Proposed regulations to establish rules and procedures for the conduct of an election of an interim Yurok Tribal governing committee are being published in the Federal Register, Forrest J. Gerard, Assistant Secretary Indian Affairs announced today.
Gerard said the action is in accord with his November 20, 1978, message to the Hoopa Valley and Yurok people and is intended as one of the first steps leading to participation by the Yurok Tribe in the management of the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation.
The proposed regulations follow the final publication April 25, 1979 of regulations setting out voters' qualifications and establishing procedures for preparation of a Yurok voting list. They also indicate the duties and responsibilities of the committee.
The final publication on voting criteria clearly indicated in the commentary that this proposed action of assisting the Yurok Tribe to organize is separate from the Short Case and will not usurp the power of the court, Gerard said.
Comments must be received on or before 30 days following publication of the proposed rule. Written comments may be directed to:
Director, Office of Indian Services
Bureau of Indian Affairs
19th and C Streets NW
Washington, D.C. 20240
(202-343-2111)
