Interior Secretary Kempthorne and EPA Administrator Johnson to Discuss Indian Issues at National Press Club

To Discuss Progress on Indian Country Initiatives and Launch New On-line Training for Federal Employees

Media Contact: Shane Wolfe,(202) 208-6416, Nedra Darling, OPA-IA Phone: 202-219-4152
For Immediate Release: January 29, 2008
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WASHINGTON, DC -- Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne will discuss Indian issues and be joined by Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Stephen Johnson and other Administration officials to launch a new Native American-focused online training course for federal employees at a press conference at the National Press club on Thursday, January 31.

Secretary Kempthorne will also announce progress on two Department of the Interior initiatives important to Indian Country. The Improving Indian Education Initiative, announced as part of the President's FY 08 budget, included a request for $15-million to improve Indian student academic achievement. The Safe Indian Communities Initiative, announced at the same time, included a request for $16-million to combat a methamphetamine crisis in Indian Country by improving policing capabilities in Indian Country.

Secretary Kempthorne, Administrator Johnson and the other Administration officials will launch the on-line training course for federal employees. This new training will strengthen working relations with Tribes and serve as a primer for federal employees charged with the important responsibility of working with Indian tribes. The course focuses on cultural and governmental issues unique to American Indian tribes.

Who:

Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Stephen Johnson Jovita Carranza, Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Janet Creighton, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Carl Artman, Assistant Secretary of the Interior - Indian Affairs Jeffrey Sedgwick, Acting Assistant Attorney General John Nau, Chairman, President's Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Joe Garcia, President, National Congress of American Indians

What:

Press Conference on Indian issues and launch of new Native American-focused online training course for federal employees

When:

Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:00 a.m. EST

Where:

Holeman Lounge National Press Club 529 14th Street NW Washington, DC