Trust reform update sheds some light

FROM THE ARCHIVE

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2002

Norton's Observations
Norton introduces the report by noting its new format. Instead of taking off on the High Level Implementation Plan (HLIP), which was devised by the Clinton administration in July 1998 and then revised in February 2000, it is now based on "a methodology designed to document more objectively both accomplishments and lack of progress," she writes.

More importantly, however, the report has changed because the "obsolete" HLIP has been scrapped. Information about 11 reform projects and 4 breach ones is still being reported but in a different manner, as all milestone charts have been dropped.

The report, however, will probably change in structure because Norton says the department is undergoing its "transition." She also says her senior management team will be preparing a strategic plan to reform in consultation with tribes, affected Native Americans and Congress.

She doesn't give a timeline as to when the plan might be developed, or exactly how it will be formulated.

Finally, Norton says she has been "working to increase budget resources for trust management and oversight, and I am highly confident that the President will on February 4th propose significant increases for improving trust management and oversight."

Secretary's Observations | Special Trustee Observations | Trust Transition Observations | Departmental Reorganization | Historical Accounting

Get the Report:
Status Report to the Court Number Eight (1/16)

Relevant Links:
Indian Trust, Department of Interior - http://www.doi.gov/indiantrust
Indian Trust: Cobell v. Norton - http://www.indiantrust.com
Trust Reform, NCAI - http://130.94.214.68/main/pages/
issues/other_issues/trust_reform.asp