A “discussion draft” of new rules intended to fix a broken system of federal recognition of American Indian tribes is the topic of a series of five tribal consultations and public hearings scheduled to conclude next month.

The proposed changes to the Department of Interior’s Part 83 process for acknowledging Indian groups as federally recognized tribes is intended to streamline a process that often takes more than 30 years, frustrating indigenous groups seeking a government-to-government relationship with the agency.

“The discussion draft is a starting point in the conversation with federally recognized tribes, petitioners and the public on how to ensure that the process is fair, efficient and transparent,” Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Kevin Washburn said.

“We are starting with an open mind and no fixed agenda, and we’re looking forward to getting input from all stakeholders before we move forward with a proposed rule that will provide additional certainty and timeliness to the process.

“In many parts of the discussion draft, we have made no fixed recommendations in order to have the benefit of that input in formulating a proposed rule.”

Tribal groups and others have until Aug. 16 to submit recommendations. Washburn said he hopes to implement changes to the system before President Obama leaves office.