Day 1: Indian Land Consolidation Symposium in Spokane (Live Internet Broadcast)

The “Protecting & Preserving Mother Earth and Her Resources” symposium will address issues, such as the American Indian Probate Reform Act, status of the Cobell settlement, probates, appraisals, fractionation and land acquisition.

The 20^th Annual Land Consolidation Symposium is hosted by the Kalispel Tribe and sponsored by the Indian Land Working Group. The conference is taking place at the Northern Quest Resort and Casino. I plan on ding a live stream (and recording) some of the panels. Go to the Buffalo’s Fire on USTREAM for the live broadcast, the first one is scheduled for 10 a.m. Pacific. It’s a work in progress, so, thanks for being a part of it.

The goals of the Indian Land Working Group are to:

• Restore and preserve the native land base
• Promote native use and management of the land and resources
• Educate tribal communities about land restoration, use, and management options and models
• Support native land policy reform at the local and federal level

Here’s a look at Day 1:

Tuesday, October 26^th

8:00 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Opening Ceremonies: Veterans Color Guards, Honor Song by local Drum Group, Invocation by Kalispell Tribal Elder

Welcome Speech from Kalispell Tribal Councilmember or Elder

Welcome from ILWG Board of Director Chairman, Austin Nunez

Keynote Speaker: To Be Determined

General Session Begins 10:00 am

10:00 am – 10:45 am

Panel I: Protecting & Preserving Resources through Natural Resource Management Codes/Ordinances, Tribal Land Use & Environment Commissions

Panelists: Randy Friedlander, Natural Resources Director, Colville Philip Rigdon, Natural Resources Director, Yakama

10:45 am – 11:00 am Morning Break

11:00 am – 11:45 am

Panel II – Issues and Opportunities in Protecting and Advancing Indian Water Rights

Panelists: To be Determined

11:45 am – 1:00 pm Lunch on your own

1:00 pm – 1:45 pm

Panel III – Trust Matters: Update on Office of the Special Trustee

Panelists: Donna Erwin, Principal Deputy, Office of the Special Trustee Patricia Gerard, Office of the Special Trustee

1:45 pm – 2:45 pm

Panel IV – Land Ownership, Land Title Records Office, TAAMS, Fractionated Ownership

Panelists: Majel Russell, esq. (invited) Calvin Waln, Tribal Land Enterprise (invited) Greg Argel, Northwest Regional Realty Officer

2:45 pm – 3:00 pm Afternoon Break

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Panel V – Land Acquisition (FSA Farm Bill), Land Acquisition Pilot Project, Indian Land Tenure Foundation

Panelists: Chris Stainbrook, Indian Land Tenure Foundation Heidi Gordon, BIA Land Acquisition Project Wanda Meierotto, Land Acquisition Project Martin Earl, Land Acquisition Pilot Project Farm Service Agency Representative (USDA)

I’ll keep you posted.

Jodi Rave