Veteran population.

Thursday, October 25

7:30-8:30 Area Caucus Meetings




8:30-Noon Fifth General Assembly Exhibit Hall B

8:30 Call to OrderDon Arnold, Pacific Area Vice President, NCAI

Invocation

8:40-8:50 Youth Commission Report

9:00-11:00 Constitutional ConventionVoting on NCAI Constitutional Amendments

11:00 Financial EducationSherry Salway Black, Director, Partnership for Tribal Governance, NCAI

11:30 Tax InitiativeDerrick Beetso, Staff Attorney, NCAI

12:00-1:00 Elder’s Honoring Luncheon Rooms 314 & 315

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Tickets are for sale at registration.

1:30-4:00 Sixth General Assembly

1:30-1:40 Call to OrderMatthew Wesaw, Midwest Area Vice President, NCAI

1:40 State/Tribal Legislators

2:00 United Nations AddressJames Anaya, Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, United Nations, invited

2:20 Issue Updates

Indian Child WelfareTerry Cross, Executive Director, National Indian Child Welfare Association

HousingCheryl A. Causley, Chairperson, National American Indian Housing Council

EducationDr. Heather Shotton, President, National Indian Education Association

Gaming Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chairman, National Indian Gaming Association

HealthCathy Abramson, Chairperson, National Indian Health Board

Tribal Law and Order ActLeRoy Shingoitewa, Chairman, Hopi

Natural ResourcesButch Blazer, Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, Department of Agriculture, invited

Nancy Ward

Tribal Leader Discussion

4:00-5:30 Committee MeetingsEconomic, Finance and Community Development-Room 306Human Resources-Room 307

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Land & Natural Resources-Room 308Litigation & Governance-Room 316 Veterans-Room 317

7:00-10:00 Gala Banquet Hyatt Regency Hotel, Regency Ballroom

Friday, October 26

8:30 to Noon Seventh General Assembly

8:30 Call to Order

Invocation

Memorials

9:15 Treasurer’s Report W. Ron Allen, Treasurer, NCAI

9:30 Swearing in Youth Commission Officers

9:45 Rules and Credentials Report

10:05 Resolutions Committee Report Full Committee Reports and Consideration of ResolutionsEconomic, Finance & Community Development Litigation & Governance Veterans Human Resources Land & Natural Resources

11:45 Retire Colors/Closing Prayer

Noon Adjourn 69th Annual Convention

OTHER EVENTS

MONDAY, October 22

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7:00pm- 10:00pmFredericks Peebles and Morgan LLP Client and Friends Appreciation ReceptionCafeteria 15L located at 1116 15th Street (across from Marriott Residence Inn)The law firm of Fredericks Peebles and Morgan LLP will host a client and friends appreciation reception. The Firm invites NCAI conference participants to join them for a food and wine event and great live music by Sol Rising. For more information please contact Leonika Charging at 402-333-4053, or by email at [email protected].

TUESDAY, October 2312:00pm – 1:15pmand 6:00pm – 7:30pmU.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) Listening Session: Evaluation of Veterans Affairs (VA) and IHS Coordination in Serving Native American VeteransRoom 317GAO is seeking feedback on the 2010 VA/IHS memorandum of understanding. Specifically, GAO is interested in obtaining views from tribal communities on VA and IHS coordination, and on VA’s coordination with tribes that operate their own health care facilities, in providing health care to Native American veterans. We would like to hear about what parts of this coordination are working well, as well as areas that may need improvement. All tribal communities are welcome. We would like to obtain perspectives from as many communities as possible in order to understand the unique issues and potential challenges that may affect different communities. For more information contact Hannah Marston Minter at [email protected] or 202.512.2646.GAO is the audit, evaluation, and investigative arm of Congress. Congress requests the agency to look at a certain issue and GAO then—independent of Congress—plans and conducts the study and produces publicly available reports at www.gao.gov. Geri Brennan, Assistant Director, Health Care, Government Accountability Office; Hannah Marston Minter, Analyst, Health Care, Government Accountability Office

WEDNESDAY, October 246:00pm- 7:00pmTEDNA Meet and Greet ReceptionRoom 301Join the Tribal Education Departments National Assembly (TEDNA), the leading nonprofit organization advancing tribal sovereignty in education law and policy, for a meet and greet reception. Meet tribal leaders, tribal education department directors, and tribal educators. A brief education legislative update will be provided by NARF Attorney Amy Cordalis. Food will be provided. For more information contact Amy Bowers at [email protected].

6:00pm- 8:00pmTribal Clean Energy Resource Center (TCLERC) National Launch ReceptionRoom 201Northern Arizona University’s (NAU) Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) is honored to announce its newest program called the “Tribal Clean Energy Resource Center” or “TCERC”. TCERC was born from a request from tribal leaders and tribal energy leaders to assist tribes in their transition from fossil fuel based energy sources to a more a sustainable and clean

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energy resource. ITEP invites the general public to the “TCERC National Launch” reception in Room 201. For more information contact 480-784-7954.

6:00pm- 8:00pmDelaware Tribe Meet and Greet ReceptionRoom 303The Delaware Tribe is hosting a meet and greet reception for its Sacramento area tribal members to meet their tribal officials. Vice-Chief Chet Brooks, Tribal Council Secretary Verna Crawford, Tribal Council member Nathan Young, Trust Board Member Joe Brooks, Tribal Manager Curtis Zunigha, and Enrollment Director Leslie Fall-Leaf will be in attendance.

6:00pm- 8:00pm"Paddle to Quinault 2013" - Honoring Our Warriors ReceptionRoom 314Quinault Indian Nation and Canoe Society are pleased to host the "Paddle to Quinault 2013" Reception. Join Tribal Chair Fawn Sharp and other NCAI Leaders witness Quinault's intent to host the largest cultural gathering along the west coast to promote, strengthen, and preserve the culture and traditions of the Coast Salish people. For more information contact Norine Hill at [email protected].

6:30pm- 8:30pmNTEC ReceptionRoom 315National Tribal Environmental Council will be hosting a reception Wednesday, October 24, 6:30 -8:30 pm. Come meet our new executive director and have a new conversation on the environment. Food and drinks will be provided. For more information contact Mary Velarde at [email protected].

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saturday, september 30 - national congress of · web viewgene fullano, associate chief, public...

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