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@ak- chin.nsn.us