GM 16-052

Tribal Consultation and Listening Sessions Scheduled for the Indian Trust Asset Reform Act

On August 3, 2016, the Department of the Interior published a notice in the FEDERAL REGISTER clarifying the dates on which tribal consultation and listening sessions will be held on the recently enacted Indian Trust Asset Reform Act (Act), PL 114-178. The Act reaffirms the responsibility of the United States to Indian tribes; authorizes a demonstration project for tribes to voluntarily negotiate with the Secretary of the Interior to manage their own trust assets; creates the option for the Secretary to establish an Under Secretary for Indian Affairs; and sets up a process to terminate the Office of the Special Trustee. For a short summary, see our General Memorandum 16-040 of June 27, 2016. The consultations and listening sessions will be held in locations across the country and via teleconference from August 17, 2016 to September 19, 2016. Dates and locations are listed in the attached notice. Written comments will also be accepted and are due by September 30, 2016.

Please let us know if we may provide additional information regarding the Indian Trust Asset Reform Act or assistance preparing comments.