Cultural Resources Management Plan Available for Public Review
What are cultural resources?
Cultural resources are any natural or humanly created part of the environment that has cultural value. They include sacred sites, traditional plant gathering locations, ancient village and camp sites, Indian rock painting sites, old cabins, and other locations that the Colville Confederated Tribes (CCT) hold to be important.
What is a Cultural Resources Management Plan (CRMP)?
A CRMP guides an organization in making decisions about how to manage cultural resources, especially those sites that might be damaged as a part of another project. It also helps establish priorities for protection and possible restoration of cultural resources.
Who prepared the CRMP?
The Colville Confederated Tribes’ (CCT) History/Archaeology Program prepared this Cultural Resources Management Plan (CRMP) with tribal funding.
What areas does it cover?
The CRMP covers the Colville Reservation and associated parcels of trust land (allotments) in the North Half, the Moses Columbia Reserve, and other pieces of trust land associated with the CCT in Eastern Washington.
Why did the History/Archaeology Program write the CRMP?
The History/Archaeology Program prepared this CRMP at the direction of the Colville Business Council. The CRMP is intended to assist the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the CCT Natural Resources Department in complying with the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Integrated Resources Management Plan, which was approved by the Business Council under Resolution 2001-248. The ROD calls for the inclusion of a CRMP as Appendix D.
The CRMP also acts as a historic preservation plan for the Colville Reservation. In 1996, the Business Council entered into an agreement with the National Park Service to establish the Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) under Resolution 1996-29. The THPO takes over all of the duties on the Colville Reservation that were handled by the state historic preservation officer, increasing the CCT’s control over its own cultural resources. This agreement called for the CCT to prepare a historic preservation plan.
What does the CRMP contain?
The CRMP contains just over 100 pages divided into six chapters:
Introduction – covers the purpose of the CRMP and the laws and regulations regarding cultural resources
Environmental and Cultural Setting – an overview of the history of the natural environment and the people who lived here
Priority Resources and Projects – a review of the types of cultural resources on the Colville Reservation and the types of projects that might damage them
Cultural Resources Compliance in the Project Proposal Process – a protocol for integrating cultural resources into the Project Proposal Process (3P Process)
Standards and Guidelines for Identification and Evaluation – establishes basic procedures for identifying cultural resources and determining their significance
Discussion of Comments Received and Recommendations – future steps to be taken in management of cultural resources.
Where can I get copies of the CRMP to review?
The CRMP is available for public review at the following locations:
Nespelem, Keller, and Inchelium Resource Centers
History/Archaeology Program Office at the Agency Campus in Nespelem
CCT website – http://www.colvilletribes.com/
If I have comments, who should I submit them to?
We would greatly appreciate any and all comments. Please send written comments to the following address:
Camille Pleasants, Program Manager
History/Archaeology Program
Colville Confederated Tribes
P.O. Box 150
Nespelem, WA 99155
If you would like to send in your comments via e-mail, please send them to - camille.pleasants@colvilletribes.com
You can also fax comments to (509) 634-2694.
The History/Archaeology Program will be scheduling public meetings in the upcoming month to gather verbal comments about the CRMP.
TANF Youth Update
By Brian Nissen
Greetings from the Colville Tribal TANF Program. As you may have noticed our Summer Youth Employment Program is operating in full force. The Tribal TANF program has now successfully placed two-hundred and seventy Colville Tribal members and descendants ages 14-18 throughout various employment opportunities on the reservation. There has been a huge investment of time and commitment to make this a success. We would like to extend a special thanks to all the programs and businesses that are investing in our future and helping instill the positive work ethics that our young natives need. I know there have been challenges and speed bumps along the way but we have been able to overcome them and keep moving forward. Again, we would like to thank everyone who has contributed. You have done a great service for our tribe, keep up the good work.
On Wednesday, June 29, 2005 the Colville Tribal TANF program along with the Colville Tribal Youth Coordinators teamed up with G&G advertising and the VERB program to bring over 200 Native Youth ages 9-13 to the Spokane Indians Baseball game. “Grand Slam Day” took place at the Spokane Indians Avista Stadium. The kids got to enjoy a baseball youth clinic with some of the Indian’s players learning the basics of hitting, fielding, base running, and pitching. The Youth Clinic was followed by a personal autograph session where the kids received free t-shirts and Indian’s Bucks for snacks and refreshments during the game. The Youth Coordinators of each district were able to get over 50 kids and 10 chaperones from Keller, Omak, Inchelium, and Nespelem. We would like to thank Pascal Sherman Indian School and the Inchelium School District for providing the transportation services. I would also like to thank the parents of the children in Nespelem and Omak for having patience with us as some of you had to wait until wee hours of the morning to pick up your children. In addition, a special thanks goes out to Marlene Picard who stepped up to the task when we were having bus problems and got us back on the road, thanks Marlene. We also want to thank all the chaperones for their commitment and dedication. We would like this to be one of many trips of its kind for our Tribal Youth.
The TANF program is now focusing more attention toward youth activities as a prevention method. We are excited about some of the visions we have aimed at improving the consistency of youth programs throughout the reservation. It has been echoed in each community that we need to have more activities and programs for our kids to take part in. Some of the ideas that have been expressed are:
Pride Rides
Family Fun Nights
Sports tournaments
Sports Leagues (across all districts, variety of sports)
A Consistent Culture Restoration Program which will include: teepee set up, sweats and sweat lodge construction, bow making, regalia, drum making, canoe racing, hunting tips, stickgames, meat drying, plant identification, gun/archery safety, chainsaw safety, fire safety, etc…
Hip/Hop dance, rap and talent show
Tribal Youth Council
Language Restoration
Native American Idol
4-H programs
Radio Station as youth project
Boys and Girls Club
These are just a few examples of ideas that we have been considering. It is exciting to think about the possibilities that we have for our youth. There is one key ingredient missing still. In order to achieve the consistency that we would like, we need the support of each community. I am calling out to you as tribal members to take part in this movement and invest your time and skills in helping us to create a sustainable youth program throughout our reservation. Our youth are our future and we all need to start investing into that future any way that we can.
If you would like to be a part of this or know someone who would please contact me at:
509-634-2682
1-800-202-0471 X2682
brian.nissen@colvilletribes.comI thank you in advance for your consideration.
Brian Nissen S.W./Youth Activities
Colville Tribal TANF
Colville Tribes’ “Small Business Resource Center” Graduates Five, Gives Away Houseboat Stay and Television
Summer 2005; In June the Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) graduated five motivated individuals from the eleven week ONABEN small business course. The course this year utilized a new curriculum specifically designed for small business training in Indian Country. The curriculum entitled “Indianpreneurship, A Native American Journey Into Business” is a twelve session course designed by ONABEN with input from ONABEN network partners like the Colville Tribes’ SBRC.
Graduates were Monica Joseph, Nichelle Barnaby, Pat Morin, Mary Blue Eyes and Roberta Tonasket. Attendees were required to do extensive market research, set financial projections, and learn local tax and regulatory issues all in their efforts to create a business plan.
The SBRC would like to invite anyone that is interested in the fall classes to contact Ted Piccolo today at 509.634.2624. Fall classes scheduled to begin September 21st.
Thus far in calendar year 2005 the SBRC has been successful in aiding four individuals to attain financing through Colville Tribal Credit. These businesses will have an estimated financial impact of $248,000 annually.
SBRC Survey Giveaway
The SBRC received a grant to conduct a market research study of financial services available to tribal members. This study consisted of collecting information in the form of one on one interviews and written surveys. The interviews and the written survey portion were wrapped up in the first week of July.
The SBRC offered prizes in the form of a random drawing of all those that filled out the survey questionnaire. Winners of the drawing were: Debi Condon (RRE Houseboat stay), Toria Jackson (Plasma TV), Sis Palmer (Blanket), and Ken James (Blanket).
The SBRC would like to thank all who took a few minutes to fill out the survey and to congratulate the winners. “We would also like to thank Roosevelt Recreation Enterprises and Colville Tribal Casinos for their generous support of this effort,” said SBRC manager Ted Piccolo. “This information will be very valuable not just for this project but for any other tribal grant submission in the near future.”
The analysis of the information should be available in the first part of September.
CONFERENCE WILL HIGHLIGHT THE FORMATION OF THE WASHINGTON STATE NATIVE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
VERIFICATION OF INDIAN PREFERENCE FOR EMPLOYMENT IN BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS AND INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE ONLY, BIA Form - 4432 Certification of Indian Blood (CIB’s)
We received information that the above form has been updated, and the new forms are to be utilized for verification of Indian Preference. Colville Agency staff will not fill out these forms for members of the Colville Tribe, since our tribe maintains the official tribal roll.
This change in guidelines also includes verification of tribal membership for requesting eagle feathers and decendency letters for the non-enrolled decedents of tribal members.
For verification of membership in the Colville Tribe; or if you have any questions, please call (1)888-881-7684 and ask for Enrollment at extension 2836.
William E. Nicholson Superintendent
Important Information Regarding the Lockbox Project
What is the Indian Trust Funds Lockbox Project?
The Department of the Interior (DOI) is committed to enhancing Indian beneficiary services. A primary objective is to provide a secure, expedited process for the receipt and distribution of payments related to the management of Indian trust assets. One way to ensure we meet the objective is to implement a lockbox.
A lockbox is a centralized and secure location for the receipt, processing and depositing of payments for the use of Indian trust lands. Payments are sent to a designated United States Post Office box, instead of the various agencies and offices, and delivered to the lockbox facility. The Indian Trust Funds Lockbox facility is located in Prescott, Arizona. Notifications of the change of address for payments, as well as information concerning our transition plan to discontinue acceptance of trust related payments at all Bureau of Indian Affairs’ (BIA) offices is being distributed to staff as well as payors.
Why is the Lockbox Project necessary?
A lockbox improves DOI’s cash management associated with the administration of Indian trust assets. It provides for the separation of duties between payment collection and land management. It will eventually automate billing and allow faster distribution of income to beneficiary accounts.
What will change?
The primary change is that the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians (OST) and BIA offices will no longer accept payments at the local office from the lease/contract/permit holders. Payments will be sent to the lockbox and images of the checks, envelopes and any other information provided with the payment will be available to offices where they will follow their current procedures.
Signs are being posted at each office advising of the change in payment address. If the payor attempts to make a payment at the office, personnel will have a supply of pre-addressed envelopes to provide the payor for mailing their payment to the lockbox.
When will these changes take effect?
Agencies’ implementation will be staggered and are planned to be completed by September 30, 2005.
Need more information?
Lessees requiring additional information should contact the Trust Beneficiary Call Center at 1-888-678-6836, ext. 0 for more information regarding the Indian Trust Funds Lockbox Project.
TrustServ
U.S. Department of the Interior
The Mt. Tolman Fire Center
Keller, WA, June 29—The Mt. Tolman Fire Center would like to remind you that during the summer season it is important to remember campfire safety rules.
Campfire Safety Message
Unattended campfires are one of the leading causes of wildland fires. Our early spring has given us taller grasses than normal. This tall grass is extra fuel and fire will spread quickly. We want the public to be aware of these conditions when building a campfire.
Campfires are currently allowed on the Colville Reservation with a permit. For more information on Campfire permits please call 509-634-3100.
The following are campfire safety tips to help you enjoy your activities and protect our natural resources.
1. Keep campfires small
2. Build your campfire ring in an area free of debris
3. Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, dry grass, logs and rotten stumps
4. Never take burning material outside the fire ring
5. Never leave a camp or warming fire unattended
6. Have a bucket of water and shovel handy
7. Drown and Stir the fire with water until dead out
Remember just because there is no smoke, that does not mean the fire is out.
CENTURYTEL AND QUEST OFFERS LIFELINE & LINK-UP! TWO TRIBAL LOW-INCOME ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR PHONE SERVICES!
CUSTOMERS WITHIN CENTURYTEL AND QWEST SERVICE AREAS MAY QUALIFY FOR LOW-INCOME TELEPHONE SERVICES THROUGH THE TRIBAL LIFE-LINE AND LINK-UP PROGRAMS.
