DENVER FEDERAL EXECUTIVE BOARD

6760 E. Irvington Place, Denver CO 80279-8000

Phone: (303) 676-7009 FAX: (303) 676-6666

Website: http://www.denver.feb.gov

Rick gave an overview of the goals of the AICF, which include:

Raising money for scholarships to attend Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). The TCUs receive funding from AICF and award money to the students. AICF is exploring scholarships for students attending selected mainstream schools in selected majors.

Educating the public on TCUs, The current ad campaign is "Have You Ever Seen a Real Indian?" The ads give a more realistic look at American Indians today.

Funding for Building Infrastructure. Eight new TCUs are on the drawing board.

Rick called TCUs "underfunded miracles." He mentioned that while State community colleges receive $7k per student, TCUs get $3k per student. TCU students are excelling and continue on to a four year institution. He said the average age of students is 33 years, single and with kids. This does mean that many do stay and work within the community, however, more students are working outside the reservations.

A question was posed on whether or not the Executive Order on TCUs did help TCUs. Rick said that it did provide assistance for building infrastructure and provided an open dialogue with agencies. Rick said he would talk to the AIHEC director about the concern from the AIPC to ensure that the executive order is reissued.

The AICF is on the combined federal campaign and noted that all funds do go to scholarships for American Indian students. You can visit the AICF website at www.collegefund.org.

The video gave an overview of FEMA Region VIII taking a pro-active approach, in working with Tribes in South Dakota. This was due to a tornado that occurred in South Dakota. You can visit the website at www.fema.gov/Reg-VIII/tribal/tribal.htm. If you would like to view their video, email Robert.Moore@fema.gov.

< The website committee met in June and July to make revisions to the page. Please visit the site at www.aipc.osmre.gov and provide other ideas and suggestions of what you would like to see added and please forward events information, news items and links that can be posted on the website to Lori Windle at lwindle@osmre.gov.

< The AIPC decided to expand the information on TCUs as well as have an agency of the month area. If your agency is working with a Tribal College or have other initiatives, LET US KNOW. This is good information to share!

< The members present did not have a problem having their name and agency listed on the AIPC website. We are all public officials. If you DO NOT want to have your name listed on the AIPC website, please let Georgia know at Georgia.Madrid@noaa.gov. by August 24, 01. At that time, Georgia will forward the AIPC membership list to Lori.

< Richard Anzures mentioned the need to have information available for local American Indian students. He posed the question, what are we doing to help local Indian students? The AIPC discussed the need to provide transition information from High School to College. It was suggested to invite the Title IX Indian education coordinators along with some students to find out what is needed and how can the AIPC help. Research also needs to be conducted for local support groups for students, e.g. employment, scholarships, training, mentoring.

< The turnout for the training was about 125 attendees, down from the previous training. The WFDC feels that they will break even. The AIPC sponsored workshops were well attended and AIPC members gave positive feedback on the workshops they attended.

< The DFEB training covered very little in the way of "special emphasis" issues. The majority of workshops were EEO related with very few on diversity. The AIPC workshops were the only workshops specific to an ethnic group. Becky will contact the HEP & BEP to find out if there is interest in writing a combined letter to the DFEBWFDC requesting that they consider making some changes to the next diversity program.

< The Black Employment Program (BEP) approached the AIPC to see if there was any interest in conducting a joint training seminar. Becky will consult with Richard Shields to see what they had in mind.

< Should we work with the BEP or have a separate training? Is the AIPC prepared to host a training? Will AIPC members volunteer and participate? What would be the focus of the training? Who is our audience (federal, community?) Some suggestions for topics included:

-Professional development for American Indians, e.g. How can I as an American Indian get to a GS-14? (It was noted that our sessions have been more on Trust responsibility/Tribal sovereignty, which some agencies are conducting at their own agencies. EEO related type topics are also mandatory. )

-Urban Educational issues.

Becky will check with the WFDC to see if there is training money available and if we can move forward with our own training.

< Each AIPC representative is requested to submit to Georgia Madrid - Georgia.Madrid@noaa.gov a brief description of their agency mission, types of services and programs for American Indians, student employment (types of disciplines) and a contact (AIPC representative or other). The purpose of the booklet is to have it available when attending conferences & events such as the Denver March Pow-Wow. It can serve as a reference for American Indians seeking assistance with various issues.

The next meeting will be held on October 3, 2001, at the American Indian College Fund, 8333 Greenwood Blvd, Denver, CO 80221. The meeting will be from 12:00 to 3:30 p.m. and a light lunch will be served. If you have any questions, please contact Becky Redhorse at (303) 445-2095.

We would like to encourage all of you to clear your calendar and attend this meeting. Show your support to the AIPC!