The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) will host three Tribal consultation sessions on the development of the Indian Trust Asset Management Demonstration Project authorized by the Indian Trust Asset Management Reform Act (ITARA), Public Law 114-178.

The ITARA became law on June 22, 2016. Title II of ITARA authorizes the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to establish and carry out an Indian trust asset management demonstration project (demonstration project or project). The demonstration project will allow participating Tribes to enter into, approve, and carry out surface leasing transaction or forest land management activity without approval of the Secretary if certain conditions are met.

Once the demonstration project is established, eligible Tribes may request to participate by submitting to the Secretary a complete application package. Applications must include a copy of a resolution or other appropriate action by the governing body of the Indian Tribe in support of or authorizing the application and state that the Indian Tribe is requesting to participate in the demonstration project. The Secretary will provide a written notice to each Tribe approved to participate in the project.