AIPC Quarterly Meeting Minutes
January 2004
The American Indian Program Council Quarterly Meeting was held Tuesday, January 14, 2004 in building 54 at the Federal Center. Sheryl Hobbs of the BLM hosted the meeting. Minutes were approved for the October 2003 meeting.
Marilyn Youngbird (Hi Re Ya Ke Tribe) was the guest speaker and highlighted the tremendous importance of diabetes awareness. Ms. Youngbird provided background information including such statistics as 22% of American Indian children ages 0 - 8 have elevated blood sugar and within three (3) Nations with a population of less than 10,000, 60% are diabetic. Additionally, within Ms. Youngbird’s tribe, 8 members died in December 2003 due to complications of diabetes. Due to the widespread ravages of the disease, Ms. Youngbird has spearheaded a Diabetes Awareness Project to increase funding to wipe out diabetes at the local level of her tribe. Specifically, Ms Youngbird will be commemorating the bicentennial of the Lewis, Clark and Sacagawea explorations by selling Pendleton Blankets with beautiful American Indian images for a $500.00 donation. Monies derived from this effort will be used to purchase hydroponic equipment for the reservation to use in cultivating fresh produce and to procure high technology acupuncture equipment to stimulate blood circulation in diabetic patients. Ms Youngbird requested assistance in sharing her efforts with parties interested in purchasing the Pendleton blankets. USDA will provide Fresh Produce Program background to Ms Youngbird in an effort to assist her project.
The Denver March Pow Wow planning committee formally accepted the AIPC as a recruitment booth. Agencies are to provide resource information highlighting their contributions to the American Indian communities for display in an Agency Book which will be used for spectators to view while visiting the AIPC booth. The information is to be provided in a color flyer or brochure and should be submitted via e-mail in a timely manner. AIPC is seeking reimbursement for Pow Wow costs will issue a formal request in the form of a letter to participating agencies. Range of reimbursement from each agency will be approximately $200 - $500. A Pow Wow committee will be assigned to sort details of booth set up, take down and staffing. POW WOW subcommittee members are Helen Littlejohn, Jane Wilson, Lori Windle and Carmen Clairmont.
An effort to increase Native American voters was announced. Native Voice 2004 is an extensive national non-partisan effort to increase American Indian and Alaskan Natives interest in the democratic processes and optimizing power at the polls. More information can be found at: http://www.ncai.org/nativevote/index.asp
AIPC may partner with the Colorado Indian Education Association to provide bumper stickers and buttons for distribution at March Pow Wow. They say “I am Indian, and I vote.” Lori Windle will coordinate with Darius Smith on this.
Science Bowl volunteers are still needed for the February event. DOE and WAPA are the principal sponsors which highlights the efforts of 40 Native American teams of national hydrogen cell competition. DOE provided information regarding Title 9 Indian Education Grants which may support these efforts.
Please send well wishes to Richard Anzures at 303-231-3348 Richard is interested in employment opportunities, as he is being phased out by the de-commissioning at Rocky Flats.
Mr. Lujan announced information regarding Colorado School of Mines internship and EPA student jobs.
Job information included: WAPA is networking with tribal colleges to fill high voltage linemen apprenticeship programs which are available; this is an exceptional training program. WAPA is one of the few income generating businesses it covers 15 western states.
BOP contract specialist was distributed to tribal colleges, universities and trade schools as well as tribal law enforcement agencies.
The Resource Library is seeking donations of books, videos, cultural training materials and any other resources relating to Indians. Materials will be checked out to agencies using the check-out form provided by Georgia Madrid. NOAA EEO will be the physical location of the Resource Library.
SAIGE membership forms are available from Lori Windle at OSMRE. The organization is a national non-profit and promotes the recruitment, hiring and retention of American Indians and Alaska Native in the government workforce, as well as advocates for equal treatment. The SAIGE first annual conference is being planned for Ft. Lauderdale in October. Contact her at lwindle@osmre.gov
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 13 from 1-3 pm, at the BLM Building at the Federal Center. A future meeting will be scheduled at the Federal Prison Training Center.