In remarks at the National Congress of American Indians 2022 Executive Council Winter Session in February, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced that the Department is requesting nominations for Tribal member representatives for the new Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC).
The STAC, which was announced as part of the 2021 White House Tribal Nations Summit, will ensure Tribal leaders have direct and consistent contact and communication with the current and future Department officials to facilitate robust discussions on intergovernmental responsibilities, exchange views, share information and provide advice and recommendations regarding Departmental programs and funding that impact Tribal nations.
“Tribes deserve a seat at the decision-making table before policies are made that impact their communities. The creation of this new Advisory Committee is a timely and much-needed development that will ensure Tribal leaders can engage at the highest levels of the Department on the issues that matter most to their people,” said Secretary Haaland. “I encourage Tribal leaders to submit their nominations to ensure we have the best representation possible as we begin this new chapter of Tribal engagement at the Department.”
The STAC will be composed of a Tribal member representative from each of the 12 Bureau of Indian Affairs Regions, and one alternate member. The members will be appointed on a staggered term for up to two years. The Secretary, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, will designate one member of the STAC to serve as chairperson.
Members should be an elected or designated Tribal official who is qualified to represent the views of the Tribes in the respective BIA Region for which they are being nominated.
The names of each nominated STAC member and alternate must be submitted to the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs via e-mail to oiea@ios.doi.gov in an official letter from the Tribe by Monday, May 9, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
For more info, see their website at: https://www.hhs.gov/about/agencies/iea/tribal-affairs/about-stac/index.html
