1. Early Self-Governance Years
How Self-Governance Tribes Organized
Lessons Learned
Going Forward
Presented by Cyndi Ferguson, Self-Governance Specialist, SENSE Incorporated
2017 Self-Governance Strategy Session - September 6, 2017

2. 1988 Self-Governance Demonstration Project in DOI, P. L
1988 Self-Governance Demonstration Project in DOI, P.L , Title III
No permanent legislation or regulations
Initial 10 Tribes held meetings/negotiations with DOI and Bureau of Indian Affairs to initiate this new “process”
Different from “contracting” with BIA, Self-Governance was advancing the government-to-government process; a new partnership
Tribal leaders, finance and technical staff worked together and negotiated collectively
Self-Governance Coordinators met regularly to share documents

3. 1989 Formation of the Self-Governance Communication and Education (SGCE) Office
Tribal leaders saw the need to have a central office (location) to coordinate Self-Governance efforts
Share resources
Provide trainings
Develop Self-Governance guidebooks
Plan and coordinate Annual Conferences and Strategic Sessions

4. How Do These Early SG Efforts Apply Today
Tremendous increase in number of Self-Governance Tribes; in 2017, there are 261 Self-Governance Tribes in DOI and 363 Tribes in Indian Health Service
If you’re a Self-Governance Coordinator, contact the other Coordinators within your Area/Region
Attend the Self-Governance Advisory Committee quarterly meetings
Utilize the Self-Governance resources and materials on the SGCE website:
Participate in Self-Governance Annual Conferences and Strategy Sessions
Share your Self-Governance Success Stories and Best Practices
Find a mentor/Be a mentor