ATNI News

Obama Administration’s National Ocean Council Names State, Local and Tribal Representatives to Coordinating Body | The White House

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:14:00 +0000

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

February 23, 2011

Obama Administration's National Ocean Council Names State, Local and Tribal Representatives to Coordinating Body

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recognizing that successful ocean stewardship requires inter-governmental collaboration, the Obama Administration's National Ocean Council today announced the inaugural members of the Governance Coordinating Committee, a group of state, local and tribal representatives that will serve as a key coordinating body on ocean policy issues.

President Obama signed an Executive Order in July, 2010, establishing the Nation's first comprehensive, integrated National Policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, our Coasts, and Great Lakes. America's oceans and coastal regions support tens of millions of jobs and contribute trillions of dollars a year to the national economy. The National Ocean Policy identifies priority areas to focus our Nation's stewardship efforts, including a collaborative, regionally based planning process to ensure healthy ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources for the many communities and economies that rely on and enjoy them.

The Executive Order created the Cabinet-level National Ocean Council to coordinate across the Federal Government on ocean policy, and directed the establishment of the inter-governmental Governance Coordinating Committee (GCC). The 18-member GCC will coordinate with the National Ocean Council on inter-jurisdictional ocean policy issues. GCC members were selected from a pool of nominees submitted by state governors and tribal and local officials. They consist of three at-large tribal representatives, one state representative from each of nine regional planning areas, one state legislative representative, two a-large representatives from inland states, and three local government officials from coastal states.

"The National Ocean Policy helps us to manage the significant and often competing demands on the ocean to ensure these resources can continue to fuel our communities and economies in the long term," said Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality and Co-chair of the National Ocean Council. "Working closely with the state, local and tribal representatives on the Governance Coordinating Committee is vital to achieving the goal of healthy oceans, coasts and Great Lakes that work for American communities."

"I welcome the inaugural members of the Governance Coordinating Committee and thank them for their willingness to serve in this important capacity," said John P. Holdren, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Co-chair of the National Ocean Council. "The range of skills and experiences these new members represent will be crucial to ensuring the success of the National Ocean Policy."

The National Ocean Policy establishes a cooperative planning process among Federal, state, tribal, and local authorities, and solicits extensive input from the public and stakeholders for approaches that are tailored to the unique needs of each region. It is designed to foster communication among all levels of government, save taxpayer dollars by eliminating waste, and reduce the conflict and inefficiency resulting from implementation of a maze of nearly 100 different laws, policies and regulations affecting the oceans.

The members being announced today are:

Brian Baird, California (West Coast Region)
Assistant Secretary for Ocean and Coastal Policy, California Natural Resources Agency

Kathleen Leyden, Maine (Northeast Region)
Director of Maine's Coastal Zone Management Program

David Naftzger, Illinois (Great Lakes Region)
Executive Director, Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Council

Lelei Peau, American Samoa (Pacific Islands Region)
Deputy Director, Department of Commerce for the American Samoa Government

Mark Robbins, Alaska (Alaska Region)
Associate Director, Office of the Governor

Paige Rothenberger, U.S. Virgin Islands (Caribbean Region)
Coral Reef Initiative Coordinator, USVI Dept. of Planning & Natural Resources

George Stafford, New York (Mid-Atlantic Region)
Deputy Secretary of State

Bill Walker, Mississippi (Gulf of Mexico Region)
Chair of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance Management Team and Executive Director of the MS Department of Marine Resources

Steve Crawford, Maine (Tribal Representative)
Environmental Director, Passamaquoddy Tribe of Pleasant Point, ME

Jacque Hostler, California (Tribal Representative)
Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Transportation and Land-Use Department, Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria

Micah McCarty, Washington State (Tribal Representative)
Tribal Chairman & Marine Policy & Fisheries Advisor, Makah Tribal Council

Kristin Jacobs, Florida (Local Government Representative)
County Commissioner - District 2, Broward County, Florida

Geraldine Knatz, California (Local Government Representative)
Executive Director, Port of Los Angeles

Joan Murphy, Illinois (Local Government Representative)
Cook County Commissioner, IL, 6th District

Kevin Ranker, Washington State (State Legislative Representative)
Washington State Senator

Additional members will be announced shortly. For more information about the GCC and the National Ocean Policy, please visit: www.whitehouse.gov/oceans.

Oregon poised to adopt the strictest standard for toxic water pollution in the U.S.

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 00:52:00 +0000

Oregon is poised to adopt the strictest standard for toxic water pollution in the United States, driven by concerns about tribal members and others who eat large amounts of contaminated fish.

The Department of Environmental Quality proposed the new standard Thursday, nearly two decades after concerns about contamination in fish prompted studies that showed tribal members along the Columbia River eat far more fish than the general population.

The new rule, scheduled for approval in June, would dramatically tighten human health criteria for a host of pollutants, including mercury, flame retardants, PCBs, dioxins, plasticizers and pesticides.

Industry and cities worry about the costs of complying with the new rules and controlling pollution, likely to run in the millions.

"There are potentially a lot of manufacturing jobs being put at risk," said John Ledger, an Associated Oregon Industries vice president. "It could put (businesses) in a terrible position, where they can't locate here or expand."

Environmental groups say the change is long overdue, but exceptions built into the proposed rules and a lack of focus on pollution from farms, timberlands and urban stormwater mean they might not reduce pollution significantly.

"We can change standards on paper, but how it plays out on the ground and whether we're really ratcheting down pollution is what matters," said Brett VandenHeuvel, Columbia Riverkeeper's executive director.

The proposal presses some big hot buttons: regulating industry in a down economy; DEQ's authority over farms and forests; protecting tribal members who have seen their health compromised and their traditional diet degraded by pollution.

Oregon's current water quality standard is built on an assumption that people eat 17.5 grams of fish a day, about a cracker's worth. The proposed standard boosts that to 175 grams a day, just shy of an 8-ounce meal.

That could boost cost for industry such as paper mills and for sewage treatment plants, increasing rates.

It could also lower the health risks for those who eat a lot of local fish -- an estimated 100,000 Oregonians, including 20,000 children, according to a committee set up to consider the health effects of the new standard.

Two years ago, sewage treatment and business groups predicted millions in costs for industry and potentially billions for sewage treatment plants if they had to install state-of-the-art treatment systems.

A more recent study commissioned by DEQ came up with much lower estimates, about $400,000 a year in incremental compliance costs statewide. DEQ officials say they've built in a variance to make sure polluters can cut releases over time at a reasonable cost.

Measures could include public education campaigns, implementing "best management practices" to reduce pollution and pursuing sewer users who put pollution into sewer systems.

Janet Gillaspie, executive director of the Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies, said she thinks DEQ has underestimated the impact of the changes, including the costs and paperwork necessary to comply with the new rule.

Kathryn VanNatta, governmental affairs manager for the Northwest Pulp and Paper Association, said variances are likely to be hard to get: "Oregon has never issued a variance," she said, "and this proposal does not make a variance any easier."

The variance provision could also be modified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which has to approve the new standard, or challenged in court, business advocates warn.

Environmental groups, including some that have filed lawsuits over implementation of the federal Clean Water Act in Oregon, say the proposal doesn't go far enough.

Variances and other exemptions could water down the rules to the point "there may not be much there," said Nina Bell, executive director of Northwest Environmental Advocates.

The proposal is out for public comment through Feb. 18, with seven hearings scheduled statewide Feb. 1-10. Oregon's Environmental Quality Commission is scheduled to approve a final standard in June.

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation led the move for a tougher standard. Carl Merkle, acting manager of the tribes' environmental rights and protection program, said he's still evaluating the draft.

"We don't want to see exceptions swallowing up the rule," Merkle said. "But we also understand that, for some dischargers, meeting these heightened standards is not going to happen overnight."

ATNI PRESIDENT MEETS WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 21:13:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians
Contact: Cleora Hill Scott
Tel: 509-847-3979
Email: cscott@atnitribes.org
Dec. 15, 2010

ATNI PRESIDENT MEETS WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA
United States President Upholds Commitments to the First Americans

Washington, D.C.—Brian Cladoosby, President of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians and Chairman of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, was one of twelve tribal leaders elected to represent all the 565 tribes in the U.S. at a meeting today with President Barak Obama. The focus of the meeting was on improving the trust relationship and federal agreements between Indian tribes and the U.S. government.

President Obama called the second White House Tribal Nations Conference, which will continue through Friday. Chairman Cladoosby and leaders from the 565 federally recognized tribes will have a summit meeting with Obama and numerous Cabinet secretaries on Thursday. They plan to discuss unmet treaty obligations and tribal sovereignty, along with issues of the economy, jobs, health care, natural resources, water rights, public safety, climate change, housing, and education.

This White House conference is the third in U.S. history. The first was hosted by President Bill Clinton 15 years ago, and the second was hosted by President Obama last year. There will be three opportunities this week for Tribes to meet—on a government-to-government basis—with the Obama Administration. The first meeting was with the 12 elected tribal leaders who will meet with the President today. The second is tomorrow’s summit where the President will address the leaders of all 565 federally recognized tribes. The third will be the tribal leaders’ sessions with top administration officials about how to carry this work forward. These government-to-government meetings reflect the improvements made in the trust relationship between the federal government and the First Americans.

“We need to start talking to one another in a manner that reflects our sovereignty,” Chairman Cladoosby said today, “and this face to face Summit is to allow our governments to address the shared responsibility and obligation to our Native American citizens.”

He said: “There are many issues to address in Indian Country, but one that brings it together. It is: What can President Obama do in the next two years to uphold the federal trust agreement with Indian Tribes? Let us first understand the meaning of this agreement. Our expectation is simple, hold up your side of the deal with honor and respect.

"Our tribal leaders are grateful for the President’s commitment to make necessary changes to the federal tribal programs that reform program policies and correct poor funding. Now it is time for hard changes and we will be seeking our President to call for actions that reform policy and laws so they may provide us the authority to govern our nations with true sovereignty,” said Cladoosby. "I'm true to my word and promises, and I am committed to finishing what we have started under the Obama Administration so we may provide the very best life for our tribal members across this great nation.

“We view this Summit as an opportunity to move towards the next chapter in the Era of Sovereignty for Tribes. We are being very realistic about these opportunities under the Obama Administration, and let me be clear, this is a long road ahead of us and we need to use this as a time to build a foundation.”

In the past two years President Obama has honored the sovereignty of 565 federally recognized tribes in ways that improve the lives of 4.2 million tribal people and protect the nearly 70 million acres of land in Indian Country.

Cladoosby continued:

“In the past 50 years Tribes have interwoven themselves into agreements with federal, state and local governments. Many of our Tribes are an intricate part of our local economies through jobs, charitable contributions, education and health services. Our very history goes deeper into the roots of American history than any other American citizen. This is why we are the First Americans.

“We often speak about the poverty throughout the world, but let us look at the poverty in Native communities within the United States today. Tribes across the nation face third world conditions on our reservations. No running water, honey buckets as an acceptable sewer system, 80% unemployment, no housing and the list of broken promises form the federal government goes on. Tribes have lived in poverty since we fell under the trust responsibility of the United States government. Tribes have moved through eras of suffering, of growth and success. However, we need the commitment from our U.S. government to move with us into this new Era of Sovereignty. We understand the President’s reality that we may not get many of our immediate funding and program needs accomplished under the 111th Congress, but the foundation we lay here in the next two years will help us transition into a new chapter.

"The United States of America has a trust responsibility to Native Americans," Chairman Cladoosby said. "As the First American’s of this great country we are asking for nothing more than what you would ask for your family and that is to have a safe home, food on your table, beds for your children and a future.”

****End****

Register Here for the Upcoming Winter Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 19:36:00 +0000

Statement by the President on House Passage of the Claims Settlement Act of 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 01:05:00 +0000

Along with the President’s statement below, please check out this wonderful blog by Secretary Ken Salazar on the passage of the Claims Settlement Act of 2010 at
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/11/30/fulfilling-our-promise-indian-country.

Have a great Wednesday!

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
______________________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2010

Statement by the President on House Passage of the Claims Settlement Act of 2010
I am pleased that today, the House has joined the Senate in passing the Claims Settlement Act of 2010. This important legislation will fund the agreements reached in the Pigford II lawsuit, brought by African American farmers, and the Cobell lawsuit, brought by Native Americans over the management of Indian trust accounts and resources. I want to thank Attorney General Holder and Secretaries Salazar and Vilsack for all their work to reach this outcome, and I applaud Congress for acting in a bipartisan fashion to bring this painful chapter in our nation’s history to a close.

This bill also provides funding for settlements reached in four separate water rights suits brought by Native American tribes, and it represents a significant step forward in addressing the water needs of Indian Country. Yet, while today’s vote demonstrates important progress, we must remember that much work remains to be done. And my Administration will continue our efforts to resolve claims of past discrimination made by women and Hispanic farmers and others in a fair and timely manner.

###
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The White House • 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW • Washington DC 20500 • 202-456-1111

Proclamation By the President of the United States

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 21:33:00 +0000

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release October 29, 2010
NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2010
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
For millennia before Europeans settled in North America,
the indigenous peoples of this continent flourished with vibrant
cultures and were the original stewards of the land. From
generation to generation, they handed down invaluable cultural
knowledge and rich traditions, which continue to thrive in
Native American communities across our country today. During
National Native American Heritage Month, we honor and celebrate
their importance to our great Nation and our world.
America's journey has been marked both by bright times
of progress and dark moments of injustice for American Indians
and Alaska Natives. Since the birth of America, they have
contributed immeasurably to our country and our heritage,
distinguishing themselves as scholars, artists, entrepreneurs,
and leaders in all aspects of our society. Native Americans
have also served in the United States Armed Forces with honor
and distinction, defending the security of our Nation with
their lives. Yet, our tribal communities face stark realities,
including disproportionately high rates of poverty,
unemployment, crime, and disease. These disparities are
unacceptable, and we must acknowledge both our history and our
current challenges if we are to ensure that all of our children
have an equal opportunity to pursue the American dream. From
upholding the tribal sovereignty recognized and reaffirmed in
our Constitution and laws to strengthening our unique nation-to nation
relationship, my Administration stands firm in fulfilling
our Nation's commitments.
Over the past 2 years, we have made important steps towards
working as partners with Native Americans to build sustainable
and healthy native communities. The American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act continues to impact the lives of American
Indians and Alaska Natives, including through important projects
to improve, rebuild, and renovate schools so our children can
get the education and skills they will need to compete in the
global economy. At last year's White House Tribal Nations
Conference, I also announced a new consultation process to
improve communication and coordination between the Federal
Government and tribal governments.
This year, I was proud to sign the landmark Affordable
Care Act, which permanently reauthorized the Indian Health Care
Improvement Act, a cornerstone of health care for American
more
(OVER)
2
Indians and Alaska Natives. This vital legislation will help
modernize the Indian health care system and improve health care
for 1.9 million American Indians and Alaska Natives. To
combat the high rates of crime and sexual violence in Native
communities, I signed the Tribal Law and Order Act in July to
bolster tribal law enforcement and enhance their abilities to
prosecute and fight crime more effectively. And, recently, my
Administration reached a settlement in a lawsuit brought by
Native American farmers against the United States Department of
Agriculture that underscores our commitment to treat all our
citizens fairly.
As we celebrate the contributions and heritage of
Native Americans during this month, we also recommit to
supporting tribal self-determination, security, and prosperity
for all Native Americans. While we cannot erase the scourges
or broken promises of our past, we will move ahead together in
writing a new, brighter chapter in our joint history.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested
in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States,
do hereby proclaim November 2010 as National Native American
Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to commemorate this
month with appropriate programs and activities, and to celebrate
November 26, 2010, as Native American Heritage Day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord
two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States
of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
BARACK OBAMA
# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :Tribes Want Trust Status for Chemawa Indian School Land

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 17:12:00 +0000

Salem, Oregon (August 2, 2010) – The Chemawa Indian School Board has endorsed the decision made by the Oregon Tribes on July 22, 2010, to pursue legislation placing Chemawa Indian School campus land into trust.

1. Chemawa Indian School (CIS) was founded at Forest Grove Oregon in 1880, as the first federally operated off-reservation boarding school on the west coast. Since then many thousands of Native American students have attended the school from tribes throughout the United States and Alaska. In 2010, the student body represented 77 different tribes from 16 states. The Chemawa Indian School Board representatives acknowledge that CIS serves students from tribes all over the United States and Alaska; therefore all tribes have a vested interest in protecting the school.

2. The school moved to the current location in Salem, OR in 1884. By 1920, the campus expanded had from 177.32 acres to maximum size nearly 450 acres. Many people have been under the impression that the school land is protected under a trust, but in fact all of the land was deeded to the United States and is controlled by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). However, historic government documents and other evidence indicate that most if not all the school property was purchased with student and staff funds – ‘Indian monies and labor’ which would make the students and staff the original sole proprietors.

3. Between 1950 and 1980, the size of the campus was reduced through the construction of, the Salem Expressway, the Interstate 5 freeway and local roads. In 1968, 72.25 acres of valuable farmland north of Chemawa Road was sold to a private party and the funds placed in the US Government General Fund. The I-5 freeway and Salem Parkway divided the first 177.32 acres bought in 1884, leaving approximately 20 acres west of the freeway and 80 acres on the east.

4. In November 2002, the BIA declared the parcel west of I-5 as surplus and conveyed title to 19.86 acres to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz with the caveat that the land could neither be alienated nor used as a casino. In 2006, a bill (HR 5394) was passed by the 109th Congress 2nd Session to lift the original restriction on alienation of the land. Other tribes were not consulted.

5. The historic campus site and cemetery still remain on the 80 acres and that section of the school is listed on the National Register. The original buildings were demolished in the late1970s. Although part of it is currently being used for Christmas trees farms and recreation, it may be in danger of being declared surplus by the federal government. For many years developers and other groups have tried to acquire this historic 80 acre site. Decisions regarding the disposition of “surplus” campus property are made by the BIA and handled by the General Services Administration.

6. On the east section of the campus, buildings and residential facilities were constructed in the early 1980s to replace the old buildings. The Indian Health facility was added and last year new dormitories were completed. At this time the total campus plant is somewhere between 258 and 289 acres. The precise size is unknown. The acreage under BIA jurisdiction may be different from what appears to comprise the campus.

7. Recognizing that the government can continue to dispose of Chemawa land at its discretion without tribal input, the Chemawa students, the School Board, tribal councils from 8 of the 9 Oregon Tribes, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) have passed resolutions to protect and preserve the remaining Chemawa land. Many ideas for the future school have been discussed including a Vocational School, College or University and a museum with a visitors’ center.

8. In 2008, Senator Gordon Smith was contacted and his legislative assistant Matt Hill began work on a “Discussion Draft” for a bill that would place Chemawa land into some form of a trust. Senator Smith was defeated in the election and the effort was not renewed by his successor.

9. Since 2008, the Oregon Department of Transportation has been formulating a plan (Chemawa IAMP) to improve traffic circulation at the Chemawa Interchange. This is a long-range plan based on increased traffic and available funds. As currently proposed, the project could result in the loss of more of the campus.

10. Approximately 7 acres used by the Indian Health Services facility was recently deeded from the BIA to the Department of Health and Human Services. This land is entirely surrounded by the school property, but accessed via the driveway from Chemawa Road into the campus. That conveyance of Chemawa land was never reviewed or approved by the Chemawa School Board or brought to the attention of the many tribes who send children to the school.

Through their resolutions the tribal councils, ATNI and NCAI have supported in principle, the placing of Chemawa land into trust status. On July 22, at a meeting of the Oregon Tribes, eight of the nine Oregon tribes agreed to work together with legislators and to present a new bill for the Chemawa Trust to Congress. Although the other eight tribes invited them to join the effort, Grand Ronde has not yet decided to participate. Hopefully, with the help of the National Indian Education Association, Chemawa will not only be preserved, but will fulfill the dream of its first students who worked diligently to acquire the land for the exclusive purpose of education and the prosperity of Native Americans and Native Culture. In 1884, they donated money to purchase the first acreage for the school because, as they wrote in the Indian Citizen: “We want this school, the land, buildings and everything, to belong to the Indians.”

For further information please contact:

Christopher Banham – Secretary-Treasurer
Chemawa Indian School Board
Southwest Representative
Gila River Indian Community
chris.banham@gric.nsn.us
PO Box 97
Sacaton, AZ 85147
360-991-4107

For Immediate Release

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 18:37:00 +0000

For Immediate Release
Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians’ 2010 annual conference addressed by
federal, tribal officials...

Grant to assist Natives affected by fishing layoffs

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 22:29:00 +0000

Written by US Dept. of Labor Tuesday, 26 October 2010 07:52

US Department of Labor announces grant to assist Native Americans affected by fishing industry layoffs in Washington State

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $3,390,568 grant to assist about 300 workers affected by fishing industry layoffs in the Lummi Nation, located near Bellingham, Wash.

“Layoffs in the fishing industry constitute a serious crisis for this community,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “Just as we are committed to helping workers in other communities across the country, we will ensure these workers get the opportunity to acquire the skills needed to promptly enter good jobs that pay family-supporting wages and offer real opportunities for advancement.”

Awarded to and operated by the Lummi Nation, this grant will assist fishermen dislocated as a result of the decline in sockeye salmon. The affected workers will have access to dislocated worker services, which may include basic skills training, individual career counseling and occupational skills training to help them transition to stronger areas of the tribal economy. The Lummi tribal development plan indicates that job opportunities are available in Lummi- and state-owned fish hatcheries, as well as metal fabrication, outboard motor repair and equipment parts businesses.

Of the $3,390,568 announced today, $847,644 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the grantee demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor’s discretionary fund and are awarded based on an applicant’s ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG.

2011 Winter Conference Jan. 31-Feb. 3, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 23:06:00 +0000

2011 Winter Conference Jan. 31-Feb. 3, 2011

Hosted By
Coquille Indian Tribe
Mill Casino Hotel North Bend, Oregon

Joe McDonald Honored at ATNI Annual Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 18:07:00 +0000

Joe McDonald recognized at ATNI Conference

By Rob McDonald
Former SKC President Joe McDonald wears a gift blanket as he stands next to Harvey Moses, Jr. Vice President of the Colville Tribe (Rob McDonald photo)
Former SKC President Joe McDonald wears a gift blanket as he stands next to Harvey Moses, Jr. Vice President of the Colville Tribe (Rob McDonald photo)

SPOKANE, Wash. — Joe McDonald flashed his bright smile Monday afternoon at a luncheon as he was honored before hundreds of representatives attending the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians conference.

When Chairman E.T. "Bud" Moran called CSKT's leading educator to the stage, it took a moment to pull the man from the crowd at the Pend d'Oreille Room at the Northern Quest Casino. Once McDonald came to the stage, the honoring began.

The Tribal Council of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes honored his achievements with speeches, video tributes, a Pendleton blanket and an honor song. The ATNI Board also gave McDonald a blanket and a painting done by renowned artist George Flett.

During the honoring, Chairman Moran shared some of the lessons he'd picked up from the man he called a mentor.

"Be willing to risk," Moran said.

McDonald's risks paid off in creating Salish Kootenai College, which has become arguably the leading Indian College in the country.

Other lessons include: Remember whom you serve. Start with a prayer. Take time for the family. Always try to have a little fun.

"Joe took a lot of ribbing for the golf course he built," Moran said. "But we have a beautiful golf course there at the college."

Moran went though the highlights of Joe McDonald's coaching career, his ability to make his family his top priority, all while building a college that started from virtually nothing but a dream.

It would take all night to list all of his achievements, Moran said.

"He is a role model for the countless lives he touched," said the Chairman.

Councilmen Steve Lozar, Jim Malatare, Terry Pitts, Reuben Mathias, Mike Kenmille and Charlie Morigeau applauded McDonald.

Councilman Mathias added an example of the far reach of the educaator.
Tribal Council Chairman Ernest "Bud" Moran and councilmen Charlie Morigeau, Terry Pitts, Jim Malatare and Reuben Mathias were on hand to see McDonald recognized. (Rob McDonald, photo)
Tribal Council Chairman Ernest "Bud" Moran and councilmen Charlie Morigeau, Terry Pitts, Jim Malatare and Reuben Mathias were on hand to see McDonald recognized. (Rob McDonald, photo)

Years ago, long before he even considered a career or running for Council, Mathias said he was near Pablo and hitchhiking with his sister. That's when they saw Joe McDonald pass by and gesture to them to come over. They looked at each other and wondered what he wanted.

"You guys want to go to college," he said.

"I guess," Mathias remembers saying and recalled how Joe McDonald insisted he was serious. Then Mathias said, "The only way I could go is if I had a job too."

The educator excused himself and said he'd be right back. When he came back, he said he had two jobs on campus, one job in the library.

"I looked at my sister," Mathias said. "I said I'm taking the library job."

Now when Mathias looks back over his career and his time on Council, he knows where it started. "That's all because of you, Joe. I want you all to know that because it's a true story," Mathias said the crowd of hundreds at the ATNI luncheon.

The Chief Cliff singers led by Councilman Kenmille sang an honor song for McDonald and ATNI.

The applause was thick as Joe McDonald moved to the podium.

Joe had just watched a montage of video images flutter by including touching comments from old friend Doug Allard who said, "They say no one is irreplaceable. This is the closest I've ever come to doubting that fact."

The video, put together by SKC's video guru Frank Tyro, even showed Hillary Clinton during her Pablo visit where she saluted Joe McDonald for the college successes, which has been a "gateway to opportunity."

Clips from loved ones, state officials, long-time co-workers, notes from Congressman and state Governors, they all knew Joe McDonald and praised his life of achievements.
Joe McDonald has a few laughs with the Chief Cliff Drummers after the honoring. (Rob McDonald, photo)
Joe McDonald has a few laughs with the Chief Cliff Drummers after the honoring. (Rob McDonald, photo)

Finally, when it was his turn to speak, McDonald leaned toward the microphone and explained that his grandfather was known as old Joe and he was called "Baby Joe," especially when he as a child complained about some perceived unfairness dealt to him by life. The life-long educator spoke about efforts to bring branch campuses to both the Colville and Spokane Indian Reservations. There's still so much to do. And then he said the key to making it all work was having the support of Tribal Council, which includes Councils that go back more than 30 years.

"Thank you all very, very much," he said. "This has been a wonderful time."

And following many handshakes, hugs and exchanged smiles, Joe McDonald stepped down from the stage, took his place next to his wife, and faded back into the crowd, out of sight, but not forgotten.

Tribes, feds meet to discuss crime law at ATNI Annual Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 17:58:00 +0000

Tribes, feds meet to discuss crime law
Act intended to reduce violence on reservations
Kevin Graman The Spokesman-Review

It will take more than an act of Congress to end the scourge of reservation crime in Indian country, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians was told Tuesday.

“We cannot prosecute our way out of criminal activity on the reservation,” said James A. McDevitt, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.

It will take a coordinated effort of the individual tribes and federal agencies to attack the roots of crime: unemployment, lack of education and substance abuse.

McDevitt and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Rice spoke during a panel discussion on the Tribal Law and Order Act at Northern Quest Casino, where about 500 tribal delegates from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Northern California and southeastern Alaska are holding their annual conference this week.

The act, signed into law by President Barack Obama in July, attempts to hold federal agencies accountable for investigating and prosecuting criminals on reservations, where the rate of violent crime is 2 1/2 times the national average and as high as 20 times the national average on some reservations.

Particularly alarming is the statistic that 1 in 3 American Indian or Alaska Native women will be raped in their lifetimes – crimes that often have gone unprosecuted by the U.S. Justice Department.

The Tribal Law and Order Act requires federal prosecutors to collect data on crimes they have declined to prosecute in Indian country and to share evidence with tribal courts.

It authorizes the deputization of special assistant U.S. attorneys to prosecute reservation crime in federal court and tribal and state police to enforce federal laws on tribal lands.

The law also authorizes tribal courts to sentence offenders to three years in prison, up from one year, and increases the maximum fine from $5,000 to $15,000.

But as Rice pointed out, the law also requires a commitment on the part of tribes to adequately train judges and attorneys as well as maintain public records of court proceedings.

Much work remains to be done to fully implement the new law, said Rhonda Harjo, deputy chief counsel for the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.

Tribal and federal officials will have to find a way to incarcerate offenders after the first 100, who will be accepted by the federal Bureau of Prisons under a pilot program.

Crime victims and witnesses must be protected from retaliation by gangs or relatives of offenders, Harjo said.

Other panel members also stressed that Congress must be persuaded to appropriate law enforcement and criminal justice funding for tribes if the spirit of the Tribal Law and Order Act is to be made a reality on the reservation.

ATNI Resolutions Now Available Online

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:14:00 +0000

ATNI Resolutions Now Available Online

USDA withdraws permit for landfill on Yakama Nation treaty lands

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 23:41:00 +0000

Obama appoints four to Advisory Council on Indian Education

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:15:00 +0000

Obama appoints four to Advisory Council on Indian Education
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Filed Under: Education

President Barack Obama has appointed four more people to the National Advisory Council on Indian Education.

The council advises the Department of Education about Indian education issues. The new appointees are:

• Sam McCracken, a member of the Fort Peck Tribes of Montana
• Mary Jane Oatman-Wak Wak, a member of the Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho
• Alapaki Nahale-a, a Native Hawaiian
• S. Alan Ray, a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma

In May, Obama appointed six people to the council. The council has a total of 16 seats.

http://64.38.12.138/News/2010/020523.asp

Secretary Salazar welcomes Tracie Stevens as head of NIGC

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:04:00 +0000

Obama appoints four to Advisory Council on Indian Education

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:01:00 +0000

White House Tribal Nations Progress Report

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:45:00 +0000

At the White House Tribal Nations Conference on November 5, 2009, President Obama joined by members of Congress, met with Leaders invited from all 564 federally recognized tribes. This is a progress report from that meeting.

ATNI Instrumental in Passage of Cobell v. Salazar Resolution

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 03:36:00 +0000

For Immediate Release
June 24, 2010
Contact: Cleora Scott,
Executive Director ATNI
509.847.3979
ATNI Instrumental in Passage of Cobell v. Salazar Resolution
Resolution Supports Settlement and Seeks Changes to Settlement Agreement

NIGC New Chair - Tracie Stevens, Tulalip Tribes

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:04:00 +0000

http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/politics/95109589.html

Trust Reform Working Group Agenda

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Fri, 28 May 2010 16:21:00 +0000

Please accept this invitation to participate in a Trust Reform Working Group
scheduled for June 9, 2010 during the "Tribal Leaders Forum" held at the
Pechanga Resort & Casino Temecula, CA. Please find attached agenda and
position paper for your review. Also find attached the forum program and
registration information which provides info for making lodging
arrangements. Room rate is $109 per night for those attendees of the Tribal
Leaders Forum. You can also find information at website
(www.triballeadersforum.com) for more information about the meeting
location, driving distances from nearby airports, etc.

RFP NW Indian Salmon Fisheries Market Enhancement Project

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Wed, 12 May 2010 06:20:00 +0000

Request For Proposal
Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest Indians Economic Development Corporation
NW Indian Salmon Fisheries Market Enhancement Project
Contact:
Shelly Fleming, Fleming Marketing Group
Contact:
Phone: 360-721-1381
Email: shelly@fmgonfire.com

RFP Word document

Northwest Region: Indian Education Summit

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Wed, 05 May 2010 19:09:00 +0000

Northwest Region: Indian Education Summit
June 28 - July 1, 2010
Transforming our mind, heart and body to serve our community.
Please join us for the Northwest Regional Indian Education Summit this summer at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho.

Fees
Early Registration .................................... $175
Late Registration (after May 28th) ......... $200
volume registration waivers available. For more information, please contact:
Lisa Guzman
(208) 792-2743, lmguzman@lcsc.edu
or
Chris Meyer
(208) 686-5013, cmeyer@cdatribe-nsn.gov

Tulalip Tribal Leader Retires

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:45:00 +0000

http://64.38.12.138/

Connecting on Civil Rights and Indian Affairs

noreply@blogger.com (Affiliated Tribes) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:51:00 +0000

The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights will be hosting a conference focusing on American Indian Civil Rights Issues. The conference will be held on August 10-11 in Albuquerque, NM.

Please see Save the Date for more information.