August 26: 5 Things You Need to Know This Week

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Photo of the Week: NAFOA Board President Rodney Butler and Secretary Melanie Benjamin attended the Democratic National Convention Native Caucus, where discussions included Rep. Gwen Moore’s Tribal Tax & Investment Reform Act.

1. POLICY:
WEBINAR FOR TRIBES ON MENTAL HEALTH PARITY AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT, THURSDAY, AUGUST 29TH AT 2PM ET

On Thursday, August 29th, from 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET, NAFOA will host a webinar with the Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA).

This presentation will provide an overview of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA) for those who oversee the administration of employer-sponsored group health plans. Speakers from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration will discuss parity requirements between mental health/substance use disorder (MH/SUD) benefits and medical/surgical benefits provide by employer-sponsored plans. Topics will include Non-Quantitative Treatment Limitations (NQTLs) and Quantitative Treatment Limitations (QTLs) to be aware of when ensuring plan compliance.


2. TRIBAL CONSULTATION: NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING FOR ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COUNTERING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM PROGRAM

Friday, September 13, 2024, 1:00-3:00 p.m. ET

The U.S. Department of the Treasury will host a Tribal consultation on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) entitled “Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Program”. Pursuant to the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, the NPRM proposes revisions to strengthen and modernize the anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) programs maintained by financial institutions—including casinos and other entities that may be owned by Tribes or Native entities.

For more information and proposed questions, please see the attached Dear Tribal Leader Letter or visit the Tribal Consultation page on Treasury’s website. Treasury is accepting written comments received by October 18, 2024, 11:59 p.m. Alaska Time. Please submit written comments at tribal.consult@treasury.gov.


3. GRANT OPPORTUNITY: TRIBAL TOURISM GRANT PROGRAM, DEADLINE OCTOBER 25

The Indian Affairs Office of Indian Economic Development announced the availability of $1.4 million for the Tribal Tourism Grant Program.

“Revitalizing Tribal economies and promoting Tribal self-determination are key to our aiding Tribes in their efforts to improve the quality of life in their communities,’ said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland. “Our Tribal Tourism Grant Program supports Tribal economic self-determination by helping Tribes build their capacity to develop and grow their tourism industry as part of an overall economic development strategy.”

Indian Affairs expects to select 10 to 15 projects which will receive between $75,000 to $150,000 each over two years. The grants are intended to support building Tribal capacity to plan, develop and manage tourism and related infrastructure in support of economic development to elevate the living standards of the community.

The grants are authorized under the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act, or NATIVE Act.

Proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on October 25, 2024. Details on how to apply can be found at https://www.bia.gov/service/grants/ttgp. Questions about this solicitation may be addressed to Mr. Dennis Wilson, OIED-DED Grant Management Specialist, at 505-917-3235and by e-mail at DEDGrants@bia.gov.

Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Indian Affairs


4. MEMBER TRIBE NEWS: STUDY SHOWS IDAHO’S NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES HAVE NEARLY $1.5B ECONOMIC IMPACT

The five Native American tribes in Idaho have a combined economic impact of $1.45 billion, according to a study by a University of Idaho economist.

The tribes contribute heavily to the economy, agriculture, tourism, recreation and hospitality industries and support more than 12,500 jobs across the state, said Steven Peterson, a University of Idaho research economist who served as the study’s principal investigator.

“Their footprint is large enough that if you waved a wand and their activities disappeared, the state of Idaho would likely be thrown into a recession,” Peterson said. “Their economic impact is that big and substantial.”

The five Native American tribes in Idaho include:

Shoshone-Paiute Tribes, 2,203 members. 

Coeur d’Alene Tribe, 2,599 members.*

Nez Perce Tribe, 3,526 members.*

Kootenai Tribe, 168 members.

Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of Fort Hall, 6,075 members.*

*NAFOA Member Tribes

Source: Idaho Capital Sun


5. JOBS:
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, PRAIRIE BAND, LLC.

The Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) is responsible for administration and financial duties for the organization, including developing strategic plans based on the organization’s goals that will promote growth and customer satisfaction, through collaboration with the senior leadership team. In addition to administrative and financial duties, the CFO shall also have oversite of the human resource (HR) staff, systems and activities within the organization.


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