Oil and Gas; Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and Indian Lands; Rescission of a 2015 Rule
82 FR 61924, (PDF)
SUMMARY: On March 26, 2015, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) published in the Federal Register a final rule entitled, ‘‘Oil and Gas; Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and Indian Lands’’ (2015 rule). With this final rule, the BLM is rescinding the 2015 rule because we believe it imposes administrative burdens and compliance costs that are not justified. This final rule returns the affected sections of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) to the language that existed immediately before the published effective date of the 2015 rule (June 24, 2015), except for changes to those regulations that were made by other rules published between the date of publication of the 2015 rule and now, and the phrase ‘‘perform nonroutine fracturing jobs,’’ which is not restored to the list of subsequent operations requiring prior approval. None of the changes by other rules are relevant to this rulemaking.
Notice Regarding Upper Klamath Basin Comprehensive Agreement
82 FR 61582, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) is publishing this Notice under subsection 10.2 of the Upper Klamath Basin Comprehensive Agreement (UKBCA), executed by the Klamath Tribes (Tribes), State of Oregon (State), and numerous irrigators in the Upper Klamath Basin. The UKBCA contains measures to address the needs of water users in the Upper Klamath Basin, who are not affiliated with the Bureau of Reclamation’s Klamath Project (Project). The UKBCA also contains conditions that must be achieved before the UKBCA can become permanent. Despite the efforts of the UKBCA parties, one or more conditions in subsection 10.1 of the UKBCA have failed to occur. Accordingly, pursuant to the terms of subsection 10.2 of the UKBCA and as further described below, this statement serves as a ‘‘Negative Notice’’ that the UKBCA is terminated as set forth in UKBCA subsection 10.2.
Related News Stories: Interior secretary nixes water agreement: Tribes, Upper Basin irrigators react (Herald and News) 1/2/18
Addition of the Wind River Indian Reservation to the List of Courts of Indian Offenses
82 FR 61448, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is confirming the interim final rule published on October 27, 2016, establishing a Court of Indian Offenses (also known as a CFR Court) for the Wind River Indian Reservation.
Court of Indian Offenses Serving the Wind River Indian Reservation
82 FR 61450, (PDF)
SUMMARY: This document accompanies the final rule establishing a Court of Indian Offenses (also known as a CFR Court) for the Wind River Indian Reservation published today and waives the application of certain regulations for the Court of Indian Offenses serving the Wind River Indian Reservation.
Notice Regarding Uppper Klamath Basin Comprehensive Agreement
82 FR 61582, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) is publishing this Notice under subsection 10.2 of the Upper Klamath Basin Comprehensive Agreement (UKBCA), executed by the Klamath Tribes (Tribes), State of Oregon (State), and numerous irrigators in the Upper Klamath Basin. The UKBCA contains measures to address the needs of water users in the Upper Klamath Basin, who are not affiliated with the Bureau of Reclamation’s Klamath Project (Project). The UKBCA also contains conditions that must be achieved before the UKBCA can become permanent. Despite the efforts of the UKBCA parties, one or more conditions in subsection 10.1 of the UKBCA have failed to occur. Accordingly, pursuant to the terms of subsection 10.2 of the UKBCA and as further described below, this statement serves as a ‘‘Negative Notice’’ that the UKBCA is terminated as set forth in UKBCA subsection 10.2.
Minimum Techincal Standards for Class II Gaming Systems and Equipment
82 FR 61172, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The National Indian Gaming Commission is amending its minimum technical standards for Class II gaming systems and equipment. The rule amends the regulations that describe how tribal governments, tribal gaming regulatory authorities, and tribal gaming operations comply with the minimum technical standards.
Final Determination Against Federal Ackowledgement of the Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee
82 FR 61023, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior (Department) gives notice that the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs, exercising the authority of the Assistant Secretary— Indian Affairs has determined that the Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee (GTEC) is not an Indian Tribe within the meaning of Federal law. This notice is based on a determination that affirms the reasoning, analysis, and conclusions in the Proposed Finding (PF) that the petitioner does not satisfy the seven mandatory criteria for acknowledgment set forth in the applicable regulations. Therefore, it does not meet the requirements for a government-togovernment relationship with the United States. Based on the limited nature and extent of comments, and consistent with prior practices, the Government is not producing a separate detailed report or other summary under the criteria to accompany this Final Determination (FD), because neither the petitioner nor interested parties have submitted significant new evidence or analysis that changes the conclusions in the PF. The PF, as supplemented by this notice, is affirmed. This notice constitutes the FD.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
82 FR 57729, (PDF)
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, and the Skagit River System Cooperative and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife have jointly submitted a steelhead fishery resource management plan (RMP) to NMFS pursuant to the limitation on take prohibitions for actions conducted under Limit 6 of the 4(d) Rule for salmon and steelhead promulgated under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The plan proposes to manage the harvest of natural-origin Skagit River (Washington State) steelhead as an independent steelhead management unit within the ESA-listed Puget Sound steelhead demographic population segment (DPS). The Plan proposes to implement these Skagit River steelhead fisheries pursuant to U.S. v. Washington. This document serves to notify the public of the availability for comment of the proposed evaluation and pending determination of the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) as to whether the RMP meets the criteria under Limit 6 of the 4(d) Rule and as to whether implementation of the RMP will appreciably reduce the likelihood of survival and recovery of ESA-listed Puget Sound steelhead and Puget Sound Chinook salmon.
Tribal Consultation on Indian Trust Assest Reform Act (ITARA) Sec. 304, Transition Plan for the Office of Special Trustee for American Indians
82 FR 51860, (PDF)
SUMMARY: This notice announces that the Department of the Interior (Department) will be hosting two Tribal consultation sessions on a proposal to transfer the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians (OST) to report to the Office of the Assistant Secretary— Indian Affairs (AS–IA) in FY 2018 via a Secretary’s Order. Under the proposal, the office would be headed temporarily by the Principal Deputy Special Trustee, who would be delegated the authorities of the Special Trustee for American Indians. Subsequently, the Department plans to appoint a career executive to act as the Director of OST.
Administration for Children and Families
82 FR 51418, (PDF)
SUMMARY: Administration for Native Americans (ANA) is issuing final interpretive rules, general statements of policy and rules of agency organization, procedure, or practice relating to the following six proposed FY2018 Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs): Environmental Regulatory Enhancement (HHS–2018–ACF–ANA–NR–1344); Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance—Esther Martinez Immersion (HHS–2018–ACF–ANA–NB– 1343); Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance (HHS– 2018–ACF–NA–NL–1342); Social and Economic Development Strategies (HHS–2018–ACF–ANA–NA–1339); Social and Economic Development Strategies—Alaska (HHS–2018–ACF– ANA–NK–1340); and Native Youth Initiative for Leadership, Empowerment, and Development (HHS–2018–ACF– ANA–NC–1341).
Office of Tribal Relations; Council for Native American Farming and Ranching
82 FR 50855, (PDF)
SUMMARY: This notice announces a forthcoming meeting of The Council for Native American Farming and Ranching (CNAFR), a public advisory committee of the Office of Tribal Relations (OTR). Notice of the meetings are provided in accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended. This will be the first meeting held during fiscal year 2018 and will consist of, but not be limited to: Hearing public comments, subcommittee report outs, and discussion of potential recommendations. This meeting will be open to the public.
National Native American Heritage Month, 2017
82 FR 51543, (PDF)
SUMMARY: American Indians and Alaska Natives are inextricably linked with the history of the United States. Beginning with the Pilgrims’ arrival at Plymouth Colony and continuing until the present day, Native American’s contributions are woven deeply into our Nation’s rich tapestry. During National Native American Heritage Month, we honor and celebrate the first Americans and recognize their contributions and sacrifices.
Bureau of Indian Affairs
82 FR 50312, (PDF)
SUMMARY: This interim final rule updates the Tribal Transportation Program regulations published in 2016 to delay the deadline for Tribes to comply with requirements to collect data on proposed roads for the National Tribal Transportation Facility Inventory (NTTFI).
Bureau of Indian Affairs
82 FR 48241, (PDF)
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) will conduct a series of consultation sessions regarding its proposed strategic plan. The BIE will conduct five on-site tribal consultation sessions and one telephonic session. The on-site consultation sessions will be held at geographically diverse locations across the country to maximize Tribal input early in the process. The telephonic session will be held on December 14, 2017.
Freedom of Information Act Procedures
82 FR 48205, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The purpose of this document is to propose amendments to the procedures followed by the National Indian Gaming Commission (Commission) when processing a request under the Freedom of Information Act, as amended. These changes will serve to update certain Commission information, conform to changes made in the FOIA Improvements Act of 2016, and streamline how the Commission processes its Freedom of Information Act requests.
Draft FY 2018-2022 Environmental Protection Agency Strategic Plan
82 FR 46490, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of the Draft FY 2018– 2022 EPA Strategic Plan for public review and comment, which is being revised as required by the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) Modernization Act of 2010. The agency anticipates the final Strategic Plan will be submitted to Congress in February 2018. For this notice, the EPA is seeking comment from individual citizens, states, tribes, local governments, industry, the academic community, non-governmental organizations, and all other interested parties. (link to the EPA page with draft plan )
Seminole Tribe Florida; Emergency and Related Determinations
82 FR 46589, (PDF)
SUMMARY: This is a Notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the Seminole Tribe of Florida (FEMA–4341–DR), dated 09/27/ 2017. Incident: Hurricane Irma. Incident Period: 09/04/2017 and continuing.
Seminole Tribe Florida; Emergency and Related Determinations
82 FR 44435, (PDF)
SUMMARY: This is a notice of the Presidential declaration of an emergency for the Seminole Tribe of Florida (FEMA–3388–EM), dated September 8, 2017, and related determinations
Proclaiming Certain Lands as Reservation for the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe of Washington
82 FR 43784, (PDF)
SUMMARY: This notice informs the public that the Acting Assistant Secretary— Indian Affairs proclaimed approximately 267.29 acres, more or less, an addition to the reservation of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe on July 21, 2017.
Bureau of Indian Education Standards, Assessments, and Accountability System Negotiated Rulemaking Committee Establishment; Nominations
82 FR 43199, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of the Interior is announcing its intent to establish the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Standards, Assessments, and Accountability System Negotiated Rulemaking Committee (Committee) to advise the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) through the BIE on a proposed rule to revise the Adequate Yearly Progress regulation and invite Tribes whose students attend BIE-funded schools operated by either the BIE or by the Tribe through a contract or grant who would be affected by the final rule to nominate a representative for membership on the Committee. The BIE also invites nominations for Committee members who will adequately represent the interests that are likely to be significantly affected by the proposed rule such as: Students enrolled, or parents of students enrolled at the 174 BIE-funded schools, school teachers and administrators, Tribes, and Indian communities served by these schools. The BIE also solicits comments on the proposal to establish the Committee.
Advisory Board for Exceptional Children; Public Meeting
82 FR 42701, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) is announcing a public meeting of the Advisory Board for Exceptional Children (Advisory Board). The purpose of the meeting is to meet the mandates of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA) for Indian children with disabilities.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health; Notice of Meeting
82 FR 42351 , (PDF)
SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, notice is hereby given of a meeting of the National Advisory Council for Complementary and Integrative Health. The meeting will be open to the public as indicated below, with attendance limited to space available. Individuals who plan to attend and need special assistance, such as sign language interpretation or other reasonable accommodations, should notify the Contact Person listed below in advance of the meeting. The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Name of Committee: National Advisory Council for Complementary and Integrative Health. Date: October 6, 2017 Closed: 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.
HEARTH Act Approval of Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians' Leasing Regulations
82 FR 42111, (PDF)
SUMMARY: On July 17, 2017, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians’ leasing regulations under the Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Homeownership (HEARTH) Act. With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into the following types of leases without BIA approval: Agricultural, residential, business, wind and solar, wind energy evaluation, and other authorized purposes.
Related News Stories: Bureau of Indian Affairs approves first HEARTH Act of regulations of Trump era (Indianz) 9/617
HEARTH Act Approval of the Osage Nation Regulations.
82 FR 42112, (PDF)
SUMMARY: On July 17, 2017, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Osage Nation (Nation) leasing regulations under the Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Homeownership Act of 2012 (HEARTH Act). With this approval, the Nation is authorized to enter into business site leases without further BIA approval.
Related News Stories: Bureau of Indian Affairs approves first HEARTH Act of regulations of Trump era (Indianz) 9/617
Proclaiming Certain Lands as Reservation for the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin
82 FR 42110, (PDF)
SUMMARY: This notice informs the public that the Acting Assistant Secretary— Indian Affairs proclaimed approximately 2012.77 acres, more or less, an addition to the reservation of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians on July 21, 21017.
Migratory Bird Hunting; Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for the 2017–18 Season
82 FR 41344-01 , (PDF)
SUMMARY: This rule prescribes special migratory bird hunting regulations for certain Tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and ceded lands. This rule allows the establishment of season bag limits and, thus, harvest at levels compatible with populations and habitat conditions in recognition of their authority to regulate hunting under established guidelines. The proposed rule for the 2017–18 season was delayed, requiring this interim final rule to allow Tribes to begin hunting in September. This interim rule will be replaced.
Subsistence Taking of Northern Fur Seals on the Pribilof Islands; Final Annual Subsistence Harvest Levels for 2017-2019
82 FR 39044, (PDF)
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the regulations governing the subsistence taking of North Pacific fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) (northern fur seals), NMFS is publishing the expected harvest levels from 2017–2019 on St. George and St. Paul Islands, Alaska (the Pribilof Islands) to satisfy subsistence requirements of the Alaska Natives residing on the Pribilof Islands (Pribilovians). NMFS is establishing the 2017–2019 harvest levels at 1,645 to 2,000 fur seals for St. Paul Island and 300 to 500 fur seals for St. George Island.
Land Acquisitions; The Cherokee Nation
82 FR 37609, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire 45.92 acres, more or less, located in Cherokee County, Oklahoma (Cherokee Springs Site) in trust for the Cherokee Nation for gaming and other purposes on January 19, 2017.
Repeal of Consolidated Federal Oil & Gas and Federal & Indian Coal Valuation Reform
82 FR 36934 , (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) is repealing the Consolidated Federal Oil & Gas and Federal & Indian Coal Valuation Reform Final Rule, published July 1, 2016, and effective January 1, 2017. Simultaneously, ONRR is reinstating the valuation regulations governing the valuation of Federal oil, Federal gas, and Federal and Indian coal that were in effect before January 1, 2017.
Alaska Native Claims Selection
82 FR 35819-01, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides constructive notice that it will issue an appealable decision approving conveyance of the surface estate in the lands described below to Tulkisarmute Incorporated, for the Native village of Tuluksak, pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971, as amended (ANCSA). As provided by ANCSA, the BLM will convey the subsurface estate in the same lands to Calista Corporation when the BLM conveys the surface estate to Tulkisarmute Incorporated.
Announcement of public briefing on Alaska Native voting rights.
82 FR 35747-02, (PDF)
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the provisions of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (Commission) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) that a meeting of the Alaska Advisory Committee (Committee) to the Commission will be held at 9:00 a.m. (Alaska Time) Thursday, August 24, 2017. The purpose of the briefing is for the Committee to receive testimony on Alaska Native voting rights. The Committee will examine the implementation of the Toyukuk v. Treadwell settlement and court order; and the potential impact of mail-in voting. The briefing will be held at Hilton Hotel, 500 West Third Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501 in the Aleutian Room.
Oil and Gas; Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and Indian Lands; Rescission of a 2015 Rule
82 FR 34464-01, (PDF)
SUMMARY: On March 26, 2015, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) published in the Federal Register a final rule entitled, ‘‘Oil and Gas; Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and Indian Lands’’ (2015 final rule). The BLM is now proposing to rescind the 2015 final rule because we believe it is unnecessarily duplicative of state and some tribal regulations and imposes burdensome reporting requirements and other unjustified costs on the oil and gas industry. This proposed rule would return the affected sections of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) to the language that existed immediately before the published effective date of the 2015 final rule.
Related News Stories: Trump administration withdraws fracking standards for Indian Country (indianz) 7/24/17.
Migratory Bird Subsistence Harvest in Alaska; Use of Inedible Bird Parts in Authentic Alaska Native Handicrafts for Sale.
82 FR 34263-01, (PDF)
SUMMARY: Introduced, nonnative, alien, and invasive species in Hawaii displace, compete with, and consume native species, some of which are endangered, threatened, or otherwise in need of additional protection in order to increase or maintain viable populations. To protect native species, we establish a control order for cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) and barn owls (Tyto alba), two invasive migratory bird species in Hawaii, under the direction of Executive Order 13112. We also make available the supporting final environmental assessment, the finding of no significant impact, and public comments for this control order.
Land Acquisitions; The Chickasaw Nation
82 FR 32863-01, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire 30.05 acres, more or less, of land near the Town of Terral, Jefferson County, Oklahoma (Terral Site) in trust for the Chickasaw Nation for gaming and other purposes on January 19, 2017.
Land Acquisitions; The Cherokee Nation
82 FR 32864-01, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire 51.35 acres, more or less, located in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma (the Parcels) in trust for the Cherokee Nation for gaming and other purposes on January 19, 2017.
Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support (OSTLTS)
82 FR 26105-02, (PDF)
SUMMARY: In accordance with Presidential Executive Order No. 13175, November 6, 2000, and the Presidential Memorandum of November 5, 2009, and September 23, 2004, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, CDC/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), announces the following meeting and Tribal Consultation Session:
Name: CDC/ATSDR Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting and 17th
Biannual Tribal Consultation Session.
Tribal Listening Session; Oklahoma City Probate Hearings Division Office
82 FR 24990-01, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior's (Department) Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA), Probate Hearings Division (Ph.D.) is responsible for probating Indian trust estates. OHA plans to close the Ph.D. Oklahoma City Field Office at the end of this fiscal year, September 30, 2017. This notice is to inform interested federally recognized tribes, individual Indians, and other interested parties of an upcoming opportunity to share insights and make recommendations regarding how OHA can best maintain its level of service. The agencies and areas served by the Oklahoma City Ph.D. office include Horton, Absentee Shawnee, Anadarko, Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation, Citizen Pottawatomie, Concho, Eastern Oklahoma, Miami, Pawnee, Sac & Fox (except IA), Shawnee, and Southern Plains.
Notice of Final Issuance Adopting Administration for Native Americans (ANA) Program Policies and Procedures
82 FR 21252, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) is issuing final interpretive rules, general statements of policy, and rules of agency organization, procedure, or practice relating to the following seven Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs): Environmental Regulatory Enhancement (HHS-2017-ACF-ANA-NR-1221); Sustainable Employment and Economic Development Strategies (HHS-2017-ACF-ANA-NE-1225); Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance--Esther Martinez Immersion (HHS-2017-ACF-ANA-NB-1226); Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance (HHS-2017-ACF-ANA-NL-1235); Social and Economic Development Strategies (HHS-2017-ACF-ANA-NA-1236); Social and Economic Development Strategies--Alaska (HHS-2015-ACF-ANA-NK- 0960); and Native Youth Initiative for Leadership, Empowerment, and Development (HHS-2017-ACF-ANA-NC-1263).
Review of Designations Under the Antiquities Act
82 FR 20429 , (PDF)
Related News: Native American governments are calling Trump but he won't pick up the phone (ThinkProgress) 5/4/17, Interior has yet to meet with Bears Ears tribal leaders (High Country News) 5/4/17, Tribal leaders vow to sue if Trump rescinds Bears Ears monument (HuffPost) 5/3/17, Congress must protect lands sacred to Gwich'in people (Independent Record) 5/1/17, Clash over Bears Ears tests years of progress on Native spirituality (The Christian Science Monitor) 4/28/17, Ute Tribe demands 'voice' as Donald Trump orders review of Bears Ears monument (Indianz) 4/28/17, Papahanaumokuakea one of 25 monuments being assessed by president's order (The Garden Island) 4/27/17, Navajo Nation Council urges Trump administration to uphold the Bears Ears National Monument designation (Navajo Nation Council Press Release) 4/26/17, Tribes upset over Trump order to review National Monuments (Vocativ) 4/26/17, Monumental battle (Salt Lake Magazine) 4/24/17
Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects
82 FR 18770, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) owns, or has an interest in, irrigation projects located on or associated with various Indian reservations throughout the United States. We are required to establish irrigation assessment rates to recover the costs to administer, operate, maintain, and rehabilitate these projects. We request your comments on the proposed rate adjustments.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
82 FR 18614, (PDF)
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that NMFS has evaluated one Tribal Resource Management Plan (TRMP or Tribal Plan) submitted by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (CTCR) to NMFS pursuant to the limitation on take prohibitions for actions conducted under Tribal Plans promulgated under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Tribal Plan specifies artificial propagation, harvest, predator control, kelt reconditioning, and monitoring and evaluation activities in the Okanogan River basin and portions of the Upper Columbia River (UCR). This document serves to notify the public that NMFS, by delegated authority from the Secretary of Commerce, has determined pursuant to the Tribal ESA section 4(d) Rule for salmon and steelhead that implementing and enforcing the plans will not appreciably reduce the likelihood of survival and recovery of ESA-listed UCR Spring Chinook salmon and steelhead.
Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations Under Cobell Settlement
82 FR 17681, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations will host its annual Listening Session on April 25, 2017, at the Tulalip Resort Casino's hotel in Tulalip, Washington. As described below, the Program hopes to receive feedback from tribes and individuals on critical issues related to Program implementation, future efforts to reduce land fractionation, and its 2016 Status Report.
Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects
82 FR 16849, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) owns or has an interest in irrigation projects located on or associated with various Indian reservations throughout the United States. We are required to establish irrigation assessment rates to recover the costs to administer, operate, maintain, and rehabilitate these projects. We are notifying you that we have adjusted the irrigation assessment rates at several of our irrigation projects and facilities to reflect current costs of administration, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act; Native American Employment and
Training Council
82 FR 16624, (PDF)
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended, and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), notice is hereby given of the next meeting of the Native American Employment and Training Council (Council), as constituted under WIOA.
Migratory Bird Subsistence Harvest in Alaska; Harvest Regulations for Migratory Birds in Alaska During the 2017 Season
82 FR 16298, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) is establishing migratory bird subsistence harvest regulations in Alaska for the 2017 season. These regulations allow for the continuation of customary and traditional subsistence uses of migratory birds in Alaska and prescribe regional information on when and where the harvesting of birds may occur. These regulations were developed under a co-management process involving the Service, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and Alaska Native representatives. The rulemaking is necessary because the regulations governing the subsistence harvest of migratory birds in Alaska are subject to annual review. This rulemaking establishes region-specific regulations that go into effect on March 31, 2017, and expire on August 31, 2017.
Federal Oil and Gas and Federal and Indian Coal Valuation
82 FR 16325, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) requests comments and suggestions from affected parties and the interested public on whether revisions to the regulations governing the valuation, for royalty purposes, of oil and gas produced from Federal onshore and offshore leases and coal produced from Federal and Indian leases, are needed and, if so, what specific revisions should be considered. On July 1, 2016, ONRR published a final rule, Consolidated Federal Oil and Gas and Federal and Indian Coal Valuation Reform (2017 Valuation Rule). ONRR subsequently stayed the effective date of that rule pending resolution of litigation. As a result of the stay, the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2017 (``pre-existing regulations'') remain in effect. In a separate notice, ONRR is seeking comments on a proposed rule to repeal the 2017 Valuation Rule to maintain the status quo in which the pre-existing regulations remain in effect while ONRR reconsiders whether changes made by the 2017 Valuation Rule are needed or appropriate.
Repeal of Consolidated Federal Oil & Gas and Federal & Indian Coal Valuation Reform
82 FR 16323, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) proposes to repeal the Consolidated Federal Oil & Gas and Federal & Indian Coal Valuation Reform Rule that was published in the Federal Register on July 1, 2016 (``2017 Valuation Rule''). Repeal of the 2017 Valuation Rule would maintain the current regulatory status quo by keeping the longstanding pre-existing regulations in effect.
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee: Request for Nominations
82 FR 16222, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The National Park Service is soliciting nominations for one member of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee (Review Committee). The Secretary of the Interior will appoint one member from nominations submitted by Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, or traditional Native American religious leaders. The nominee need not be a traditional Indian religious leader. The Review Committee was established by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 (NAGPRA), and is regulated by the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA).
Related News: Nominations open for tribal seat on repatriation review committee (Indianz) 3/31/17
Notice To Propose the Re-Designation of the Service Delivery Area for the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township
82 FR 12968, (PDF)
SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the Indian Health Service (IHS) proposes to expand the geographic boundaries of the Purchased/ Referred Care (PRC) Service Delivery Area (SDA) for the Passamaquoddy Tribe's reservation at Indian Township (Passamaquoddy at Indian Township or Tribe) in Maine. This notice does not propose to change or expand the PRC SDA for the Tribe's Pleasant Point reservation. This notice only relates to the expansion of the Tribe's PRC SDA for the Indian Township reservation.
Indian Child Welfare Act; Designated Tribal Agents for Service of Notice
82 FR 12986, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The regulations implementing the Indian Child Welfare Act provide that Indian Tribes may designate an agent other than the Tribal chairman for service of notice of proceedings under the Act. This notice includes the current list of designated Tribal agents for service of notice.
Preventing Violence Against Federal, State, Tribal, and Local Law Enforcement Officers
82 FR 10695, (PDF)
Tribal Consultation Meetings
82 FR 10364, (PDF)
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, Public Law 110-134, notice is hereby given of two 1-day Tribal Consultation Sessions to be held between the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families, OHS leadership and the leadership of Tribal Governments operating Head Start (including Early Head Start) programs. The purpose of these Consultation Sessions is to discuss ways to better meet the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native children and their families, taking into consideration funding allocations, distribution formulas, and other issues affecting the delivery of Head Start services in their geographic locations [42 U.S.C. 9835, Section 640(l)(4)].
Onshore Oil and Gas Operations; Federal and Indian Oil and Gas Leases; Onshore Oil and Gas Order Number 1, Approval of Operations
82 FR 9974, (PDF)
SUMMARY: In accordance with a January 20, 2017, Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies (memorandum) from the White House, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is delaying the effective date of a rule published on January 10, 2017.
Traders With Indians
82 FR 9706, (PDF)
SUMMARY: This document announces details for Tribal consultation sessions to discuss the advance notice of proposed rulemaking on Licensed Indian Traders, which the Department of the Interior (Department) published on December 9, 2016. The Department is interested in whether to address the Indian trader regulations and, if so, how.
Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act; Indian Dam Safety
82 FR 9074, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Office of Trust Services, Division of Water and Power, will be conducting five consultation sessions to obtain oral and written comments on the implementation of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act with regard to Indian dam safety.
Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act; Indian Dam Safety
82 FR 9074, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Office of Trust Services, Division of Water and Power, will be conducting a public meeting by teleconference to obtain input from landowners served by Indian dams on the implementation of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act with regard to Indian dam safety.
Privacy Act Procedures
82 FR 8139, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC or the Commission) is establishing this rule in Chapter III of title 25 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This rule describes the procedures and policies adopted by the Commission pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974. Under the Act, a Federal agency must publish notice, in the Federal Register, of any systems of records that it intends to create as well as procedures regarding the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of the records within those systems. The Commission previously published notice of the creation of two systems of records, namely the Indian Gaming Individuals Record System and the Management Contract Individuals Record System. The regulations set forth here update the Commission's previously published procedures and serve to streamline how the Commission processes its Privacy Act requests.
Recognition of Tribal Organizations for Representation of VA Claimants
82 FR 6265, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its regulations concerning recognition of certain national, State, and regional or local organizations for purposes of VA claims representation. Specifically, this rulemaking allows the Secretary to recognize tribal organizations in a similar manner as the Secretary recognizes State organizations. The final rule allows a tribal organization that is established and funded by one or more tribal governments to be recognized for the purpose of providing assistance on VA benefit claims. In addition, the final rule allows an employee of a tribal government to become accredited through a recognized State organization in a similar manner as a County Veterans' Service Officer (CVSO) may become accredited through a recognized State organization. The effect of this action is to address the needs of Native American populations who are geographically isolated from existing recognized Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) or who may not be utilizing other recognized VSOs due to cultural barriers or lack of familiarity with those organizations.
Proposed Membership of the Bureau of Indian Education Accountability Negotiated Rulemaking Committee
82 FR 5473, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Secretary of the Interior has selected proposed members to form the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Accountability Negotiated Rulemaking Committee (Committee) which will recommend revisions to the existing regulations to implement the Secretary's responsibility to define the standards, assessments, and accountability system for Bureau-funded schools, as required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Representatives were nominated by Tribes whose students attend Bureau-funded schools. After considering nominations, the Secretary proposes to appoint the persons named in this notice as Tribal Committee members. Tribes, Tribal organizations, and individual Tribal members may submit comments on the proposed Tribal Committee membership, apply for Tribal membership on the Committee, or submit other nominations for Tribal membership on the Committee. The Secretary also proposes to appoint Federal representatives to the Committee as listed.
Land Acquisitions; Craig Tribal Association, Craig, Alaska
82 FR 4915, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire 1.08 acres, more or less, of land in trust for the Craig Tribal Association, Alaska, for economic development and other purposes on January 10, 2017.
Related News: DOI approves Craig Land-into-Trust application (Capital City Weekly) 1/18/17
Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible To Receive Services From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs
82 FR 4915 , (PDF)
SUMMARY: This notice publishes the current list of 567 Tribal entities recognized and eligible for funding and services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) by virtue of their status as Indian Tribes. The list is updated from the notice published on May 4, 2016 (81 FR 26826).
Related News: Bureau of Indian Affairs releases annual listing of recognized tribes (Indianz) 1/18/17
Identifying Lands Subject to Secretarial Order of Restoration of February 22, 1945
82 FR 4407 , (PDF)
SUMMARY: On February 22, 1945, the Secretary of the Interior issued an Order restoring to the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians of Minnesota (``Tribe'') certain lands that the Tribe had previously ceded to the United States for use by non-Indians. The lands restored to the Tribe by the 1945 Order are lands that were continuously held in trust by the United States since the cessions, that were never sold or otherwise disposed of, and for which the Tribe was never paid. This notice provides a partial list of the legal descriptions of lands restored to the Tribe by the 1945 Order. The Secretary included in the 1945 Order ``lands which have been assessed for drainage works by the State of Minnesota under the authority of the Volstead Act of May 20, 1908 . . . subject to any existing valid rights.'' The Department has reviewed and resolved title issues that arose regarding applicability of the Volstead Act. Thus, without further delay, these legal descriptions are published as representing lands among the lands restored to the Tribe as trust lands.
Reservation Proclamations
82 FR 4405 , (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has updated its Fee-to- Trust Handbook to include procedural guidance for its employees on processing reservation proclamations, including simultaneous requests for trust acquisition and reservation proclamations.
Tribal Policy Statement
82 FR 2402, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing this Statement of Policy to set forth principles to be followed by the NRC staff to promote effective government-to-government interactions with American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, and to encourage and facilitate Tribal involvement in the areas over which the Commission has jurisdiction. It provides agencywide guidelines that achieve consistency, but also encourage custom-tailored approaches to consultation and coordination that reflect the circumstances of each situation and the preference of each Tribal government. It is the NRC's expectation that all program and regional office consultation and coordination practices will be consistent with or adhere to the NRC Tribal Policy Statement.
Request for Information
82 FR 2366, (PDF)
SUMMARY: This Request for Information (RFI) seeks recommendations for future work with and on behalf of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) leadership, tribes, tribal organizations, and populations in accord with ACF's vision of ``children, youth, families, individuals, and communities who are resilient, safe, healthy, and economically secure.''
Food and Drug Administration Tribal Consultation Policy; Availability
82 FR 1348, (PDF)
SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is announcing the availability of the FDA Tribal Consultation Policy. The purpose of the FDA Tribal Consultation Policy is to further the government-to- government relationship between FDA and American Indian and Alaskan Native Tribes (Indian Tribes) and facilitate tribal consultation with FDA. The FDA Tribal Consultation Policy provides background on FDA's mission and organizational structure and elaborates on the principles and guidelines in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Tribal Consultation Policy. This policy finalizes the draft FDA Tribal Consultation Policy issued in February 2016.
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