You are invited to join the ATNI hosted webinarto discuss the 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Window.This window is a unique opportunity for Tribes in rural areas to directly access unassigned spectrum over their Tribal lands, subject to buildout requirements. The 2.5 GHz band is suitable for both mobile coverage and fixed point-to-point uses, and is currently used to provide broadband service by legacy educational licensees and commercial providers that lease the spectrum. Depending on your needs, it can play an important role in the deployment of broadband and other advanced communications services on your Tribal lands. The Rural Tribal Priority Window opened Monday, February 3, 2020, and closes on Monday, August 3, 2020 at 6PM EDT. Click the 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Window Submitted Applications link under Related Links to view a list of submitted applications.
ATNI Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Webinar June 18, 2020 01:00 PM Pacific Time
You are invited to join the ATNI hosted webinarto discuss the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF).The RDOF will provide up to $20.4 billion over 10 years to communications providers for communities that are unserved or underserved by broadband internet. The RDOF auction includes a tribal lands bidding preference to include more eligible tribal locations in this opportunity. This webinar will provide an overview of the RDOF auction, discussion from tribal practitioners, and a Question & Answer session between the FCC and attendees. Nearly 80 percent of the $20.4 billion is available in Phase I, which is scheduled to begin October 2020. The deadline for letters of interest for Phase I is Wednesday, July 15, 2020.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
https://atnitribes.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/atni_logo_tan2.png304304Tyrel Otthttps://atnitribes.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ATNI-logo.pngTyrel Ott2020-06-16 21:16:432020-06-16 21:32:29ATNI Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Webinar
Last week Washington State resumed the Update Leave operation. Tribal Partnership Specialists reached out to the Census Liaisons to request permission to resume/conduct the operation on reservations. The Quinault Reservation and the Chehalis Reservation started receiving their census invitation packets last week. This week Spokane Reservation will receive theirs and next week Kalispel will begin to get theirs. The packets have unique Census IDs to use online or to call in, it also has a paper form. We anticipate an increase in these tribal reservation response rates. The National rate is 59.6%, the State is at 64.9%. Our top ten reservation response rates are:
Port Gamble S’Klallam 75.2%
Puyallup 66.9%
Port Madison 60.6%
Swinomish 58.6%
Tulalip 56.7%
Muckleshoot 54.0%
Nisqually 52.7%
Shoalwater Bay 51.2%
Lummi 50.2%
Lower Elwha 48.2%
Tribal HighlightsSamish Indian Nation- Created a 2020 Census info page you can find on their website. https://www.samishtribe.nsn.us/departments/planning/census-2020 Puyallup Tribe of Indians- Placed census message on Emerald Queen Casino digital billboard on I5 (see attached image). Nisqually Indian Tribe- Sent a letter from the Chairman to all enrolled members encouraging participation in the Census. What you can do
Encourage people to apply for census enumerator jobs at https://2020census.gov/en/jobs.html Tribal members should list their tribes language, no matter their fluency level.
Write an article for your tribal newspaper
Create social media posts encouraging people to self-respond
Contact all your relatives and ask them to do their census!
Stay in touch with your Tribal Partnership Specialist
FarewellToday is the last working day for TPS Darin Yackeschi. His tour of duty with census is at an end. Darin worked on everything from Paddle To Lummi census outreach, to individual tribal government relationships, to Native Vote tour. We will miss him and appreciate his teamwork. Best wishes Darin! Sioquial,Alaina Capoeman (Quinault)2020 Census Tribal Partnership Specialist WA Lead
The U.S. Census Bureau is hosting a listening session with federally and state recognized tribes, and AIAN organizations across the country. This listening session is to continue our ongoing communication, with an update on 2020 Decennial Operations, the 2020 Disclosure Avoidance System (DAS) and the geographic hierarchy of DAS. The DAS is a new, advanced, and far more powerful confidentiality protection system than previously used that employs a rigorous mathematical process to protect respondents’ information and identity.
This national webinar will provide a forum for tribal stakeholders to learn more about 2020 Decennial Operational updates, the transition to the DAS to protect information provided by respondents on the 2020 Census, and the geographic hierarchy of DAS.
The 2020 Census Tribal Listening Session will be held at the following date and time:
Dial-in Information to join the audio conference portion of the webinar:
1-888-989-7592 | Passcode: 6547188
** If prompted when logging into WebEx, password is “census”
If you have any questions prior to the webinar, please contact Dee Alexander at (301) 763-9335, or ocia.tao@census.gov.
Census Bureau to Resume Some 2020 Census Field Operations in Select Locations
May 4, 2020 —The U.S. Census Bureau, in coordination with Federal, State and local health officials, will begin a phased restart of some 2020 Census field operations in select geographic areas this week.
Updates on the operations resuming by location are available at [2020census.gov]2020census.gov. This webpage will be updated weekly as 2020 Census operations resume across the United States.
The health and safety of Census Bureau staff and the public is of the utmost importance. All returning staff will receive safety training to observe social distancing protocols in the COVID-19 environment. For their safety and the safety of the public, the Census Bureau has ordered Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all field staff, including those that work in a field office. These materials will be secured and provided to staff prior to restarting operations.
As part of the phased restart of operations, the Census Bureau will resume dropping off 2020 Census invitation packets at front doors of households in areas where the majority of households do not receive mail at their home. This operation is also known as Update Leave. About 5% of households are counted in the Update Leave operation, where census workers will confirm or update a household’s physical location address and then leave a census questionnaire packet.
The Census Bureau began delivering census materials to these households on March 15; however, this operation was suspended on March 18 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Update Leave operation does not require interaction between households and a Census Bureau employee and follows the most current federal health and safety guidelines. In states where we have resumed the Update Leave operation, we are also resuming fingerprinting for new hires to keep applicants moving through the hiring process. ACO staff will begin returning to the office as necessary to support the Update Leave operation, as well.
The Associate Director for Decennial Programs leads the operational team making the decision to restart select operations within an ACO, driven by the assessment of career Census Bureau operational leadership; a thorough review of the operating status of a state, locality or tribal area; the key data that support that operating status as identified by Federal, State and local guidance; and the ability of Census Bureau staff to safely resume operations, including the procurement of PPE.
Households that receive the 2020 Census invitation packets are strongly encouraged to respond promptly to the 2020 Census using the census ID included in the questionnaire packet. People can respond online, by phone or by completing and returning the paper form by mail. Responding with the census ID or by completing and returning the paper questionnaire helps ensure the best count of their communities.
About the Intergovernmental Affairs Office: Tribal Affairs
The Tribal Affairs team works closely with American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) tribal nations on a government-to-government basis to address issues concerning tribal self-government. The government-to-government relation is based on the United States Constitution, federal treaties, policy, law, court decisions, executive orders, and the ongoing political relationship among tribal nations and the federal government. The Intergovernmental Affairs Office serves as the principal liaison office for tribal affairs and is the principal advisor to the Director and executive staff on tribal issues and concerns. The team’s work focuses on collaborating with other agencies, building and maintaining relationships with tribal leaders, tribal associations, and tribal citizens in order to educate, inform, consult and share program information from across the U.S. Census Bureau.
Sincerely,
Dee Alexander Tribal Affairs Coordinator
U.S. Census Bureau
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DEFENDANT’S CONSOLIDATED OPPOSITION TO PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION FOR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER AND PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION
Defendant Steven Mnuchin, in his official capacity as Secretary of the Treasury, hereby files this memorandum in opposition to the Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction (ECF No. 3) (“Chehalis Motion” or “Chehalis Chehalis Mot.”) filed by Plaintiffs Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservatoin, Tulalip Tribes, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Akiak Native Community, Asa’carsarmiut Tribe, and Aleut Community of St. Paul Island….READ THE FULL PLAINTIFF REPLY
Members of the public or media who wish to access the hearing on Plaintiffs’ Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order scheduled for today, April 24, 2020, at 3:00 p.m., may now access the hearing by dialing the court’s toll-free public access line: (877) 848-7030, access code 321-8747.
https://atnitribes.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ATNI-logo.png00Tyrel Otthttps://atnitribes.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ATNI-logo.pngTyrel Ott2020-04-24 23:27:042020-04-24 23:27:11DEFENDANT’S CONSOLIDATED OPPOSITION TO PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION FOR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER AND PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response: Tribal Recipients Based on the President’s national emergency declaration for the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on March 13, 2020, tribal governments may be a Recipient or Subrecipient for FEMA Public Assistance. The following guidance supports questions related to the tribal recipient/subrecipient assistance process pursuant to the nationwide COVID-19 emergency. Tribal Options for Assistance
Tribal governments do not need to request separate emergency declarations to receive FEMA assistance under this nationwide declaration.
A tribal government may choose to be a Subrecipient under a state that has chosen to be a Recipient of FEMA assistance or choose to be a direct Recipient of FEMA.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) also has funding available, including $40 million dollars specifically identified for tribes, tribal organizations, and tribal health service providers.
https://atnitribes.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ATNI-logo.png00Tyrel Otthttps://atnitribes.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ATNI-logo.pngTyrel Ott2020-03-20 22:19:232020-03-20 22:19:26Tribal Updates: Indian Country Addresses COVID-19
NAFOA, NCAI, and NIHB will convene a Tribal Leader Town Hall on the COVID-19 pandemic to engage on updates and policy implications. The town hall will be in a webinar format where we will discuss responses from the White House, public health agencies, and how our organizations are responding to the fight against COVID-19.
To learn more and stay updated, see the CDC’s website on COVID-19 response. We recommend following official sources for information.
For any other questions or concerns, please contact Lacina Onco, Policy Specialist, at 202-603-3943 or at lacina@nafoa.org.
https://atnitribes.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/unnamed.jpg6751200Tyrel Otthttps://atnitribes.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ATNI-logo.pngTyrel Ott2020-03-16 23:16:232020-03-16 23:16:25Tribal Leader Town Hall on COVID-19
Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs issued a Notice of Intent to release a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) entitled “Energy Infrastructure Development on Indian Lands – 2020” later this year.
“This planned funding will help Native American and Alaska Native communities harness their vast energy resources to reduce or stabilize energy costs, as well as increase energy security and resilience,” said Kevin R. Frost, Director of the Office of Indian Energy.
Through the planned FOA, the Office of Indian Energy intends to solicit applications from Indian tribes, which, for the purposes of the FOA, include Alaska Native Regional Corporations and Village Corporations, Intertribal Organizations, and Tribal Energy Development Organizations, to:
Install energy generating system(s) and/or energy efficiency measure(s) for tribal building(s); or,
Deploy community-scale energy generating system(s) or energy storage on Tribal Lands; or,
Install integrated energy system(s) for autonomous operation (independent of the traditional centralized electric power grid) to power a single or multiple essential tribal facilities during emergency situations or for tribal community resilience; or,
Deploy energy infrastructure or integrated energy system(s) to electrify tribal buildings.
This FOA is consistent with the principles of tribal sovereignty and self-determination, and with an all-of–the-above energy strategy that recognizes each tribe’s right to use their energy resources as they see fit. Projects sought under the planned FOA will be fuel and technology neutral.
Through this planned FOA, the Office of Indian Energy will continue its efforts to maximize the deployment of energy solutions for the benefit of American Indians and Alaska Natives and help build the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to implement those energy solutions. See the Office of Indian Energy website for a map and summaries of previous competitively funded projects.
Regards, Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs 1000 Independence Ave. SW Washington DC 20585
For more information on the Office of Indian Energy, visit our website.
https://atnitribes.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DOE.Indian-Energy.jpg129339Tyrel Otthttps://atnitribes.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ATNI-logo.pngTyrel Ott2020-03-06 14:09:112020-03-06 14:09:15DOE Announces Intent to Issue New Funding Opportunity for Tribal Energy Infrastructure Development
Register for Today’s Webinar on Energy Efficiency Basics Feb. 26, 2020
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs is pleased to sponsor the 2020 Tribal Energy Webinar Series with the theme of “How to…” Intended for tribal leaders, tribal staff, and others interested in energy development in Indian Country, the monthly webinars will focus on how to accomplish specific tasks related to energy development on tribal lands. Presenters will provide instruction and share tools and resources. Tribal case studies will emphasize the processes and tools used rather than the specific details of a particular project. Ten webinars will be offered at no cost, with most webinars scheduled at 11 a.m. Mountain Time (MT) on the last Wednesday of each month, beginning in February and concluding in December.The 2020 series will begin with Energy Efficiency Basics today, February 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. MT. When trying to lower energy bills or reduce environmental impact from energy generation, the first step is to look for opportunities to increase energy efficiency. This webinar will define what energy efficiency is and explore how to identify potential measures to reduce your Tribe’s energy use.There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. Register now for this webinar, and learn more about the 2020 webinar series. Regards, Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs 1000 Independence Ave. SW Washington DC 20585For more information on the Office of Indian Energy, visit our website.
https://atnitribes.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DOE.Indian-Energy.jpg129339Tyrel Otthttps://atnitribes.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ATNI-logo.pngTyrel Ott2020-02-26 18:13:462020-02-26 18:14:55Register for Today’s Webinar on Energy Efficiency Basics
You are invited to join us for a Tribal Outreach Event to share information regarding the recently announced FCC 2.5 GHz Spectrum Tribal Priority Window. The deployment of broadband on tribal lands is critical to effectively determine the tribal leadership approach. In this 1.5 day event we will review the FCC 2.5 GHz application process, buildout requirements, as well as hear from several Washington State tribes what they have done to build broadband networks, how they are utilizing their infrastructure, how acquiring spectrum will enhance their networks, as well as potential funding sources. When: Thursday, February 27th 8:30AM-5PM & Friday, February 28th 8:30AM-12:00PM
Where: Red Wind Casino, Nisqually Tribe 12819 Yelm Hwy SE, Olympia, WA 98513
Please register here Travel scholarships available, please indicate on the registration form if you are requesting this assistance and we will have someone follow-up with you to work the details out.
Draft Agenda: AGENDA: Day 1 Thursday, February 27, 2020
