The U.S. Department of the Interior is soliciting nominations for a committee meant to strengthen the agency's relationship with indigenous tribes.
According to a November 2021 news release, the purpose of the Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee is to assist the department with "engaging in regular and meaningful consultation and collaboration" with tribal leaders. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland announced at the Feb. 14 National Congress of American Indians 2022 Executive Council Winter Session that the department is requesting nominations for the committee.
“Tribes need a seat at the decision-making table before policies are made that impact their communities," Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said in the release. "The creation of this new Tribal Advisory Committee is a timely and much-needed development that will ensure tribal leaders can engage at the highest levels of the department on the issues that matter most to their people. I encourage tribal leaders to submit their nominations to ensure we have the best representation possible as we begin this new chapter of tribal engagement at the department.”
The new advisory council will keep tribal leaders and DOI secretaries in contact so everyone affected can provide information and views regarding programs and funding that could affect the tribal organizations. The committee will be made up of a representative from each of the 12 Bureau of Indian Affairs regions and one alternate member.
Elected or designated tribal officials qualified to represent the views of the groups in their region are eligible for nomination. Nominations will be considered for selection in the following priority order: tribal president/chairperson/governor; tribal vice president/vice chairperson/lieutenant governor; elected or appointed tribal official; and designated tribal official.
Applications are due May 9.
A complete nomination package should include the nominee's name, title, BAI region, contact information, geographic location and tribal affiliation; a resume detailing qualifications and technical experience; a personal statement of why they want to serve on the committee, ,including examples of work or experience at the local, tribal or urban level; a statement committing to contributing to the biannual committee meetings; an official letter from the tribe, other letters of recommendations including letters from regional or national tribal organizations; and any additional comments including culturally relevant skills and personal experience.
