SelfGovernance Professionals Round Table Discussion April 1 2019

Self-Governance Professionals Round Table Discussion April 1, 2019 (3: 30 – 5: 00 pm) Panelists: • Melanie Fourkiller, Senior Policy Analyst, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma • Cyndi Ferguson, Self-Governance Specialist/Policy Analyst, SENSE, Incorporated • Karen Fierro, Self-Governance Director, Ak-Chin Indian Community

Purpose of Session • Opportunity to Discuss Hot Topics • Network with other Self-Governance Professionals • Information Sharing among Self-Governance Tribes • Role of Self-Governance Communication and Education (SGCE) • Training and Technical Assistance • Other Recommendations and Next Steps

Current Hot Topics Facing Self. Governance Tribes • Inconsistencies in negotiations and information sharing among BIA/IHS Areas • IHS Contract Support Cost Policy/language • FTCA Language • Lump sum funding (within 10 days of apportionment) during Continuing Resolutions • Lack of understanding of data regarding program formulas (what data is used; how calculated) • Transition/Retirement of IHS Agency Lead Negotiators • Other issues……

Network with other Self-Governance Professionals • Contact other Coordinators within your Area/Region • Participate in Self. Governance Annual Conferences and Strategy Sessions • Attend the Self. Governance Advisory Committee quarterly meetings Something Fun: • Before leaving today’s break-out session, exchange business cards with one other person you don’t know in the room. • Great opportunity to meet someone new and share ideas and extend your outreach!

Information Sharing among Self. Governance Tribes Utilize the Self-Governance resources and materials on the SGCE website: www. tribalselfgov. org Increase access to information and resources • Collaborate openly through information sharing and exchange • Share your Self-Governance success stories and Tribal best practices in Self. Governance Newsletter and on Website • Promote leading practices and expertise to help grow the Self -Governance community • Have a Tribal only forum on the SGCE website • Form technical teams of subject matter experts on specific topics/issues • Listen and learn from Self. Governance Pioneers and Warriors

Role of Self-Governance Communication and Education (SGCE) SGCE KEY ACTIVITIES: • Conduct trainings and events to educate Tribal and Federal officials on Self-Governance • Advise DOI & IHS leadership on issues of relevance for Self -Governance Tribes • Develop tools to assist with implementation of Self. Governance initiatives • Serve as an information clearinghouse • Support Advocacy Efforts for Self-Governance • SGCE recently published the Tribal Self-Governance Strategic Plan 2019 – 2021 which identifies relevant issues and priorities.

Training and Technical Assistance • SGCE offers and conducts workshops and sessions at other conferences and coordinate individual training sessions throughout the year. As identified in the 2019 -2021 Strategic Plan, over the next 2 years, they will expand capacity related to education by developing formal courses and curriculum that use a variety of media and can reach more audiences. • Evidence-based support is critical for implementing positive change. Over the next 2 years, SGCE will increase research and analysis capabilities and provide greater support to SGAC and TSGAC Workgroups.

Role of Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee (TSGAC) • Serves as a representative SG forum to meet with the IHS leadership to advise on SG policy issues • All 12 IHS Areas are represented by a SG Tribal Leader Representative and Tribal Alternate • Face to face meetings with IHS 3 times per year; written communication and calls throughout the year to advise IHS on Self-Governance • Good opportunity to become involved in a more detailed level on issues, as well to as raise local SG issues that should be addressed collectively by the TSGAC. • TSGAC membership and schedule can be found at www. tribalselfgov. org.

Other Recommendations and Next Steps

Contacts: • Melanie Fourkiller, Senior Policy Analyst, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma; Phone: (918) 453 -7338; email: mfourkiller@choctawnation. com • Cyndi Ferguson, Self-Governance Specialist/Policy Analyst, SENSE Incorporated; Phone: (202) 450 -0013, Email: cyndif@senseinc. com • Karen Fierro, Self-Governance Director, Ak-Chin Indian Community; Phone: (520) 568 -1036; Email: KFierro@akchin. nsn. us