The Bureau of Indian Affairs will be holding tribal consultation sessions to discuss changes to the federal recognition process.

Assistant Secretary Kevin Washburn announced a discussion draft that will be the starting point for new regulations. A notice in today's Federal Register also outlines the proposal.

“The discussion draft is a starting point in the conversation with federally recognized tribes, petitioners and the public on how to ensure that the process is fair, efficient and transparent,” Washburn said in a press release. “We are starting with an open mind and no fixed agenda, and we’re looking forward to getting input from all stakeholders before we move forward with a proposed rule that will provide additional certainty and timeliness to the process."

Interior Secretary Sally Jewell discussed the issue in her speech at the National Congress of American Indians today. She described the current federal recognition process as "pretty messy."

"This is a starting point that ensures the process is fair, efficient, transparent and moves forward," Jewell said to applause.

The five tribal consultation sessions will be held from July 23 through August 26. Details can be found in the Federal Register notice.

Federal Register Notice:
Procedures for Establishing That an American Indian Group Exists as an Indian Tribe (June 26, 2013)

Relevant Documents:
Dear Tribal Leaders Letter | Present Version - 25 CFR Part 83 Procedures for Establishing that an American Indian Group Exists as an Indian Tribe | Red Lined Proposed Version - 25 CFR Part 83 Procedures for Establishing that American Indian Group Exists as an Indian Tribe