Assistant Secretary Kevin Washburn. Photo from Bureau of Indian Affairs

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is holding two final meetings this week on the Part 83 reforms to the federal recognition process.

The sessions take place over telephone on Wednesday and Friday. Both are open to the public.

“Nothing at this point is final until we get all of the comments in,” BIA spokesperson Nedra Darling told The Des Moines Gazette.

The Part 83 reforms make two significant changes. One is that petitioning groups only have to provide documents dating back to 1934 as opposed to time of first contact.

The proposal also allows groups that already went through the process to re-apply. But a controversial provision allows interested parties to object, something that may make it impossible for certain tribes to submit another petition.

Written comments can be submitted until September 30.

Get the Story:
Some tribes strive for recognition (The Des Moines Gazette 9/1)

Federal Register Notices:
Federal Acknowledgment of American Indian Tribes (July 30, 2014)
Federal Acknowledgment of American Indian Tribes (May 29, 2014)

Relevant Documents:
Proposed Rule | Press Release | Comparison Chart (comparing current rule to proposed rule) | Response to Comments on June 2013 Discussion Draft | Frequently Asked Questions

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