FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 23, 2012
CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
202-482-4883
The U.S. Commerce Department today announced two national webinars to gather input and comment on a proposed policy, “Tribal Consultation and Coordination Policy for the U.S. Department of Commerce,” establishing how Commerce consults with federally-recognized Indian tribes on policies that have tribal implications. These consultations promote Commerce’s mission by supporting strong and stable tribal economies able to participate in today’s national and global marketplace.
The purpose of the policy is to reaffirm Commerce’s commitment to formalize a process that ensures accountable, meaningful and timely input from tribal officials in the development of Commerce policies that have tribal implications. The proposed policy was developed through numerous Commerce listening sessions with Tribes.
As part of continued outreach efforts with Tribes, Commerce is conducting webinars to discuss the policy and gather input and comments from tribal leaders. The two webinars are scheduled on Wednesday, September 12 and Wednesday, September 19 from 3:00-4:00 pm EDT.
Participants can join both webinars directly at: https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join/php?i-PW9996595&p=CENSUS&t-c. For more information, including the call-in number and passcode, contact Commerce’s Senior Adviser on Native American Affairs, Dee Alexander, at dalexander[at]doc[dot]gov.
The proposed policy was published in the Federal Register on July 3 and can be identified by DOC-2012-002. Public comments on the proposed rule may be submitted in writing until October 1. All comments received will be part of the public record and will generally be posted without change for public viewing tohttp://www.regulations.gov. The final policy and received comments will be posted in the Federal Register and sent to all federally-recognized tribal governments and interested parties.
To submit comments electronically, visit http://www.regulations.gov and enter docket number “DOC-2012-0002” into the search box, locate the document you wish to comment on and click “Submit a Comment.” Comments can also be faxed to 202-482-4420, Attn: Dee Alexander, or by mail, directed to:
Dee Alexander, Senior Adviser on Native American Affairs
Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
Office of the Secretary
U.S. Department of Commerce, Room 5422
1401Constitution Ave., NWWashington, DC 20230.
The proposed policy responds to President Obama’s 2009 White House Memorandum and the 2000 Executive Order 13175 by reaffirming the unique government-to-government relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribal governments. To learn more about Commerce’s efforts to help strengthen tribal economies, visit www.commerce.gov.
