NCAI Annual Convention Agenda October 21-October 26, 2012 Sacramento, CA Theme: Our Rights, Our Sovereignty Saturday, October 20 9:00-3:00 NCAI Executive Committee Meeting Room 101 & 102 11:00 Embassy Fundraiser Golf Tournament Teal Bend Golf Club 7200 Garden Highway, Sacramento, CA 95837 Enjoy a great day of golf with friends while supporting the Embassy of Tribal Nations. For more information click here or contact Chris Pata at [email protected]. Sunday, October 21 9:00-4:00 US Fish & Wildlife Service National Eagle Repository Consultation Room 103 The US Fish & Wildlife Service’s (FWS) National Eagle Repository is considering changing its eagle and eagle feather distribution process. Because of the potential impact such a change would have to tribes across the country, the FWS invites officially designated tribal representatives to attend this meeting and share input on the repository’s feather distribution process. Steve Oberholtzer, Special Agent in Charge, US Fish & Wildlife Service Bernadette Atencio, Repository Supervisor, US Fish & Wildlife Service 10:00-5:00 Registration/ Rules & Credentials Open West Lobby 1
11:00 Embassy Fundraiser Golf TournamentTeal Bend Golf Club 7200 Garden Highway, Sacramento, CA 95837Enjoy a great day of golf with friends while supporting the Embassy of Tribal Nations. For more information click here or contact Chris Pata at [email protected].
Sunday, October 21
9:00-4:00 US Fish & Wildlife Service National Eagle Repository ConsultationRoom 103The US Fish & Wildlife Service’s (FWS) National Eagle Repository is considering changing its eagle and eagle feather distribution process. Because of the potential impact such a change would have to tribes across the country, the FWS invites officially designated tribal representatives to attend this meeting and share input on the repository’s feather distribution process.
Steve Oberholtzer, Special Agent in Charge, US Fish & Wildlife ServiceBernadette Atencio, Repository Supervisor, US Fish & Wildlife Service
9:00-3:00 Native Women’s ForumRoom 1059:00-Noon Violence Against Women Task Force
The NCAI Task Force on Violence Against Women is working diligently to ensure passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) with key tribal provisions intact, including a limited jurisdictional fix to address domestic violence against Native women perpetrated by non-Indians on tribal lands. Speakers will discuss key tribal VAWA amendments, the current status of the VAWA reauthorization, and legislative strategy moving forward.
10:00-5:00 Registration/ Rules & Credentials Open West Lobby
1:00-3:00 Native Women’s CaucusThe Native Women’s Caucus supports the interests of women throughout Indian Country. The Caucus gives visibility and respect to Native women’s perspectives and actions. This session will explore emerging issues in our communities, including education, financial literacy, and the Native Vote, as well as the central roles of women and families.
9:00-3:00 Fostering Resilience in Native Youth Room 204It is no secret that today’s Native youth face many challenges and pressures, ranging from alcohol and substance abuse to suicide. This session will bring together members of NCAI’s suicide/meth prevention, TANF, and SAMHSA task forces to learn how to most effectively equip Native youth with healthy coping mechanisms. Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, a pediatrician specializing in adolescent medicine, will provide adult leaders with tools and strategies to build on youths’ internal strength to foster resilience. Most importantly, participants will consider how to leverage Native cultures and adapt existing youth resiliency models in a culturally appropriate way to best serve Native youth. Please RSVP to Tara Kitcheyan at [email protected].
9:00-Noon Energizing our Community, Respecting our EnvironmentRoom 104Tribal energy resources can be a key and a motivator in developing tribal economies. Unlocking the full potential of its resources under the guise of tribal regulations, tribes can not only have access to affordable energy, but they can be instrumental in developing and providing solutions to ensure protection of our environment.
Tribes can also be strengthened by their understanding of the tax policy and how existing tax legislation impacts energy-development. This session will also provide an update on legislation currently before Congress that advances tribal interests and consultation, as we continue to strengthen tribal sovereignty.
9:00-Noon Training: Information to Support Housing in Indian CountryRoom 102The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is undertaking a national Indian Housing Needs Study and is offering tribes the opportunity to learn how to undertake their own housing needs assessment. This half-day HUD training will provide tribal leaders and tribal housing officials with the tools they need to gather information and use the study results to shape tribal housing policy. For more information contact Jennifer Stoloff, HUD Office of Policy Development and Research at [email protected] or 202.402.5723.
9:00-Noon Training: Tribal Communicators Circle - Best Practices for Indian CountryRoom 202Tribal communicators, tribal leaders, and Indian Country advocates come together to share challenges with each other, provide ideas and feedback, and hear from industry experts on how to deal with the day-to-day challenges of tribal communications.
The interactive session hosted by NCAI’s National Tribal Communications Network will be in two parts. The session will begin with best practice sharing by participants along with Pyramid Communications giving a presentation focusing on the company’s experience working on crisis communications in Indian Country and provide work flows for how to deal with the toughest Public Information Officer challenges. The second part of the session will provide updates on pressing communications issues and messaging strategies and use of new media technologies.
10:00-1:00 Building a Stronger Future Together - Native Organizations Meeting Moving Forward TogetherRoom 203Native organizations at the local, regional and national level, provide an important institutional infrastructure supporting tribal and Native community efforts. Each organization has its own mission and programs but sharing information about trends and strategies that affect Indian Country can serve to help strengthen varied efforts. Join in this special session for leaders of Native organizations and tribal leaders to discuss emerging trends that impact tribes and Native communities and share strategies to work together for the common good. NCAI leadership will facilitate an interactive discussion to develop opportunities for coordination and action.
10:30-5:00 US Environmental Protection Agency ConsultationRoom 301The US Environmental Protection Agency's Office of International and Tribal Affairs is initiating consultation and coordination with federally-recognized Indian Tribes, and seeks feedback and input from tribal leaders on the following consultations that may have national impacts and/or interest: Guidance on the award and management of general assistance agreements (GAP Program) for tribes and inter-tribal consortia (aka for Guidebook for Building Tribal Environmental Capacity); Consultation on the State of Drinking Water Compliance in Indian Country, and The Environmental Protection Agency-Wide Plan to Provide Solid Waste Management Capacity Assistance to Tribes.
1:00-5:00 Large Land Base Tribal Nations Task ForceRoom 101The purpose of the Large Land Base Tribal Nations Task Force is to strengthen the ability of NCAI to advocate for the unique issues of the large land base tribes and to foster unity and cooperation among all tribes to preserve tribal sovereignty, lands, culture, and quality of life for all.
1:00-3:00 Ensuring Tribal Public Health Laws Protect Our CommunitiesRoom 102During this roundtable session, we welcome tribal leaders, health practitioners, tribal health program directors and staff, and other stakeholders to discuss public health laws in Indian Country. Staff from NCAI and NIHB will share current information on tribal public health laws and from the Network on Public Health Law to inform the discussion. The objectives are to: 1) Provide information to tribal leaders on the scope and range of tribal public health law; 2) Share with tribal leaders the importance of public health law development; 3) Identify unique aspects of public health law in Indian Country; and 4) Inform the development of a tribal public health law database that will benefit tribal communities.
Moderators: Malia Villegas, Director, PRC, NCAIEmily White Hat, Program Manager, PRC, NCAI
1:00-5:00 Saving Lives: Improving Communications for Our First Responders Room 104Legislation passed earlier this year created ‘FirstNet’, which will become a nationwide public safety broadband network. FirstNet will allow police officers, fire fighters, emergency medical service professionals, and other public safety officials to communicate with each other across agencies and jurisdictions on a single nationwide network. It is imperative that tribes participate in the build out of FirstNet in order to identify areas where communications services are either nonexistent or in complete disrepair. Attend this session to engage with federal officials and the FirstNet Authority to ensure your tribe is included in the deployment of this network on tribal lands.
Speakers:Brian Howard, Wilma Mankiller Fellow, NCAI Fuzzy Fletcher, Member, SAFECOM Emergency Response CouncilGene Fullano, Associate Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, invitedGeoffrey Blackwell, Chief, Office of Native Affairs and Policy, Federal Communications Commission, invited
1:00-5:00 Federal Recognition Task Force Room 202The Federal Recognition Task Force was established to address the interests of all tribes, both federally and non-federally recognized, on any recommended changes to policies, procedures, or strategic plans in the federal recognition process. This session will continue work on the development of realistic, actionable recommendations to Congress and the Administration on revising the federal recognition process.
1:00-5:00 Emergency Management Overview for Tribal LeadersRoom 201Tribal leaders have demanding schedules that preclude them from attending multiple-day workshops and training sessions. This is a purposely abbreviated course to assist tribal leaders seeking to successfully prepare for, respond to, and recover from incidents and disasters through a better understanding of emergency management. The curriculum includes how effective emergency management can improve the sustainability of tribal communities and better protect tribal citizens, lands, culture, and sovereignty. Upon completion tribal officials are eligible for 4 hours of CEU credit.
3:00-5:00 Tribal TANF Task ForceRoom 204NCAI recently established the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Taskforce to develop national tribal priorities for the reauthorization of TANF. During this meeting, the Taskforce will finalize its set of national tribal TANF priorities, which were drafted during NCAI's Mid Year Conference. These recommendations encompass recommendations on effective implementation strategies, administrative fixes, and programmatic changes that will assist tribes and tribal TANF participants.
3:00-5:00 New NCAI Member Orientation Room 102
All members and officers are invited to this welcoming session for new members of NCAI and a briefing on membership, committees, voting, and process. This is an opportunity to learn more about NCAI meeting policy and procedures.
Jackie Johnson Pata, Executive Director, NCAIRobert Holden, Deputy Director, NCAIJohn Dossett, General Counsel, NCAIJuanita Ahtone, Chair, Resolutions Committee, NCAI
5:00-6:00 NCAI Committee and Subcommittee Chairs Meeting with Resolutions Committee Room 102NCAI requests all committee and subcommittee chairs to attend.
6:00-8:00 Welcome Reception Exhibit Hall DCome and visit old friends and make some new ones. This reception will kick off the great week we are going to have at the 69th Annual Convention. Hosted by the Local Tribes.
7:00-8:00 National Native Prayer Breakfast Room 202This event is a casual breakfast gathering. Attendees will hear encouraging stories of faith and strengthen relationships. This breakfast is reflective of a national event held every year in Washington, DC. Here, we will join together in prayer in order to better serve the concerns of Native communities and nations. Tickets are for sale at registration.
Speaker: Billy Mills, 1964 Gold Medalist
8:30-Noon First General Assembly Exhibit Hall B
8:30 Call to Order Jefferson Keel, President, NCAI
Color Guard Tule River Native American Veterans Post 1987
Honor Song
Invocation
9:00 Welcome from Host Tribe
9:10 California WelcomeJerry Brown, Governor, CaliforniaDarrell Steinberg, State Senator, California
9:25 Rules of the Convention
Yvonne Oberly, Credentials Committee Chair
9:30 Resolutions Process Juanita Ahtone, Resolutions Committee Chair
9:35 President’s Address Jefferson Keel
7:30-5:00 Registration/Rules & Credentials Open for the week West Lobby
7:30-5:00 Resolutions Office Open for the week Room 101
9:50 Executive Director’s Report Jacqueline Johnson Pata
10:30 Message from the White House Jodi Gillette, Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs, The White House
10:50 Message from the US Department of the InteriorHonorable Ken Salazar, Secretary, US Department of the Interior
11:10 Message from the Bureau of Indian AffairsKevin Washburn, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior
11:30 Tribal Leader Discussion
12:00-1:00 NCAI Press Conference Room 102
1:30-4:00 Second General Assembly Exhibit Hall B
1:30 Call to OrderJuana Majel Dixon, First Vice-President, NCAI
NCAI Announcements
1:40 Energy UpdateTracey Lebeau, Director, Office of Indian Energy, US Department of Energy
1:55 Congressional Messages
2:20 Economic Forecasting
2:40 Google Earth Rebecca Moore, Outreach Leader, Google Earth
3:00 Messages from the US Presidential CampaignsKatherine Archuletta, Representative, DNCMark Wyland, California State Senator, Representative, RNC, invited
3:30 Assembly of First Nations MessageShawn A-in-chut Atleo, National Chief, Assembly of First Nations
3:50 Briefing on Constitutional ConventionJoe A. Garcia, Constitutional Committee
4:30-6:00 Youth Commission Daily Wrap-Up SessionRoom 302NCAI OverviewJacqueline Johnson Pata, NCAI Executive DirectorNCAI Constitutional ConventionJohn Dossett, NCAI General CounselCenter for Native American Youth of the Aspen InstituteErin Bailey, Director
6:30-8:30 United League of Indigenous Nations Evening EventRoom 202The United League of Indigenous Nations Treaty was developed and proposed by NCAI’s Special Committee on Indigenous Nation Relationships in 2007. The Treaty establishes an international political and economic alliance to advance the common interests of Indigenous Nations, to bring their cultural properties under the protection of the laws of Indigenous Nations, to protect the human rights of Indigenous Peoples and to assert traditional rights to cross international borders. This event will provide treaty signatories, as well as tribes interested in endorsing the treaty, a forum for discussion and presentation.
8:30 Call to OrderEdward K. Thomas, Recording Secretary, NCAI
Invocation
8:40 Mobilizing Tribes to Protect the Federal Indian BudgetAmber Ebarb, Legislative Associate and PRC Program Manager
9:10 Civil RightsThomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, US Department of Justice
9:30 Preparing for the Next 4 Years: What do we need to do to get ready?Moderators: Dr. Eddie Brown, Executive Director, American Indian Policy Institute, ASUJacqueline Johnson Pata, Executive Director, National Congress of American Indians
Kevin Gover, Director, Smithsonian’s National Museum of American IndiansBill Anoatubby, Governor, Chickasaw Nation, invitedMegan Gregory, Council of Youth Leaders, Opportunity Nation, invitedGregory Mendoza, Governor, Gila River Indian Community
11:30-12:00 Tribal Leaders Strategy and Discussion Session
12:00-1:00 Youth Honor Luncheon Rooms 314 & 315MCs: Quintin Lopez and Randi Ashley Begaye, Co-Presidents, NCAI Youth Commission NCAI Youth Leadership Awards presented by Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chairman, National Indian Gaming Association Speaker: Billy Mills, 1964 Gold MedalistTickets are for sale at registration.
12:00-1:00 Native Financial Education Coalition Lunch and MeetingRoom 301Join us for a meeting with tribal leaders and others interested in a national effort to share information and resources and to promote policies supporting financial education in Indian Country. The Native Financial Education Coalition (NFEC), active throughout the last decade, is re-establishing a membership network and identifying ways to support financial education in Indian Country. Come to participate and share lunch with others interested in this topic and in NFEC. Box lunches will be available for purchase.
Internet Gaming and its Impact in Indian CountryRoom 306Internet gaming is a hot topic in California and around the country. State governments like California are considering legislation that would enable Internet gaming, Congress is working on legislation, and some have concluded that gambling on the Internet is inevitable. The session will provide valuable information on what is going on around the country and how it impacts tribes.
Moderator: Mark Macarro, Chairman, Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians
Robert Martin, Chairman, Morongo Band of Mission IndiansJason Giles, Executive Director, National Indian Gaming AssociationW. Ron Allen, Chairman, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe
Protect Native Money: Financial Skills for the FutureRoom 307A sustained and coordinated national campaign to build financial capability of Native people – especially tribal youth – is essential to secure a strong financial future for tribal nations and Native peoples. Recent settlements in Indian Country – Cobell, Keepseagle, and more than 40 tribal trust settlements – have elevated the urgency of protecting Native money and promoting financial education efforts. This session will provide tribal leaders with information they can use to build their tribes’ and citizens financial capability in three critical areas: consumer protection efforts; best practices in native financial education; and building a national campaign.
Moderator: Sherry Salway Black, NCAI and President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability
Speakers: Shannon Augare, Blackfeet Nation Council Member and Montana State SenatorJames Ramos, Civic Leader, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, invitedLevon Henry, Executive Director, DNA Legal ServicesLyn Haralson, Director of Financial Education, CFPBDavid Burrell, President and CEO, Pinnacle BankMike Roberts, President, First Nations Development Institute
Developing Digital Infrastructure to Promote Tribal SovereigntyRoom 308
Digital infrastructure has become a vital component of tribal sovereignty. Installation of broadband technologies on tribal lands has increased self-determination in governance, healthcare, and economic development. This session will highlight tribes that have used these technologies to increase efficiency and streamline services for their membership. Tribal leaders will gain exposure to new advancements in these fields, and the cost-savings associated with usage of telecommunications technologies in these operations.
Speakers:Aaron Fisher, Executive Director, Information Technology, Kalispel Tribe, invitedPaul Romero, IT Director, Yurok TribeBruce Holdrige, General Manager, Gila River Telecommunications, Inc. , invitedJay Brudzinski, Telehealth Coordinator, Alaska Federal Health Care Access Network, invited
Intertribal Tax Initiative: Tribalizing National Tax Reform in 2013Room 310Please join us for a lively discussion about the need for tribal government parity in both general government tax treatment and under the Internal Revenue Code. We will discuss the national tax landscape and how tribal leaders can participate in an effort to include tribal tax priorities within the larger discussion of national tax reform. This session will include insights from tribal leaders, tax attorneys, and policy advocates.
Moderator: Will Micklin, Executive Director, California Association of Tribal Governments
Speakers: Gary Hayes, Chairman, Ute Mountain Ute TribeDante Desiderio, Executive Director, NAFOA Aurene Martin, President, Spirit Rock ConsultingWendy Pearson, Principal, Pearson Law Office
An Issue of Global Proportions: Protecting Our Sacred LandsRoom 311Protection of and access to Indian sacred places is a key priority for Indigenous peoples on both the domestic and international fronts. This session will bring together international experts and
federal representatives to discuss international and domestic strategies for protecting Indian religious and cultural sites. Particular attention will be given to the relationship between sacred places, the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination, and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as well as to ongoing initiatives concerning sacred places within the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior.
Moderator: Andrea Carmen, Executive Director, International Indian Treaty Council
Speakers: Marshall McKay, Chairman, Yocha Dehe Wintun NationDion Killsback, Counselor to the Assistant Secretary, US Department of the InteriorJanie Hipp, Senior Advisor on Tribal Relations, US Department of AgricultureGrand Chief Ed John, Chair, United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Using Technology to Sustain Our Cultures and Improve Academic AchievementRoom 312All around Indian Country, tribes are taking advantage of digital tools such as apps and distance learning to improve academic achievement, better integrate Native cultures into schools, and teach Native languages to the younger generations. This session will highlight some of these initiatives and discuss how tribes have formed partnerships with technology companies, universities, school districts, and others to make these innovations a reality in their communities.
Moderator: Dr. Heather Shotton, President, National Indian Education Association
Philip Johnson, Director of Rural Schools, Kodiak Island Borough School District Diane Merrick, Director of Dakota Language Program, Marty Indian School Iris Sanchez, Language Coordinator, Pauma Band of Mission Indians Jessie Ryker-Crawford, Chair of Museum Studies, Institute of American Indian ArtsYolanda Espinoza, Tribal Librarian, Pauma Band of Mission Indians
Tribal Homeland Security/Emergency ManagementRoom 309Tribes have made progress in the past decade regarding obstructive federal Post 9-11 homeland security policies, disaster assistance, and funding for emergency management infrastructure
capacity building. This moderate success has come through the engagement of tribal leaders and tribal community members in federal policy and legislation and dialogue with the Secretary of Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Administrator and other Administration officials. This session will cover current national public safety challenges which require continued monitoring and action by tribes. Topics will range from inconsistent treatment of tribal members using tribal IDs for border crossing to a strategy update on Stafford Act legislation to authorize tribal leader direct disaster declaration authority to options for creating a tribal disaster readiness fund and many other topics; and, telecommunication coordination during national disasters and Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS). Moderator: Robert Holden, Deputy Director, NCAI
Speakers: Steve Golubic, Director, Office of Tribal Affairs, US Department of Homeland Security LaTanya Watson, Preparedness Grants Directorate, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland SecurityJeremiah L. Jones, Chief of Strategy, Plans and Outreach, DHS Office of Cybersecurity and Communications Kirsten Riesbeck, Tribal Liaison, US Coast GuardMary Flores,Tribal Representative, US Citizenship & Immigrations Services, DHS
Strengthening Native Families through Indian Child WelfareRoom 313Financing and providing culturally appropriate, accessible child welfare services that prioritize keeping families together are significant challenges. To overcome these obstacles, tribes are putting unique policies in place, using available funding in creative ways, and developing partnerships with state governments and other service providers. This session will illustrate how tribes can enhance Indian child welfare practices, including pathways to permanency, to better serve Native children and families.
Moderator: Terry Cross, Executive Director, National Indian Child Welfare Association
Speakers:Edward K. Thomas, President, T& H, invitedSuzanna Garcia, Assistant General Counsel, Washoe Tribe, invitedKaran Kolb, Tribal Family Services, Indian Health Council, Inc. , invited
Housing-Room 204 Human, Religious & Cultural Concerns-Room 310 Indian Child & Family Welfare-Room 312Jurisdiction & Tribal Government-Room 311Taxation-Room 307
4:00-6:00 Youth Commission Daily Wrap-Up SessionRoom 302Native Future Farmers of America and 4-H YouthUS Department of Agriculture Team Big Brothers Big SistersIvy Wright-BryanCorporation for National and Community ServiceRonald Lessard, Strategic Advisor for Native American AffairsSociety of American Indian Government EmployeesShana Barehand, TreasurerHealth Walk Preparations
6:00-9:00 Cultural EveningExhibit Hall DCome out for a fun and exciting evening hosted by the Local Planning Committee. They have arranged for an entertaining evening of dance and song from their local tribes. You won’t want to miss it!
8:00-9:00 National Native American Just Move It! Terrace LobbyHealthy Lifestyles Walk, Run, and Rally9th Annual National Native American Health & Fitness Walk. Come and join leaders from more than 500 nations as we all walk the talk, and show our commitment to wellness. Incentives are provided for participants.Rally Speaker: Jefferson Keel, President, NCAI
9:30 Call to Order W. Ron Allen, Treasurer, NCAI
Invocation Announcements
Credentials and Membership Report Yvonne Oberly, Credentials Committee Chair
9:45 Boys and Girls Club 80th AnniversaryJim Clark, President, Boys and Girls Club of America, video
10:00 Health and Human Services UpdateKathleen Sebelius, Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services, video
George Sheldon, Acting Assistant Secretary, Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services, invited
Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, Director, Indian Health Services, Department of Health and Human Services
Senator Daniel K. Akaka, videoLoretta Tuell, Majority Staff Director, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs
11:00-12:00 Tribal Leader Discussion
12:00-1:00 Trade Show Networking Reception Exhibit Hall C & ENetwork with top businesses in their field including Tribes, Federal Agencies, Corporations, Non-Profits, Tribal Enterprises, Tribal Entrepreneurs and Artisans. Join us and discover new business opportunities!
12:00-1:00 Lunch Discussion on State/Tribal Relations with Representatives from the National Caucus of Native American State LegislatorsRoom 315Representatives from the National Caucus of Native American State Legislators will host this lunch to engage with tribal leaders on topics such as revenue sharing agreements and eliminating barriers to health care access. In these difficult economic times, partnerships between tribal governments and their respective state legislatures that involve revenue distribution, tax collection and access to health care are more important than ever. Please join us for this lunch. Space may be limited, please RSVP to Derrick Beetso at [email protected] if you plan to attend.
Representatives from National Caucus of Native American State Legislators:Karen Awana (Native Hawaiian), State Representative, HawaiiShannon Augare (Blackfeet), State Senator, MontanaKevin Killer (Oglala Lakota/Kiowa), State Representative, South DakotaJohn McCoy (Tulalip Tribes), State Representative, WashingtonShelly McDonald, State-Tribal Institute, National Conference of State Legislatures
1:30 -4:00 Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Digital Communities: Establishing Effective Communication Outreach Room 310Communications networks serve a variety of beneficial purposes for tribal communities. Social media has proven to be an effective tool for increasing collaboration with business entities, and promoting government transparency. This session will bring together experts to discuss how tribes can use social media (e.g. Twitter, Facebook, and blogs) to develop guidelines and protocol for communications outreach. Special emphasis will be placed on tribal governance and
economic development ventures that have successfully established these communication guidelines. Issues regarding cybersecurity and network integrity will also be addressed.
Speakers: Rob Jacks, Chief Information Officer, Commerce Division, Chickasaw NationRobert Pollard, Director of Information Technology, Blue Lake Rancheria, invitedChris Pata, Sr. Systems Administrator, NCAIRhonda LeValdo, President, Native American Journalists Association, invited
Tribal Lands: HEARTH Act, Land Consolidation, and Land RestorationRoom 308This session will address important topics in tribal lands. First, Congress recently passed the HEARTH Act, which permits tribes to lease their lands under tribal regulations without the approval of the Secretary of the Interior. The Navajo Nation has had a similar law in place since 2000, and will provide information on how tribes can take advantage of this opportunity. Second, the Indian Land Consolidation Program is poised to receive $1.9 billion under the Cobell Settlement and many tribes want to contract with Interior. Chickasaw Nation Industries will discuss their experiences as a contractor with the Indian Land Consolidation program. Third, recently, in Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Potowatami v. Patchak (2012), the Supreme Court disregarded decades of interpretation of the Quiet Title Act to permit retroactive challenges to the status of federal Indian trust land. We will discuss ongoing efforts to ensure tribal land restoration overcomes this challenge.
Moderator: Scott Russell, Secretary, Crow Tribe
Speakers: Karis Begaye, Attorney, Navajo Department of Justice, Economic Development UnitNeal McCaleb, Chickasaw Nation IndustriesChet Kaviratne, Chickasaw Nation IndustriesJohn Dossett, General Counsel, NCAIPatrice Kunesh, Deputy Solicitor for Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior, invited
Strengthening Tribal WorkforcesRoom 307As the country continues to focus on jobs, it is critical that tribes remain an active player in developing an effective and versatile workforce. Rather than create unneeded jobs, many tribes are developing their workforces to fill key positions within their communities. This session will discuss the need for productive tribal workforces, and examine how tribes are currently using resources, including the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), in innovative ways to meet the needs of their communities.
Moderator: David Gipp, President, United Tribes Technical College
Speakers: Mary Trimble Norris, Executive Director, American Indian Child Resource Center, invitedLana Chanda, Director, Gila River Employment and Training Department, invitedCarrie Billy, President and CEO, American Indian Higher Education Consortium, invitedEvangeline Campbell, Indian and Native American Program, US Department of Labor, invited
Agribusiness and Traditional FoodsRoom 311Tribes have created strategic plans to protect tribal “First Foods” while ensuring water and land are available for other uses. Additionally, tribes are taking advantage of domestic and foreign markets to export their agriculture products. The panels for this session will feature tribal agriculture and food organizations that provide food for consumption off the reservation and outside the US as well as insight into revitalizing and maintaining our traditional foods. Speakers will share the history and planning considerations tribes have made while beginning or restarting and growing their agriculture base. Participants will be invited to join a discussion of tribal agriculture development practices, marketing and exporting and First Food initiatives.
Speakers: Ross Racine, Executive Director, Intertribal Agriculture Council, USDA Technical Assistance CentersKurt Grinnell, Council Member, The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, invitedGeorge Costa, Director of Resource and Economic Development, Colusa Indian Community Council Farming OperationsMark Tilsen, President, Native American Natural Foods Kevin Hudson, Farm Manager, Tribal Farm Enterprise, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Michael Roberts, President, First Nations Development InstituteWenix Red Elk, Public Outreach & Education Specialist, DNR/CTUIR, Department of Natural Resources, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian ReservationMiguel Hernandez, Muckleshoot Community Gardener, Northwest Indian College
Juvenile Justice Reform: Developing Alternatives to DetentionRoom 312Juvenile justice in Indian Country has been plagued with rising criminal incidence rates and increased detention. Tribal leaders have voiced their concerns about the futures of their children who are processed through detention systems. The Annie E. Casey Foundation, along with the National Indian Child Welfare Association, the Association for American Indian Affairs, the W. Haywood Burns Institute and others, have been working to implement the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) in Indian Country. JDAI has proven successful at reducing juvenile criminal incidence and detention rates in sites across the country. In addition to JDAI, there are burgeoning tribal youth programs (TYP) that utilize cultural strengths to engage youths in constructive dialogue. Although tribal youth programs are not strictly alternatives to detention, it will be beneficial to discuss how TYP incorporate tribal culture into an activity that could
potentially be a component to an alternative to detention. This session will explore ways in which alternatives to detention can be expanded and improved upon in Indian Country.
Speakers: Jack F. Trope, Executive Director, Association on American Indian AffairsTerry Cross, Executive Director, National Indian Child Welfare AssociationGeorge Leonard, Wind River Tribal Youth Program, Arapapho TribeMarcia Rincon-Gallardo, Site Manager, W. Haywood Burns Institute
Building Healthy Economies – What does success look like? Room 306Join tribal leaders, federal partners, and financial institutions to define the tools and information your tribe needs to build a strong, healthy economy. In today’s economy, one question facing tribal leaders is – how do we connect our citizens with capital to grow businesses and lending services to meet their other financial needs? Some tribes have bought banks and/or launched their own lending institutions; banks have developed innovative products to reach tribal consumers; and federal programs have been developed that offer access to capital; but questions still remain about how to effectively reach tribes and tribal citizens with financial services. Participants will be invited to help identify the promising practices and existing challenges to build healthy tribal economies. Moderator: Peter Morris, Senior Advisor to the Executive Director, NCAI
Speakers: Diane Enos, President, Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, invitedChris James, Assistant Administrator, US Small Business Administration Amber Kuchar, Associate Program Manager, CDFI Fund
Tribal Homeland Security/Emergency ManagementRoom 309Tribes have made some progress in the past decade regarding obstructive federal Post 9-11 homeland security policies, disaster assistance, and funding for emergency management infrastructure capacity building. The moderate success has come through the engagement of tribal leaders and tribal community members through federal legislation and dialogue with the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Administrator and other departmental officials. This session will encompass current national public safety challenges which require continued monitoring and action by tribal leaders and tribal advocates at every level. Topics will include inconsistent treatment of tribal members using tribal IDs for border crossing; threatened loss of the Department of Homeland Security Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program; strategy update on Stafford Act legislation to authorize tribal leader direct disaster declaration authority; options for creating a tribal disaster readiness fund, utilizing GIS technology to facilitate tribal emergency management; tribal flood insurance management participation, state/tribal homeland
security relationships, and telecommunication coordination during national disasters and Government Emergency Telecommunication System (GETS).
Moderator: Robert Holden, Deputy Director, NCAI
Speakers: Richard Flores, Special Advisor to the Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency, US DHSFrank Harjo, GIS Program Coordinator, Muscogee (Creek) NationLee Shipman, Emergency Management Director, Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe and Tribal Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) CoordinatorDenise Banker, Native American and Tribal Government Affairs Tribal Liaison, California Office of Emergency ManagementCurtis Parker, Diversity Programs Manager, American Red Cross
5:00 Membership and Registration Deadline West LobbyMembership and registration needs to be current and paid by 5:00 pm in order to vote in the Constitutional Convention on Thursday morning in General Assembly.
4:00-6:00 Subcommittee Meetings
Disabilities/Elders-Elder’s LoungeEconomic Development, Finance & Employment-Room 202Education-Room 301Energy & Mineral Policy-Room 308Environmental Protection & Land Use-Room 309 Health-Room 304Housing-Room 204 Human, Religious & Cultural Concerns-Room 310
4:00-6:00 Youth Commission Daily Wrap-Up SessionRoom 302Native Wellness Initiative for Suicide Prevention Among Urban Native YouthKatherine Lewis, ASW – Native American Health CenterYouth Violence and Victimization Study PresentationTerry Cross, Executive Director, National Indian Child Welfare AssociationYouth Commission Speeches
6:00-8:00 US Department of Veteran Affairs Listening Session on Burial and Memorial PreferencesRoom 317Understanding and meeting the burial and memorial needs of Native American Veterans is key to ensuring that Veterans as a whole are satisfied with the burial and memorial benefits available to them through VA. NCA and OTGR would like to utilize the NCA vision and meet the needs of Native Veterans through a listening session to assess the burial and unique preferences or options available to this important Veteran population.
6:00-8:00 US Department of the Interior Informational Session on American Indian Population and Labor Force Report Room 305Accurate information on tribes’ population and employment levels is critically important for understanding the social and economic circumstances that tribes face and identifying the best policies and strategies for promoting economic development in Indian Country. The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs’ office is consulting with tribes on matters related the future publication of the American Indian Population and Labor Force Report. The Assistant Secretary’s office will hold an informational session at the NCAI Annual Convention as part of that consultation. Leader-to-leader sessions will be part of the consultation, too, and will conclude by early November.
Full Committee Reports and Consideration of ResolutionsEconomic, Finance & Community Development Litigation & Governance Veterans Human Resources Land & Natural Resources
Fredericks Peebles and Morgan LLP Client and Friends Appreciation ReceptionCafeteria 15L located at 1116 15th Street (across from Marriott Residence Inn)7:00-10:00pmThe law firm of Fredericks Peebles and Morgan LLP will host a client and friends appreciation reception. The Firm invites NCAI conference participants to join them for a food and wine event and great live music by Sol Rising. For more information please contact Leonika Charging at 402-333-4053, or by email at [email protected].
Tuesday, October 23
US Government Accountability Office (GAO) Listening Session: Evaluation of Veterans Affairs (VA) and IHS Coordination in Serving Native American VeteransRoom 31712:00-1:15pm &6:00-7:30pmGAO is seeking feedback on the 2010 VA/IHS memorandum of understanding. Specifically, GAO is interested in obtaining views from tribal communities on VA and IHS coordination, and on VA’s coordination with tribes that operate their own health care facilities, in providing health care to Native American veterans. We would like to hear about what parts of this coordination are working well, as well as areas that may need improvement. All tribal communities are welcome. We would like to obtain perspectives from as many communities as possible in order to understand the unique issues and potential challenges that may affect different communities. For more information contact Hannah Marston Minter at [email protected] or 202.512.2646.GAO is the audit, evaluation, and investigative arm of Congress. Congress requests the agency to look at a certain issue and GAO then—independent of Congress—plans and conducts the study and produces publicly available reports at www.gao.gov. Geri Brennan, Assistant Director, Health Care, Government Accountability Office; Hannah Marston Minter, Analyst, Health Care, Government Accountability Office
Wednesday, October 24
TEDNA Meet and Greet ReceptionRoom 3016:00-7:00pmJoin the Tribal Education Departments National Assembly (TEDNA), the leading nonprofit organization advancing tribal sovereignty in education law and policy, for a meet and greet reception. Meet tribal leaders, tribal education department directors, and tribal educators. A brief education legislative update will be provided by NARF Attorney Amy Cordalis. Food will be provided. For more information contact Amy Bowers at [email protected] Clean Energy Resource Center (TCLERC) National Launch ReceptionRoom 2016:00-8:00pm
Northern Arizona University’s (NAU) Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) is honored to announce its newest program called the “Tribal Clean Energy Resource Center” or “TCERC”. TCERC was born from a request from tribal leaders and tribal energy leaders to assist tribes in their transition from fossil fuel based energy sources to a more a sustainable and clean energy resource. ITEP invites the general public to the “TCERC National Launch” reception in Room 201. For more information contact 480-784-7954.
Delaware Tribe Meet and Greet ReceptionRoom 3036:00-8:00pm The Delaware Tribe is hosting a meet and greet reception for its Sacramento area tribal members to meet their tribal officials. Vice-Chief Chet Brooks, Tribal Council Secretary Verna Crawford, Tribal Council member Nathan Young, Trust Board Member Joe Brooks, Tribal Manager Curtis Zunigha, and Enrollment Director Leslie Fall-Leaf will be in attendance.
"Paddle to Quinault 2013" - Honoring Our Warriors ReceptionRoom 3146:00-8:00pm Quinault Indian Nation and Canoe Society are pleased to host the "Paddle to Quinault 2013" Reception. Join Tribal Chair Fawn Sharp and other NCAI Leaders witness Quinault's intent to host the largest cultural gathering along the west coast to promote, strengthen, and preserve the culture and traditions of the Coast Salish people. For more information contact Norine Hill at [email protected].
California Indian Legal Services Celebration Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel – Grand Nave Ballroom 12306:00 pm-12:00amCalifornia Indian Legal Services celebrates 45 years of service. Dinner, auction and live music planned. Consider joining us for this memorable event. For more information contact Summer Morales at (800) 743-8941 or [email protected]. Limited seating will be available at the door.
NTEC ReceptionRoom 3156:30-8:30pm National Tribal Environmental Council will be hosting a reception. Come meet our new executive director and have a new conversation on the environment. Food and drinks will be provided. For more information contact Mary Velarde at [email protected].
US Government Accountability Office (GAO) Listening Session: Evaluation of Department of Labor (DOL) Efforts to Increase Training and Employment Opportunities for Native American VeteransRoom 203 12:00-2:30pm GAO is seeking feedback on the status of DOL efforts to implement recommendations from a 2010 DOL report on Native American veterans’ employment and training needs and opportunities for improvement. Specifically, GAO is interested in obtaining views from tribal communities on DOL efforts to collaborate with tribal governments and conduct outreach to Native Americans living on tribal lands. All tribal communities are welcome. GAO would like to obtain perspectives from as many communities as possible in order to understand the range of unique issues and potential challenges. For more information or to arrange an alternative time to share your feedback, please contact Michelle Bracy, GAO Senior Analyst at 202-512-6183 or [email protected]. GAO is the audit, evaluation, and investigative arm of Congress. Congress requests the agency to look at certain issues and GAO then—independent of Congress—plans and conducts the study and produces publicly available reports at www.gao.gov.
