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THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2002

The Department of Interior has extended for another 30 days the comment period on the reorganization of Indian trust.

In a Federal Register notice published today, Deputy Secretary J. Steven Griles says more time is needed in order to "facilitate the maximum direct participation of all interested parties in this important departmental process." He is extending the comment period to April 30 "[b]ecause of the overwhelming public response to this effort."

The extension marks the fourth time a deadline has been set. Initially, the department wanted comments in by January 15.

That date was quickly modified in response to overwhelming opposition from Indian Country. Leaders in both houses of Congress also directed the department to engage in adequate consultation before moving to reorganize the tribal and individual trusts.

Eight meetings have been held to address the Bureau of Indian Trust Assets Management (BITAM) proposal, which has been rejected by tribes. Secretary Gale Norton has since backed off the plan and says she wants to work with a tribal task force to develop a plan.

Comments should be sent to:
Office of the Assistant Secretary -- Indian Affairs
1849 C Street NW
MS 4040 MIB
Washington, DC 20240.

Get the Notice:
TEXT | PDF

Today on Indianz.Com:
Tribes seek funding commitment from Norton (3/7)

Relevant Links:
Indian Trust, Department of Interior - http://www.doi.gov/indiantrust
Indian Trust: Cobell v. Norton - http://www.indiantrust.com
Trust Reform, NCAI - http://130.94.214.68/main/pages/
issues/other_issues/trust_reform.asp

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