chippewa tribal enrollment requirements chippewa tribal enrollment requirements

Produced and recorded by Native Governance Center on March 30, 2022. The Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT) consists of the Bois Forte, Fond Du Lac, Grand Portage, Leech Lake, Mille Lacs, and White Earth reservations. "The vote was higher than any other secretarial (constitutional) election and higher than any other vote that we had for office for our regular elections . Tribal Police (Confidential) TIP Line: Request for Blood Degree Form. Chippewa Tribal Courts as regards an application for membership or a membership eligibility review or disenrollment, the Enrollment Department shall work with legal counsel for the Tribe to prepare and present the Tribe's position. In addition, enrollment or membership requirements often can be found in The referendum is a guide for tribal leaders who will now decide whether to ask voters to amend the tribe's constitution. Human Resource Meetings and Executive Sessions are closed to the public. History: Tribal Enrollment Ordinance adopted by Tribal Council on July 19, 2006, and readopted on August 30, 2006, The requirement has had the effect of shrinking the tribe's enrollment, with many children not considered members despite parents who are. No personal checks. Each tribe maintains it's own enrollment records and records about past members. What is the Certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaska Native Blood (CDIB)? Chippewa Tribe votes to end blood quantum requirements . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Administration Desk/Switch Board: 1-866-534-7750 (231) 534-7750. Indian tribes are sovereign and set their own rules regarding tribal enrollment #7?u^cri>^wV (;BgXyGp7@ O8Ag|a# &"6oVck^W17d'PZ pLm[:aNkDty,yk&1Y+4F!.$15wU~4ebi}==pAJ\B$ [U7>&L4A$SUs|\~n61Jl}nrGTHq)QPwgSbr875G+[34b%Aa^L{rICYFQ^XA% #uAc>.,ttaxXeBd?x8HtAB]+p[4>I)!9kL( MtcLb0.\HeZ_s4QF'&:'w(J>@!FgQz24, &(n_RaLAz7Z y[=ZKknFfF(JNj};~O=s_;6~m,Rp5fb.3o9vB-Wd1_wGF`_d o =#A__ . Acceptable forms of payment are: Visa, Mastercard, Discover or Money Orders. Tribal enrollment requirements preserve the unique character and traditions of each tribe. The majority of voters say each reservation Fond du Lac, Mille Lacs, Bois Forte, Grand Portage, White Earth and Leech Lake should be allowed to determine its own enrollment requirements, the Star Tribune reported. Healthcare consumers live in an on-demand world and expect access to their healthcare data. Sorry, no personal checks. Tribal Government | Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians Turtle Mountain Tribal Council Jamie Azure Tribal Chairman Jamie.Azure@tmbci.org Craig Lunday Dist. Some of the largest tribes in the U.S., like the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and the Tohono Oodham Nation (Arizona), dont require blood quantum, but direct lineage to when the original rolls were calculated after the passing of the Indian Reorganization Act. On June 22, 2021, the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Tribal Executive Committee (MCT TEC) held a special meeting on the Bois Forte Reservation to discuss enrollment issues, specifically, blood quantum requirements for enrollment as defined in the current constitution. Tribal enrollment requirements preserve the unique character and traditions of each tribe. 166 0 obj <> endobj 1. In 2013, White Earth citizens voted to change tribal enrollment from blood quantum to lineal descent. General Admission Requirements . For more information on the MCT and previous meetings, please visit mnchippewatribe.org, First Portion Of American Rescue Plan Act Funding Received, New Economic Assistance Program Established, Early Waterfowl Hunting Prohibited On L.L. You may fax or mail the application and documents or email to Carrie Sayles at This email address is being protected from spambots. This database is also used to generate mailing lists and labels as well as reports for other Tribal programs including the Tribal Newsletter. Staff members attend all Tribal Council meetings to record, transcribe . endstream endobj 167 0 obj <>/Pages 164 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 168 0 obj <>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]>>/Rotate 0/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 612.0 792.0]/Type/Page>> endobj 169 0 obj <>stream ; $)Y}GnYQMTV iY(2,1x3}uA6_kEOgQlDjnxBZ*bJAO\Z^fLP |dyfQ)g@Y4wH^XzYd2Q,GP]dFP2T% Marie, MI 49783. During the TEC meeting, a motion was made to begin a process that would allow MCT members to weigh in on whether the Constitution should be changed to allow each of the six Bands to adopt their own enrollment eligibility criteria, instead of being required to follow the 25% blood quantum. See: I. Researching Tribal Membership in this article: A legal practitioner's guide to Indian and tribal law research. The Enrollment / Tribal Operations Department is responsible for processing Enrollment applications and presenting them to the Enrollment Committee for review. Every tribe has its own rules for membership. U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240. No. As of April 19, 2022, there are 40,913 people enrolled in the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. He has contributed to the New York Times, the Washington Post, and Voice of America on various Indigenous issues in international conversation. This will likely be a lengthy process and members should expect to receive more information about this topic in the future from their TEC members and the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe as we progress toward addressing membership and enrollment criteria together. Being enrolled in a tribe is also about protecting land and resources, not to take them, and there are people who are looking to be enrolled to exploit those resources.. or tribal enrollment office. University Information Security and Privacy. The department was formed to document membership so the tribe could petition the United States government for federal recognition. NOTICE: Clarification of YTD Gaming Per Cap. (you can also send by mail or fax): Full name Date of Birth Current mailing address Phone number. The tribes establish membership criteria based on shared customs, traditions, language and tribal blood. 7 GTBC 3 TRIBAL ENROLLMENT ORDINANCE 7:4 04 - 05 - 2008 (z) Tribal member - A duly enrolled member of the Tribe. It serves as a centralized governing body for the six tribes, representing an estimated total population of 41,000 Ojibwe citizens. Designing Citizenship Requirements for Indian Nations. Myth of a monthly check, see page 2 of 1345 Good, Dallas Ext. The way our community wants it, the way our families, and relatives want it and we wont be leaving any grandchildren behind any longer, said Jackson. The database also stores the photographs and signatures of Tribal members to provide Tribal IDs and it stores genealogical information. HW]oF+z#nR28uqWIM>Y3s< WHy3 &EbdyaIL`/zwD>Fgip\j[{?T?Vd|+e. Essentially, the proposed referendum will determine whether MCT members are interested in changing the enrollment criteria for membership. Effectively managed EHRs are the foundation of a strong healthcare transformation strategy, according to HIMSS Market Insight research. The enrolled tribal parent must fill out an enrollment application and submit a copy of the child's courthouse birth certificate (or state copy). Nearly 4,800 citizens voted yes to remove the blood quantum requirement to be enrolled in the MCT, and 2,629 voted no, according to the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. A legal practitioner's guide to Indian and tribal law research. All children of at least one quarter (1/4) degree Minnesota Chippewa Indian blood born after July 3, 1961, to a member, provided that an application for enrollment was or is filed with the Secretary of Tribal Delegates or the Tribal Executive Committee within one year after the date of birth of such children, says the Minnesota Chippewa Tribes Constitution. In 1961, MCTs enrollment criteria was changed to require one-quarter degree of MCT blood as the new criteria for enrollment. The Minnesota Chippewa Tribe . On November4, 2014, the Tribal Membership Ordinance was amended to allow biological children of full bona fide members under the age of 21 to apply for membership. I am in support of changing blood quantum requirements that ensures enrollment protects our rights, citizenship, and resources, she said. var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; In addition, The Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Tribal Executive Committee approved the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Enrollment Ordinance on July 30, 2003, which clarifies the requirements for enrollment, provides further direction on the application process, and describes how to file an enrollment appeal. var addy_textdadcec9abd0b7d32db6c51b58361effa = 'csayles1' + '@' + 'saulttribe' + '.' + 'net';document.getElementById('cloakdadcec9abd0b7d32db6c51b58361effa').innerHTML += ''+addy_textdadcec9abd0b7d32db6c51b58361effa+'<\/a>'; %PDF-1.6 % Anishnaabek Community and Family Services, Explanation of Release of Information Form. addydadcec9abd0b7d32db6c51b58361effa = addydadcec9abd0b7d32db6c51b58361effa + 'saulttribe' + '.' + 'net'; We also offer similar resource pages for federally recognized Indian tribes in the United States, and for Native languages. Marie Tribe as a full bonifide member. `t{w.(cy KGb qz% On a daily basis the staff makes updates to a database that manages data on member identification and vital statistics such as addresses and phone numbers. Traditionally, we have counted on our young people to provide those things our elders cannot, she said. Before Oscars, Everything Everywhere Sweeps Spirit Awards, Trump Says an Indictment Would Not End Presidential Campaign, Bankman-Fried Might Use Flip Phone Under Stricter Bail Plan. If you are unable to email or are not comfortable doing so, you can send a money order to Sault Tribe Enrollment, PO Box 1628, Sault Ste. This non-binding referendum vote is the very first step in what would be a long process of changing the constitution regarding enrollment. hTmk0+A/,J VhhB;(eh;%d X{s'UL0iU3)Any3-$__!'?LrEM/%Bz=?_7[~-L;`~ Would you like to see your tribe change enrollment policy to blood quantum or lineal descent? Since 1961, membership in the six-nation tribe requires a minimum of 25% Minnesota Chippewa Indian blood, or blood quantum, stemming back to 1941 membership rolls kept by the federal government. An enrolled relative can sign a release form to allow the applicant access to the documentation in their file to complete the applicant's application. NO confidential information is released. 07-25.1843 Amend to Enroll Ord; Voters Registration Form.pdf; . h.Dual Enrollment: the phrase "dual enrollment" as used in this Ordinance, to implement Article III, Section 2 of the Constitution, shall be deemed to exist when a person (State of Oklahoma) These applications are subject to a $25 non-refundable application fee. The tribes establish membership criteria based on shared customs, traditions, language and tribal blood. At that time, the TEC voted instead to initiate the current Constitutional Reform process which was expected to address the enrollment issues through the implementation of a new constitution. Respond to correspondence from potential Tribal Members, and direct Tribal Members to proper agencies. The tribal parent must complete the application and will need to submit it with the childs courthouse birth certificate. Sault Tribe Enrollment Department PO Box 16282428 Shunk RdSault Ste Marie, MI 49783, Phone: 800251659790663285529066353396FAX: 9066321648. You can also call our office and pay over the phone with credit/debit. You are welcome to come in and get yours, the first one is free.Other services offered through our office include voter registration for Tribal elections and certifications for Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver Applications and Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Service. The information can then be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or brought to the Enrollment Department. B. Assist in completing drafts of resolutions to individuals or programs unable to draft their own, prior to submission to the Tribal Council. Applicant must possess the one-fourth (1/4 or 25%) degree of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe blood requirement. Upon request from programs, research to secure past Council actions and resolutions. FAQs for individuals seeking Native American Tribal membership If youre in a position to do so, we ask you to consider making a recurring donation of $12 per month to help us remain a force for change in Indian Country and to tell the stories that are so often ignored, erased or overlooked. Some tribes include lineal descent proof that you descend from a recognized tribal member while others have a blood quantum requirement that requires members possess a certain percentage of tribal blood. The change hasn't yet gone into effect, and questions linger about how enrollment will impact the tribe's connection to the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, as well as its federal status. In order to find out what requirements To enroll a minor child, at least one biological parent must be enrolled with the Sault Ste. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. A lot of people dont understand the impact of being enrolled in a tribe, said Lisa Bellanger, Leech Lake tribal citizen and Co-Chair of the American Indian Movement. The TEC holds four quarterly meetings each year. Please feel free to contact our office during regular business hours or email us at the addresses listed below. Information presented on this website and the registered trademarks, service marks, wordmarks, and logos of the Native Nations Institute and the University of Arizona may not be reproduced without express written permission. The Superintendent is assisted by a Deputy Superintendent for Trust Services and a Deputy Superintendent for Indian Services in administering trust and non-trust functions for the Turtle Mountain Agency. Featuring: Wayne, Michigan State University Law Professor Matthew Fletcher compares and contrasts between Anishinaabe conceptions of citizenship and belonging historically and today, and proposes that conference participants consider taking some innovative approaches to redefining citizenship that address the, Indian nations' constitutional reform efforts encounter some of their most paralyzing conflicts over criteria for membership. Enrollment does not accept hospital birth records. Since then, the tribe has grown to nearly 40,000 members across the world. You can submit questions about Indian law to the NILL staff the NILL resource page on Tracing your Native Roots. 7500 Soaring Eagle Blvd Mount Pleasant MI, 48858 989-775-4000 Follow Us Facebook Twitter Youtube . In 2013, White Earth citizens voted to change tribal enrollment from blood quantum to lineal descent. 2605 N. West Bay Shore Dr. Peshawbestown, MI 49682. Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. You may not apply under a grandparent(s), Aunt, Uncle, etc. Referendums and Secretarial Elections are distinct and defined in Article XIV: Referendum and Article XII: Amendment, of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Constitution. Members of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT) will decide this summer on a number of tribal enrollment issues, including blood quantum requirements that could play a significant role in future membership and the overall population of the six-nation tribe. ISBN: 978--7355-9975-8) Chapter 4 covers Tribal Membership, including membership criteria, judicial review of membership determinations, disenrollment, and federal government intervention. Following the meeting, the MCT released a memo on their website stating: It is important to be clear with our voters that participating in a referendum vote does not change the constitution. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Its a group that has included her children and grandchildren. tribal constitutions or tribal codes. To enroll your minor child(ren), please download the application here. var addy2812f17dc6aec1b4f76cd1942ecd3057 = 'ssynett' + '@'; A Secretarial Election is the only way to make this change under our current constitution. This is a guide to enrollment or membership for Colorado tribes published by the Colorado State Library. Provide Tribal Members with copies of birth records/certificates upon request. 56671 Phone: ( 218 ) 679-3341 or (218) 679-1345 Fax: ( 218 ) 679-2188 Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm Staff Enrollment Specialists Branchaud, Ethel Ext. The MCT and its governmental powers are divided between the tribe, and the individual bands, which directly operate their reservations. Following a brief discussion on the language of the resolution, the TEC decided to send the resolution to the MCT Constitution Reform Committee for further revisions before being reconsidered for passage by the Tribal Executive Committee. Those opposed to ending the requirement are concerned that accepting more members will use limited federal or casino-generated funds, or that more people taking advantage of treaty rights will make resources scarce. DULUTH, Minn. (AP) The Minnesota Chippewa Tribe has voted to remove a decades-old requirement that members have a minimum of 25% Chippewa blood. It is the BIAs responsibility to provide services to the Turtle Mountain Tribe and its members. Rarely is the BIA involved in enrollment and membership. 24 January 2023. We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Tribal Enrollment. Currently, the MCT Constitution requires that a persons combined blood quantum from their parents must be at least 25% in order to be eligible for enrollment in an MCT Tribe. Since enrollment was changed to blood quantum, the number of enrolled members has steadily declined. Lyndon Desjarlais, Superintendent 701.477.3191, Membership in the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa requires a one-quarter blood quantum of Indian Blood. 0 Native News Online E-Newsletters Native News Today Native News Health Desk. Each tribe determines whether an individual is eligible for membership. He has a bachelors degree in Criminology & Law Studies from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Other conditions such as tribal blood quantum, tribal residency, or continued contact with the tribe are common. Stewarding Conservation and Powering Our Future, Toggle Dyslexia-friendly black-on-creme color scheme, Bureau of Safety & Environmental Enforcement, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation & Enforcement, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Insular & International Affairs, Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians. Its really very emotional, said Fond du Lac citizen Cheryl Edwards who is part of the tribe's constitution reform group. In 2007 we began offering new Tribal ID cards. About 4,200 citizens voted yes for the six individual membership tribes (Bands) to determine their own membership requirements determined by each Band Ordinance, while nearly 3,000 voted no.. MINNESOTAOn Wednesday, 7,470 enrolled citizens of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT) voted in a non-binding referendum on whether to remove or keep the blood quantum requirement to be enrolled in the tribe, and whether the six member tribes of the MCT can determine their own membership requirements individually. In the event a change is authorized, the Enrollment Office and the Tribal Operations Office shall make the change for all persons affected by the change. Should the referendum pass, MCT members would then vote again in a future Secretarial Election on the actual language of the amendment to the MCT Constitution. 5 American Indian Law Journal 102, 125. Gikendaasowin Lac du Flambeau Tribal Education Department, Domestic Abuse Program (Benase Equay Wakaigan), Joe Graveen Shares Wild Rice Wisdom In Windy City, George W. Brown, Jr. Ojibwe Museum and Cultural Center, Lac Du Flambeau Climate Resilience Initiative, Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission, Lac Du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. A list of registered voters, and mailing labels, We process tuition waivers, Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the Bureau of Indian Affirs and Indian Health Service and Tribal enrollment verifications for Indian Child Welfare, We have three Notaries in our office for assistance, We can provide Certificates of Enrollment and CDIBs (Certified Degree of Indian Blood) to Tribal members as needed. Donate to Native News Online today and support independent Indigenous journalism. At the special TEC meeting, called for by MCT President Cathy Chavers (Bois Forte), tribal representatives heard perspectives from the constitutional delegates present and hosted discussion centered around changing enrollment criteria within the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Constitution. RMO{yoZ-SF/eI 2[1 6R?b>?Z\Ifbij $KIIF,mYcQF{?'MsE29N{B95Src'YA4DAf@4x2thO}_meh9AOX(](t1gxjz=?6t_0W+<>O~v{x{m_\~skp^]9eu6 For cases, legislation, and news on disenrollment, search "disenrollment" in the Indian Law Bulletins. The new proposals - there are two of them that would be voted on - would change that requirement to either allow all Chippewa blood in the United States to count into the equation or to allow all . All of this comes after previous efforts to reform enrollment eligibility in the MCT have failed to take shape. var addyc3d777ed611ba53f28c63081718ae5cf = 'ssynett' + '@'; We accept Visa, Mastercard or Discover. After you have completed your genealogical research, documented your ancestry, and determined the tribe with which your ancestor was affiliated, you are ready to contact the tribe directly to obtain the criteria for membership. MN Chippewa Tribe Votes to End Blood Requirement for Members. document.getElementById('cloakdadcec9abd0b7d32db6c51b58361effa').innerHTML = ''; See NILL catalog record or purchase a copy. An adverse enrollment action results from the preparation of a Tribal roll subject to Secretarial approval or an appeal to the Secretary is provided for in the Tribal governing document. The Membership Office offers services to applicants seeking to become members of the Grand Traverse Band. Enrollment Appeals If an applicant is denied membership into the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe by official action of the Tribal Executive Committee then that individual may appeal to the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Enrollment Review Committee, as established per the Enrollment Ordinance. A motion was passed officially beginning the process of amending the MCT Constitution to allow each MCT Band to adopt their own enrollment eligibility criteria. . aIBruk#mOx3>1!V22f+.F_#0HST_S~&lM]\pbjI'I@s RCvA^!Q]Rq(\Acrxn? The purpose of the non-binding referendum vote is to get an idea of the thoughts and opinions of MCT membership about enrollment., Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. The new cards are the result of meeting the needs of the Public Safety department and other benefit providers who use mag stripe reading. In February1998, the membership rolls for the Sault Ste. If you are traveling to our office from out of town, always call ahead of time to ensure we will be open during your visit to Sault Ste. Leech Lake Tribal Chairman Faron Jackson Sr. said this vote was a huge step forward for the TEC and looks forward to what it could mean for the Leech Lake Band. First Nations Development Institute offers this list of resources to help you find information about Native American tribal enrollment and genealogy. The TEC selects from within the group a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer for two-year terms. ~mTaKC IE9_H]TF. It was the tribes first membership service program. Tribal Enrollment Ordinance; Resolution No. Get Indian Law news delivered to your inbox, FAQs for individuals seeking Native American Tribal membership, Certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaska Native Blood Application and Instructions. The Tribal Council shall appoint an Enrollment May 6, 2015. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The blood quantum requirement has caused the tribe's enrollment to shrink with many children not considered members despite having a parent who is. I Council Rep Craig.Lunday@tmbci.org Kenneth Malaterre Dist. If your tribe uses blood quantum, do you think your tribe will exist 100 years from now? Wait for approval from from the Tribal Enrollment Department. HWoHW#>kctp@T5U%GmoB.-?ggy{Kz/ ) mSckM0K'2Zd2'oZ, NT^],='aIcm The Minnesota Chippewa Tribe has voted to remove a decades-old requirement that members have a minimum of 25% Chippewa blood. Any contribution big or small helps. 5. This Clinic, Native Nations Institute Main SiteConstitutions Resource CenterSign Up Log In. This book may also be available through your local law library. Minnesota Chippewa Tribe members will be asked in June whether the tribe's blood quantum enrollment requirement should be removed, and if its six member nations should determine their own. This email address is being protected from spambots. For the past dozen years, weve covered the most important news stories that are usually overlooked by other media. var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; This article, one of several publications provided by Oklahoma Indian Legal Services, was written by Gregg L. Lewis, University of Oklahoma, Native American Studies student. 2605 N West Bay Shore DrivePeshawbestown, MI 49682 - 9275, Phone (231) 534-7101 | Fax (231) 534-7715, Grand Traverse Band ofOttawa and Chippewa Indians, 2605 N. West Bay Shore Dr.Peshawbestown, MI 49682, Emergency Numbers (when offices are closed), Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Resolution No. It also lists all the Regions, Agencies and Offices within the BIA. Darren Thompson (Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe) is a staff reporter for Native News Online who is based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. The remaining officials act as board members. The information can then be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or brought to the Enrollment Department. 3. Supply current data on specific add cards to the Bureau of Indian Affairs to insure computer print-out is current. See NILL catalog record or purchase a copy. Edwards said the results put the tribe a step closer to restoring treaty rights to non-enrolled descendants who can hunt, fish and gather only until they turn 18. H, 2. Tribal enrollment criteria are set forth in tribal constitutions, articles of incorporation or ordinances. Enrollment does not accept hospital birth records. If this vote passes were going to be able to distinguish our own membership on Leech Lake. The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Tribal Government consists of a Tribal Council 8 Council Representatives (2 per district) and 1 Chairman (Elected At-Large), and the Tribal Court system. Secretary Treasurer / Dist. var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; We sincerely look forward to assisting you in any way we can. Provides a short description of CDIB as well as a links to useful resources. About 15% of the tribes roughly 39,000 citizens are under age 18. Today, the most common enrollment criteria used by tribes is blood quantum, or a minimum of one-quarter (1/4) degree of Indian blood from only one federally recognized tribe. Three years ago, I initiated a Tribal Legal Development Clinic at UCLA, whose purpose has been to assist Indian nations in building their legal infrastructures. This month, we celebrate our 12th year of delivering Native News to readers throughout Indian Country and beyond. Provides Law review articles on tribal enrollment are . 13 November 2014. What is the Certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaska Native Blood (CDIB)? To change your mailing address, please email the following information to Stacey Synett at This email address is being protected from spambots. The BIAs objective is to develop solutions to complex problems, by integrating new and innovative ideas and concepts with existing BIA policy and procedures. The Tribal Leaders Directory that is published by the Bureau of Indian Affairs lists all 574 federally recognized American Indian Tribes and Alaska Natives.