Support the Implementation of the 100 Years One Womans Fight for Justice Documentary and Curriculum

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19-01EducationPatricia WhitefootSupport the Implementation of the 100 Years: One Woman’s Fight for Justice Documentary and CurriculumX


 2019 Winter Convention 

Portland Oregon 

RESOLUTION #19 – 01 

“SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 100 YEARS: ONE WOMAN’S FIGHT FOR JUSTICE DOCUMENTARY AND CURRICULUM” 

PREAMBLE 

We, the members of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians of the United States, invoking the divine blessing of the Creator upon our efforts and purposes, in order to preserve for ourselves and our descendants rights secured under Indian Treaties and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and constitution of the United States and several states, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution: 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest Indians (ATNI) are representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and specific tribal concerns; and 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians is a regional organization comprised of American Indians in the States of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and Alaska; and 

WHEREAS, the health, safety, welfare, education, economic and employment opportunity, and preservation of cultural and natural resources are primary goals and objectives of Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest Indians; and 

WHEREAS, the 100 Years: One Woman’s Fight for Justice is the story of Elouise Cobell and her 30-year fight for justice for over 300,000 Native Americans whose mineral-rich lands were grossly mismanaged by the US Government for over a century; and 

WHEREAS, 100 Years is relevant to all students because it addresses a complex issue of land tenure and the impacts of a specific federal Indian policy: allotment, while documenting how one person can make a difference in a system encumbered with bureaucracy and legal complexities; and 

WHEREAS, the complex issues in 100 Years resonate with significant American Indian and worldwide issues, such as environmental injustices and unethical practices that exist today in many forms and forums; and 

WHEREAS, the Dawes Allotment Act of 1887 and other federal Indian policies enacted by the U.S. government adversely impacted American Indians, reinforcing paternalism and economic dependency on the government; and 

WHEREAS, the Washington State legislature passed legislation in 2015 requiring the teaching of tribal history in the Washington State public schools; and 

WHEREAS, the Oregon State legislature passed legislation in 2017 requiring the teaching of tribal history in the Oregon state public schools; now 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that ATNI does hereby support the educational vision and goals of 100 Years: One Woman’s Fight for Justice documentary and curriculum in all forms of public and tribal education; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ATNI urges the Offices of the State Superintendents of Public Instruction to collaborate with local Tribes, school districts, and Native education advisory councils on the adaptation, adoption and implementation of the 100 Years: One Woman’s Fight for Justice documentary and curriculum within all forms of public and tribal education. 

CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2019 Winter Convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Portland, Oregon, on January 28-31, 2019, with a quorum present. 

______________________________ ______________________________ 

Urge Support of the First Nations Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement Program

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2020-05EducationPatricia WhitefootUrge Support of the First Nations Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement Program



 2020 Winter Convention 

Portland, Oregon 

RESOLUTION #2020 – 05 

“URGE SUPPORT OF THE FIRST NATIONS MATHEMATICS, ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM” 

PREAMBLE 

We, the members of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians of the United States, invoking the divine blessing of the Creator upon our efforts and purposes, in order to preserve for ourselves and our descendants rights secured under Indian Treaties and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and constitution of the United States and several states, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution: 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest Indians (ATNI) are representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and specific tribal concerns; and 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians is a regional organization comprised of American Indians in the States of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and Alaska; and 

WHEREAS, the health, safety, welfare, education, economic and employment opportunity, and preservation of cultural and natural resources are primary goals and objectives of Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest Indians; and 

WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature is reviewing budget provisions, which includes funds that support the First Nations Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) program; and 

WHEREAS, the First Nations MESA program provides essential basic education at the local level for Native students primarily at the middle school and high school level; now

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that ATNI does hereby endorse and support the First Nations MESA Program budget provision of $135,000 to continue providing equitable access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education for Native American students; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ATNI acknowledges the engagement of tribal leaders and stakeholders in providing oral testimony or letters of support to the Washington State Legislature stating support for the First Nations MESA Program’s budget provision. 

CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2020 Winter Convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Portland, Oregon, on January 27-30, 2020, with a quorum present. 

______________________________ ______________________________ 

Support a Native American Migrant Health Science Program at Washington State University, Spokane with WSU Native American Health Sciences and the Office of Superintendent Public Instruction

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Res #:Committee:Submitted by:Title:                                 Pass →YesNoAmended/TabledTo NCAI
2020-04EducationPatricia WhitefootSupport a Native American Migrant Health Science Program at Washington State University, Spokane with WSU Native American Health Sciences and the Office of Superintendent Public Instruction



 2020 Winter Convention 

Portland, Oregon 

RESOLUTION #2020 – 04 

“SUPPORT A NATIVE AMERICAN MIGRANT HEALTH SCIENCE PROGRAM AT 

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY, SPOKANE WITH WSU NATIVE AMERICAN HEALTH SCIENCES AND THE OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT PUBLIC INSTRUCTION” 

PREAMBLE 

We, the members of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians of the United States, invoking the divine blessing of the Creator upon our efforts and purposes, in order to preserve for ourselves and our descendants rights secured under Indian Treaties, Executive Orders, and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and constitution of the United States and several states, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise to promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution: 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) are representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and specific tribal concerns; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI is a regional organization comprised of American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and tribes in the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and Alaska; and 

WHEREAS, the health, safety, welfare, education, economic and employment opportunity, and preservation of cultural and natural resources are primary goals and objectives of the ATNI; and 

WHEREAS, as a land grant institution located on ceded tribal lands, Washington State University (WSU) wishes to strengthen relationships, improve the access to educational services and opportunities for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) achievement; and

WHEREAS, in accordance for support of the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine by ATNI Resolution #14-49, “Improving Access to Health Care,” ATNI urged the Washington State Legislature to authorize said legislation; and 

WHEREAS, the number of AI/AN physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals still make up less than 1% of all healthcare professionals in the United States; and more AI/AN healthcare professionals are needed to culturally align and respond to the healthcare needs of their people and the lack of AI/AN health care workers in both rural and urban Tribal communities; and 

WHEREAS, a recent report by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) (2019) found that culturally responsive academic enrichment programs, access to information, academic support, connection with mentors, and availability of financial support, including federal programs, have been shown to influence the number of AI/AN students who apply, enroll, and succeed in medical school and other health and allied health disciplines; now 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that ATNI urges the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to partner with WSU’s Native American Health Sciences in Spokane and commit to financially support a culturally based Native American Migrant Health Science summer program on its campus; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ATNI urges OSPI to establish two (2) positions to support the educational migrant needs of AI/AN students in the distinct locations of the states; such as, eastern and western Washington, to work closely with tribal nations, their education systems and educators, and the public-school systems in which our native youth are educated, to advance and expand the number of AI/AN migrant students in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) professions. 

CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2020 Winter Convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Portland, Oregon, on January 27-30, 2020, with a quorum present. 

______________________________ ______________________________ 

The Cherokee Nation Calls Upon the House of Representatives to Fulfill its Obligation to the Cherokee Nation by Seating Delegate Kimberly Teehee in Congress

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Res #:Committee:Submitted by:Title:                                 Pass →YesNoAmended/TabledTo NCAI
2020-03Off the Floor
The Cherokee Nation Calls Upon the House of Representatives to Fulfill its Obligation to the Cherokee Nation by Seating Delegate Kimberly Teehee in CongressX


 2020 Winter Convention 

Portland, Oregon 

RESOLUTION #2020 – 03 

“THE CHEROKEE NATION CALLS UPON THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO FULFILL ITS OBLIGATION TO THE CHEROKEE NATION BY SEATING DELEGATE KIMBERLY TEEHEE IN CONGRESS” 

PREAMBLE 

We, the members of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians of the United States, invoking the divine blessing of the Creator upon our efforts and purposes, in order to preserve for ourselves and our descendants rights secured under Indian Treaties, Executive Orders, and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and constitution of the United States and several states, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise to promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution: 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) are representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and specific tribal concerns; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI is a regional organization comprised of American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and tribes in the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and Alaska; and 

WHEREAS, the health, safety, welfare, education, economic and employment opportunity, and preservation of cultural and natural resources are primary goals and objectives of the ATNI; and 

WHEREAS, the Constitution of the United States, through Treaty, Commerce, Supremacy, and Apportionment Clauses and the 14th Amendment, recognizes the inherent sovereignty of Indian Tribes and Nations established prior to the United States; and 

WHEREAS, through treaties, statutes, executive orders, and other legal agreements and laws, the United States took on many legal and moral obligations to Indian people in exchange for hundreds of millions of acres of land; and

WHEREAS, since its founding, ATNI has urged the United States government to fulfill treaty obligations and uphold the federal trust responsibility; and 

WHEREAS, Article 7 of the Cherokee Nation’s 1835 Treaty of New Echota with the United States states, “The Cherokee Nation having already made great progress in civilization and deeming it important that every proper and laudable inducement should be offered to their people to improve their condition as well as to guard and secure in the most effectual manner the rights guaranteed to them in this treaty, and with a view to illustrate the liberal and enlarged policy of the Government of the United States towards the Indians in their removal beyond the territorial limits of the States, it is stipulated that they shall be entitled to a delegate in the House of Representatives in the United States whenever Congress shall make provision for the same;” and 

WHEREAS, in addition to explicit language in Article 7 of the 1835 Treaty of New Echota, the Cherokee Nation’s first treaty with the United States, the 1785 Treaty of Hopewell, also includes the right to a congressional deputy in Article 12 and the 1866 Treaty with the Cherokee Nation, affirms the Cherokee Nation’s right to a delegate in Article 31; and 

WHEREAS, in 2017, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that the rights and obligations established under the 1866 treaty remain in effect for the Cherokee Nation and the United States; and 

WHEREAS, Section 12 of the Cherokee Nation Constitution requires the Principal Chief to appoint a Delegate to the United States House of Representatives and that Delegate is to be confirmed by the Council of the Cherokee Nation; and 

WHEREAS, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. exercised the Nation’s treaty right by appointing its first Delegate, Kimberly Teehee, to Congress; and 

WHEREAS, the Council of the Cherokee Nation unanimously confirmed Kimberly Teehee as Delegate to Congress; now 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that ATNI does hereby support the Cherokee Nation’s action to exercise its treaty right and calls upon the House of Representatives to fulfill its obligation to the Cherokee Nation by seating Delegate Kimberly Teehee in Congress. 

CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2020 Winter Convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Portland, Oregon, on January 27-30, 2020, with a quorum present. 

______________________________ ______________________________ 

Support for Washington State HB 2548, Concerning Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities in Washington State

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Res #:Committee:Submitted by:Title:                                 Pass →YesNoAmended/TabledTo NCAI
2020-02Off the Floor
Support for Washington State HB 2548, Concerning Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities in Washington StateX


 2020 Winter Convention 

Portland, Oregon 

RESOLUTION #2020 – 02 

“SUPPORT FOR WASHINGTON STATE HB 2548, CONCERNING TRIBALLY CONTROLLED COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN WASHINGTON STATE” 

PREAMBLE 

We, the members of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians of the United States, invoking the divine blessing of the Creator upon our efforts and purposes, in order to preserve for ourselves and our descendants rights secured under Indian Treaties, Executive Orders, and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and constitution of the United States and several states, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise to promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution: 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) are representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and specific tribal concerns; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI is a regional organization comprised of American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and tribes in the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and Alaska; and 

WHEREAS, the health, safety, welfare, education, economic and employment opportunity, and preservation of cultural and natural resources are primary goals and objectives of the ATNI; and 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) resolution #19-43, “Supporting Equitable Funding for Northwest Indian College” brought attention to the vital need for financial resources to serve the non-beneficiary students at an equitable funding level as state community colleges; and

WHEREAS, to be considered a beneficiary student, an individual must be a member of an Indian tribe or a biological child of a member of an Indian tribe, living or deceased; and 

WHEREAS, the Washington State legislature recently announced HB 2548, “Concerning tribally controlled colleges and universities in Washington state,” which will help support the need for essential financial resources for Northwest Indian College to serve its non-beneficiary students; now 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, ATNI urges the Washington State Legislature to pass HB 2548, “Concerning tribally controlled colleges and universities in Washington state” in acknowledgement of the valuable contributions of Northwest Indian College to postsecondary systems, economy and rural and tribal communities by providing foundational support of the college, students and communities; and 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, ATNI further acknowledges the important leadership of the Northwest Tribes and their support of advocacy and testimony on behalf of all students enrolled in Northwest Indian College throughout Indian Country. 

CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2020 Winter Convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Portland, Oregon, on January 27-30, 2020, with a quorum present. 

______________________________ ______________________________ 

Opposition to Proposed Imminent Closure and Sale of the Northwest Regional Branch of National Archives Facilities, Sandpoint Way, Seattle

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Res #:Committee:Submitted by:Title:                                 Pass →YesNoAmended/TabledTo NCAI
2020-01Off the Floor
Opposition to Proposed Imminent Closure and Sale of the Northwest Regional Branch of National Archives Facilities, Sandpoint Way, SeattleX


 2020 Winter Convention 

Portland, Oregon 

RESOLUTION #2020 – 01 

“OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED IMMINENT CLOSURE AND SALE OF THE NORTHWEST REGIONAL BRANCH OF NATIONAL ARCHIVES FACILITIES, SANDPOINT WAY, SEATTLE” 

PREAMBLE 

We, the members of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians of the United States, invoking the divine blessing of the Creator upon our efforts and purposes, in order to preserve for ourselves and our descendants rights secured under Indian Treaties, Executive Orders, and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and constitution of the United States and several states, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise to promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution: 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) are representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and specific tribal concerns; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI is a regional organization comprised of American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and tribes in the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and Alaska; and 

WHEREAS, the health, safety, welfare, education, economic and employment opportunity, and preservation of cultural and natural resources are primary goals and objectives of the ATNI; and 

WHEREAS, the National Archives maintains the Federal Archives and Records Center in Seattle, Washington (known as the “Sand Point Archive”); and

WHEREAS, the Sand Point Archive contains historical records from all federal agencies, including the Department of the Interior, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Indian Health Service and other agencies that have had dealings with Indian tribes; and 

WHEREAS, the Sand Point Archive safeguards many historical materials important to Indian tribes, such as original copies of correspondence between treaty authors, Indian agents, and tribal leaders during treaty negotiations in the mid-19th Century, as well as original drafts of the treaties themselves; and 

WHEREAS, the Sand Point Archive houses tribal and individual tribal member records which detail family medical histories, household composition and other census/membership records, land assignments and losses; and 

WHEREAS, there is a federal Trust responsibility to maintain records of Trust Assets and to continue to make them available for tribal use; and 

WHEREAS, the Sand Point Archive obtained all the information related to Alaska tribes when the Anchorage archives were closed in 2014; and 

WHEREAS, the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (“FASTA”) empowers the Public Buildings Reform Board (“PBRB”) to identify specific Federal properties for disposal in a manner that will “obtain the highest and best value for the taxpayer” and to accomplish the goal of “facilitation and expediting the sale or disposal of unneeded Federal civilian real properties”; and 

WHEREAS, the PBRB issued a report in December 2019 recommending the sale of the Sand Point Archive; and 

WHEREAS, neither the PBRB nor any federal agency conducted any formal consultation with potentially impacted Indian tribes about the decision to close the Sand Point Archive; and 

WHEREAS, the Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) has identified concerns with an earlier version of the PBRB report which also identified sale of the Sand Point Archive; and 

WHEREAS, the transportation to another locale of irreplaceable historical documents and materials relating to Indian tribes threatens their damage, deterioration and total loss; now 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that ATNI does hereby call upon the Office of Management and Budget to immediately halt any decision regarding the potential closure of the Sand Point Archive until formal government-to-government consultation has been conducted with affected and interested Indian tribes, as provided for under Executive Order 13175. AFFILIATED TRIBES OF NORTHWEST INDIANS RESOLUTION # 2020-01 

2020 WINTER CONVENTION PAGE 3 

CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2020 Winter Convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Portland, Oregon, on January 27-30, 2020, with a quorum present. 

______________________________ ______________________________ 

Amicus Brief Support and Statement of Interest for Tribal Bellwether Cases in the National Opioid Litigation

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Res #:Committee:Submitted by:Title:                                    Pass →                     YesNoAmended/TabledTo NCAI
18-51Off the FloorAutumn Dawn Monteau 
Amicus Brief Support and Statement of Interest for Tribal Bellwether Cases in the National Opioid LitigationX

no

 2018 Annual Convention 

Worley, Idaho 

RESOLUTION #18 – 51 

AMICUS BRIEF SUPPORT AND STATEMENT OF INTEREST FOR TRIBAL BELLWETHER CASES IN THE NATIONAL OPIOID LITIGATION 

PREAMBLE 

We, the members of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians of the United States, invoking the divine blessing of the Creator upon our efforts and purposes, in order to preserve for ourselves and our descendants rights secured under Indian Treaties, Executive Orders, and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and constitution of the United States and several states, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise to promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution: 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) are representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and specific tribal concerns; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI is a regional organization comprised of American Indians/Alaska Natives and tribes in the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and Alaska; and 

WHEREAS, the health, safety, welfare, education, economic and employment opportunity, and preservation of cultural and natural resources are primary goals and objectives of ATNI; and 

WHEREAS, the misuse and abuse of opioids has taken a devastating toll on the public health and safety of our tribal nations at disproportionate rates and, there is a significant lack of resources within tribal communities to address this drug epidemic; and

WHEREAS, in December 2017, hundreds of cases filed against opioid drug manufacturers and distributors in federal court were transferred and consolidated before U.S. District Judge Dan Polster in federal district court in the Northern District of Ohio, to be resolved through a coordinated proceeding called a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL); and 

WHEREAS, the MDL Court has established a separate “Tribal Track” in the litigation, recognizing that Tribal Nations are sovereigns and, as such, the claims brought by Tribal Nations are different than those brought by states, cities, counties and others; and 

WHEREAS, the MDL Court issued Case Management Order 6 for the management of the Tribal government cases filed, and designated two Tribal cases – the Muscogee Creek and the Blackfeet Nation – as bellwether or test cases and set a briefing schedule for the defendants to file motions to dismiss challenging the Tribes’ claims; and 

WHEREAS, as part of the motion to dismiss process, Judge Polster ordered that interested Tribal Nations (both those who have filed opioid cases and those that have not) join in a single Amicus Brief in support of the test cases brought by Muscogee Creek and Blackfeet Nation, currently due to be filed on October 5, 2018; and 

WHEREAS, the Tribes and tribal organizations can join the Amicus Brief by submitting Statements of Interest that will demonstrate the force of our collective support of the bellwether cases and the depth and breadth of the tragedy of the opioid epidemic in Indian Country; now 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that ATNI will participate in the Tribal Amicus Brief in support of the tribal bellwether cases brought by Muscogee Creek and Blackfeet Nation by submitting a Statement of Interest that will be included in an appendix to the Brief. 

CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2018 Annual Convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, held at the Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort Hotel – Worley, Idaho, on September 17-20, 2018, with a quorum present. 

______________________________ ______________________________ 

Request for the United States to Implement and Comply with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act

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18-50Off the FloorSalish KootenaiRequest for the United States to Implement and Comply with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation ActX

YES

 2018 Annual Convention

Worley, Idaho

RESOLUTION #18 – 50 

“REQUEST FOR THE UNITED STATES TO IMPLEMENT AND COMPLY WITH THE NATIVE AMERICAN GRAVES PROTECTION AND REPATRIATION ACT” 

PREAMBLE 

We, the members of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians of the United States, invoking the divine blessing of the Creator upon our efforts and purposes, in order to preserve for ourselves and our descendants rights secured under Indian Treaties, Executive Orders, and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and constitution of the United States and several states, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise to promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution: 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) are representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and specific tribal concerns; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI is a regional organization comprised of American Indians/Alaska Natives and tribes in the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and Alaska; and 

WHEREAS, the health, safety, welfare, education, economic and employment opportunity, and preservation of cultural and natural resources are primary goals and objectives 

of the ATNI; and 

WHEREAS, the terms of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C. 3001, et seq. and implementing regulations promulgated at 43 C.F.R. 10 et seq. were enacted to protect Native American graves and to protect and repatriate cultural items of Native Americans; and 

WHEREAS, for purposes of NAGPRA, cultural items includes human remains, associated funerary objects, unassociated funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony; and

WHEREAS, cultural items of Indian tribes have ongoing historic, traditional, and cultural importance to the Indian tribes culture; and 

WHEREAS, affiliated cultural items of Indian tribes are important pieces of their people’s identity, living culture, and heritage; and 

WHEREAS, cultural items are central to the ongoing history, culture, and traditions of tribes and their communities depend upon them for maintaining their identity now and into the future; and 

WHEREAS, the terms of NAGPRA and its implementing regulations requires that cultural items, that are excavated or discovered on Federal or tribal lands, be returned to lineal descendants, and in the case of unassociated funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony, the Indian tribe on whose lands they were discovered and who has the closest cultural affiliation with such remains or objects; and 

WHEREAS, very few sacred objects or objects of cultural patrimony have been returned to Tribes as required by NAGPRA; now 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, ATNI hereby calls upon the United States and its agencies to utilize and comply with NAGPRA as it was intended; to reunite Tribes with all cultural items, and not just human remains and funerary objects; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ATNI supports all Tribes in reuniting their people with their cultural items so that their history, heritage, culture, traditions, and identity can be maintained now and into the future. 

CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2018 Annual Convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, held at the Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort Hotel – Worley, Idaho, on September 17-20, 2018, with a quorum present. 

First Flag of America

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18-49VeteransLavada AndersonFirst Flag of AmericaX

yes

 2018 Annual Convention 

Worley, Idaho 

RESOLUTION #18 – 49 

“FIRST FLAG OF AMERICA” 

PREAMBLE 

We, the members of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians of the United States, invoking the divine blessing of the Creator upon our efforts and purposes, in order to preserve for ourselves and our descendants rights secured under Indian Treaties, Executive Orders, and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and constitution of the United States and several states, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise to promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution: 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) are representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and specific tribal concerns; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI is a regional organization comprised of American Indians/Alaska Natives and tribes in the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and Alaska; and 

WHEREAS, the health, safety, welfare, education, economic and employment opportunity, and preservation of cultural and natural resources are primary goals and objectives of the ATNI; and 

WHEREAS, the Native American Eagle Staff is historically the First Flag of America and represents the stature and honor of Native American Tribes; it resembles a shepherd’s staff, usually wrapped in animal skin and features Eagle Feathers; and 

WHEREAS, pre-dating colonization, the Eagle Staff was the indicator of a tribe’s accomplishments in battle and peace and, the integrity and honor of its people; and 

WHEREAS, today, it represents tribal communities, Native Americans and First Nations organizations, or a member of an honor society, or an Native American Veteran; and

WHEREAS, the Eagle Staff represents Tribal sovereignty, unity, spirituality, culture, and traditions, which reflects the honor bestowed upon an individual, Tribal organization, or Tribal Elder; and 

WHEREAS, the Eagle Staff is typically carried by Native American Veterans of the United States Armed Forces, who have served in greater numbers per capita than any other ethnicity across all branches of the United States Military; and 

WHEREAS, the Eagle Staff is a proud legacy of the Native American people; and it is the embodiment of the warrior and of enduring fortitude which together have enabled the Native American Tribes to survive federal, state, and local government legislation and policies intended to terminate their race, culture, language, and traditions; and 

WHEREAS, the Eagle Staff is adorned with Eagle Feathers symbolizing the remembrance of both fallen and respected Warriors; and 

WHEREAS, because Eagles and Eagle Feathers are highly revered and federally protected, only a few federal agencies and Native Americans may carry Eagle Feathers as the Eagle Feather is the highest award that can be given by a Native American Tribe to its Members; and 

WHEREAS, the Eagle Staff is welcomed into all Native American and First Nations of Canada with a flag song or victory song and is always presented ahead of all flags; and 

WHEREAS, the Eagle is honored on the National Seal of the United States of America or, standard that bears an Eagle as a symbol; now 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that this resolution be presented to the United States government, including the Department of Interior, all departments and branches of military affairs, and the Department of Veteran Affairs; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ATNI supports and approves requesting the United States government and the President of the United States of America sign a Resolution making the Native American Eagle Staff the First Flag of America and to respect the use and wearing of the Eagle Feather or tribal clothing as a representation of our heritage/culture and allowed to be worn or carried within any office of the United States government. 

CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2018 Annual Convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, held at the Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort Hotel – Worley, Idaho, on September 17-20, 2018, with a quorum present. 

______________________________ ______________________________ 

Bureau of Indian Affairs Road Maintenance Program

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Res #:Committee:Submitted by:Title:                                    Pass →                     YesNoAmended/TabledTo NCAI
18-48TransportationKirk VinishBureau of Indian Affairs Road Maintenance ProgramX

no

 2018 Annual Convention 

Worley, Idaho 

RESOLUTION #18 – 48 

“BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS ROAD MAINTENANCE PROGRAM” 

PREAMBLE 

We, the members of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians of the United States, invoking the divine blessing of the Creator upon our efforts and purposes, in order to preserve for ourselves and our descendants rights secured under Indian Treaties, Executive Orders, and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and constitution of the United States and several states, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise to promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution: 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) are representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and specific tribal concerns; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI is a regional organization comprised of American Indians/Alaska Natives and tribes in the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and Alaska; and 

WHEREAS, the health, safety, welfare, education, economic and employment opportunity, and preservation of cultural and natural resources are primary goals and objectives of the ATNI; and 

WHEREAS, Construction activities for Tribal Transportation facilities is administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Federal Highway Administration and is funded pursuant to USDOT (23 USC 202).; and 

WHEREAS, the BIA Road System consists of those roads which are important to the overall public transportation needs of the tribes for which the BIA has primary responsibility for

maintenance and improvements and whose designation criteria are in the BIA Manual Section 57 BIAM 4.2; and 

WHEREAS, the BIA is mandated to maintain roads and transportation facilities constructed with Highway Trust Funds; and 

WHEREAS, the BIA provides transportation maintenance funding pursuant to “historical shares” which excludes many tribes; and 

WHEREAS, the Tribal Transportation Program uses a tribal shares formula method for distributing road funding which ensures that all tribes receive some funding; now 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that ATNI does hereby urge the Department of Interior to eliminate the historical shares method for allocating Indian road maintenance funding and instead use the same statutory formula found in the Tribal Transportation Program. 

CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2018 Annual Convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, held at the Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort Hotel – Worley, Idaho, on September 17-20, 2018, with a quorum present. 

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