Past News Items

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In keeping with President Obama’s commitment to empowering tribal nations and strengthening their economies, Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Kevin K. Washburn today announced his approval of three separate land leasing codes for the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin. Today’s action brings to 18 the number of federally recognized tribes whose land leasing regulations have been approved by the Department of the Interior in accordance with the Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Homeownership (or HEARTH) Act.

Commissioner of Indian Affairs Morris Thompson announced today that a plan for the use of approximately $750,000 awarded by the Indian Claims Commission to the Zia, Jemez and Santa Ana Pueblos is being published in the Federal Register. The award represents payment for land in central New Mexico taken from the Pueblos from 1905 to 1936.

According to the plan, approved by Congress and made effective June 17, 1975, the funds will be equally divided between the three Pueblos.

Broader educational opportunities for Indian youngsters from the primary grades through the university level and more effective conservation of Indian soil and water resources are two of the prime benefits expected to result from increased Indian Bureau appropriations for the fiscal year which began July 1.

Important, though less sweeping, improvements are also in prospect in the fields of relocation, trust property management, forestry and law enforcement.

WASHINGTON – For the first time in their histories, the National Museum of the American Indian and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services will co-host a special exhibit of the Indian Country Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the 2013 National Police Week. The special exhibit will be located in the Museum’s Potomac Atrium from May 13 through 17.

A preliminary injunction has been issued which prevents non-Indians from interfering with the Omaha Tribe's possession of valuable farm land in the Blackbird Bend area of the Omaha Indian Reservation in Iowa, the Department of the Interior said today.

The action was taken by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa on June 5, 1975, in response to a request by the United States as trustee for the tribe.

I am highly gratified to see the enactment of legislation that provides funds for construction of facilities for the Navajo Community College. Of This school is unique as a community development aide. The new construction will culminate a long-time dream of many Navajo leaders.

The development of the Navajo Community College is a truly significant achievement for the Navajo people. What has been done in planning and implementing this unique educational program is illustrative of self-determination working at its best.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk today announced that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Office of Justice Services (OJS) will conduct tribal consultation with the federally recognized tribes throughout the month of October, 2010. A letter announcing the meetings was sent to tribal leaders on September 17, 2010. “The input from tribal leaders is crucial to ensuring safety in Indian Country,” Echo Hawk said.

Regulations governing the administration of funds to assist Indian irrigation projects and fisheries under the Drought Emergency Act of April 7, 1977, are being published in the Federal Register, Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs Raymond V. Butler announced today.

The regulations tell how qualified applicants may obtain funds to remedy some detrimental effects of the 1976-77 drought. Provisions are made for short-term actions to increase water supplies and to repair, or improve water supply facilities.

Commissioner of Indian Affairs Louis R. Bruce today announced that Richard S. McDermott is Sacramento Area Field Representative for the Bureau of Indian Affairs with offices in Palm Springs, California. In this position he will work closely with the Agua Caliente Band of Mission Indians. He has served in the acting capacity since the fall of 1971.

WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, the Department of the Interior will hold the second of three tribal consultation sessions on its Initial Implementation Plan outlining how Interior will carry out the land consolidation component of the historic Cobell Settlement. The meeting will take place in Rapid City, S.D., with the remaining session to be held Feb. 14 in Seattle, Wash. The first consultation meeting was held in Prior Lake, Minn., on Jan. 31.