Department Extends Opportunity for Public Comment on Preliminary Discussion Draft Concerning the Federal Acknowledgment Regulations

WASHINGTON – Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Kevin K. Washburn announced that the Department is extending the opportunity for public comment on a Preliminary Discussion Draft of potential changes to the Federal Acknowledgment Process by more than 30 days to September 25, 2013. This extended period is in response to written requests as well as requests received at the tribal consultation sessions and public meetings held in July and August.

The discussion draft, initially issued on June 21, 2013, is a preliminary precursor to the rulemaking process and is intended to provide tribes and the public an early opportunity to provide input on potential improvements to the Part 83 process. Once the Department begins the rulemaking process, tribes and the public will have additional opportunities to provide comment. The discussion draft is available for review at http://www.bia.gov/WhoWeAre/AS-IA/ORM/83revise/index.htm.

Comments on the discussion draft may be submitted by email to consultation@bia.gov (include “1076-AF18” in the message subject line) or by mail to: Elizabeth Appel, Office of Regulatory Affairs and Collaborative Action, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, N.W., MS-4141-MIB, Washington, D.C. 20240 (include “1076-AF18” on the cover of the submission).