Task G Findings and Recommendations
2 - Directives (continued)
G6 Finding
Recommendation Evaluate and review inclusion of tribes in handbook and manual revisions. ■ Consider potential changes in the manual and handbook system to develop standards and procedure consistent with Indian self-determination and self- governance principles to achieve increased usefulness to both BIA and tribally directed forestry programs. ■ Invite interested tribes to participate in the development of these directives to evaluate, update, and create new manuals and handbooks that developed useful standards and procedures for BIA directed forestry programs. ■ Ensure that the new directives acknowledge non-applicability to P.L. 93-638 contract and compact tribes with manuals and handbooks providing optional guidance. Recommendation Establish definitions for trust standards. ■ Evaluation of fulfilment of the trust responsibility needs to be based on tribally focused trust standards agreed to by each tribe and the Secretary of the Interior. Such standards need clear definition and a process for trust oversight. ■ There needs to be an independent third party to assess if trust responsibility is met and this is likely more relevant today for ITARA tribes. ■ Performance should be monitored regularly by another independent body.
Tribes are not being given opportunities to provide input concerning the updating of BIA handbooks and manuals. ■ Many P.L. 93-638 tribes continue to use BIA directives as the minimum standards for their program, so they still have a vested interest in the development of updates. ■ BIA manuals and handbooks were found to be outdated regarding providing direction on the development and implementation of program standards. ■ The BIA has assembled teams that have been working for several years on updating the manuals and handbooks and creating new content but are not including tribes in their development. This is a missed opportunity to keep current policies and state-of-the-art technologies and procedures. There are inconsistent requirements and guidance between BIA direct operations and P.L. 93-638 contract and compact tribes relating to trust oversight, trust standards and trust responsibility. ■ This hampers communication between trustee and beneficiary and creates misunderstandings concerning responsibilities for delivery of services and leads to confusion at all levels.
G7 Finding
Task Findings and Recommendations 147
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