Assistant Secretary Kevin Washburn. Photo from Bureau of Indian Affairs
The Bureau of Indian Affairs has extended the public comment period on Part 83 reforms to the federal recognition process. Assistant Secretary Kevin Washburn said the proposed regulation has received "significant" attention. So comments are being accepted until September 30, along with two more tribal consultation sessions and two more public meetings. "With this extended comment period, the [Interior] Department is providing more opportunities for comment and suggestions from tribes and the public than any other rule issued by Indian Affairs during this Administration,” Washburn said in a press release today. “Input from tribes, including the 17 that have been recognized under the regulations, states, local governments, the public and non-federally recognized tribes will result in a better final rule.” The tribal consultations will be held over the phone on August 18 and August 20. The sessions are only open to representatives of federally recognized tribes. The public meetings also will be held over the phone, from 1:30pm to 4:30pm Eastern time on September 3 and and September 5. Anyone can call in to 888-323-4307 and use the passcode 4823348 to participate. The BIA has been holding consultations and meetings throughout this month on the proposed changes. The next one takes place July 29 and it will hosted by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts, whose federal recognition became final in May 2007. "We are both pleased and honored to host the BIA and tribes from around the country to discuss President Obama's plans for reforming the federal acknowledgment process," Chairman Cedric Cromwell said in a press release. "It is fitting that these talks take place in Mashpee since our tribe has experienced, first-hand, the flaws in the federal recognition process. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Mashpee and to a very spirited discussion." Get the Story:
Malloy calls for hearing on proposed changes in federal recognition of Indian tribes (The New London Day 7/25) Federal Register Notice:
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 Related Stories:
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