2. 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

3. 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

4. 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……

5. 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!

6. Information Sharing among Self-Governance Tribes
Utilize the Self-Governance resources and materials on the SGCE website:
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

7. 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.

8. 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 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.

9. 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

10. Other Recommendations and Next Steps

11. Contacts:
Melanie Fourkiller, Senior Policy Analyst, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma; Phone: (918) ;
Cyndi Ferguson, Self-Governance Specialist/Policy Analyst, SENSE Incorporated; Phone: (202) ,
Karen Fierro, Self-Governance Director, Ak-Chin Indian Community; Phone: (520) ; chin.nsn.us