U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack has directed the Forest Service to work with the USDA’s Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) to review existing laws, regulations, and policies and examine their effectiveness in ensuring a consistent level of protection for American Indian and Alaska Native sacred sites located on National Forest System lands. Secretary Vilsack asked the Forest Service to consult with Tribal leaders to determine how the Agency can do a better job addressing sacred site issues while simultaneously balancing pursuit of the Agency’s mission to deliver forest goods and services for current and future generations.
The Secretary has asked the Forest Service and USDA OTR to provide a final report and recommendations for sacred site policy changes and proposed policy language by November 2011, following the conclusion of Tribal consultation. Information on the policy review can be found athttp://www.fs.fed.us/spf/
The following Sacred Sites Listening Sessions have been scheduled on Navajo Nation.
March 14, 2011 - Navajo Nation Museum @ 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Navajo Nation Museum,
Highway 264 and Post Office Loop Road, Window Rock AZ, 86515
March 15, 2011 - Coal Mine Canyon Chapter House @ 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Coal Mine Canyon Chapter House
Directions: West 139 miles from Window Rock on Hwy 264 to BIA Indian Route 6710
From Tuba City go 15 miles east on Hwy 264 to BIA Indian Route 6710
March 16, Shiprock, NM @ 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Shiprock Chapter House
Directions: East from the junction of Hwys 491 & 64 in the town of Shiprock, 500' east from the junction on your way towards Farmington. The Chapter House is on the north side of the Hwy.
Noon Meal will be pot-luck style.
In partnership with Dine Hataalii Association.
Not able to attend? You can still get your comments in.