Self-Determination

Mission Statement

To promote and advocate maximum Indian participation in the programs and services conducted by the Federal Government for Indians; and to encourage and support the development of tribal capacity to better manage the opportunities and responsibilities of self-determination.

The Self Determination Services within the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) serves the primary contract with the contractual relationship between the Secretary of the Interior and the Alaska Native Tribes. After the 1950’s policies of tribal termination and the 1960 era of civil rights, Congress expanded recognition and application of Tribal Self Governments much like the Reorganization Indian Act of 1934. In 1975, the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), as amended, delegated the authority to Indian Tribes to assume administrative responsibility for federally funded programs designed to benefit, primarily, the services which are administered by the BIA. Currently, the Self Determination office provides guidance and technical support to Tribal Officials, BIA senior management, and agency staff.

Budgets and programs are listed in the Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Priority Allocation (President’s Budget) annually.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Shannon Jones, (Acting) Self Determination Officer, Awarding Official

Rose Ellis, Self Determination Specialist, Awarding Official

Edna Matthew, Self Determination Specialist, Awarding Official

Kimberly Dixon, Self Determination Specialist

Veranna Lythgoe, Self Determination Specialist

Melissa Alick, Self Determination Specialist

John Fitzpatrick, Self Determination Assistant

Self Determination was implemented and is regulated by the following:

Title I of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.) as amended; indirect contract support funds law pursuant to 25. U.S.C section 5325(a)(3)(ii) and direct contract cost pursuant 5325(a)3(a)(i).