IFMAT-IV Report

Task G Findings and Recommendations

3 - Procedures

G8 Finding

Recommendation Create specific procedures for BIA direct services program reviews. ■ Specific program review procedures should be reinstated in manual and handbook content for BIA direct service programs. ■ Line officers (Chief, Regional Directors, etc.) need to direct staff to perform the requested review tailored to the tribal wishes and needs. ■ Allow direct service tribes to identify the timeline at which they would like for a review of BIA accomplishments and performance. ■ As recommended by previous IFMATs, an independent commission should be established to provide trust evaluations Recommendation Resolve the disparity between direct services and self-governance tribes when it comes to all trust evaluations. ■ Trust evaluations should be conducted on the management of trust resources by self- governance compact tribes. ■ Ensure the proper policies and procedures for conducting trust evaluations for ITARA tribes are set forth in each ITAMP.

There is a lack of BIA policies and procedures for direct services program reviews. ■ Some tribes have requested and are interested in a program review of the BIA performance of forestry program functions on the reservation. ■ Currently the BIA has no program review policy or procedure to evaluate delivery of their direct services.

G9 Finding

There are current regulations and procedures to conduct trust evaluations of the financial aspects of forestry programs carried out by tribes under self- governance compacts through the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration (BTFA). However, there are not procedures in place to conduct the review of the management of the trust resource. ■ Self-governance compact tribes undergo trust evaluations that review tribal and BIA accounting performance to ensure the trust responsibility is being fulfilled. There is no trust evaluation of BIA for direct service tribes.

148 Assessment of Indian Forests and Forest Management in the United States

Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator