The Department of the Interior is calling for nominations to fill representative positions on the Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee, a body designed to strengthen dialogue between tribal nations and the federal government, the department announced.
The committee serves as a forum for addressing issues tied to Interior’s programs, responsibilities, and proposed policies as they affect Indian Country. It was created to facilitate ongoing, substantive conversations between the department and tribes as those issues evolve.
“Engaging with the revitalized Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee is a vital opportunity to drive real change,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “Their strategic leadership will sharpen the Trump administration’s focus and deliver powerful, concrete results for tribal communities.”
To streamline the committee’s work, Interior will appoint one member from each Bureau of Indian Affairs region, alongside additional members selected for leadership and expertise tied to the administration’s priorities in Indian Country. Those priorities include:
- Advancing economic development in tribal communities
- Enhancing tribal self-sufficiency through energy development
- Strengthening public safety in tribal communities
- Improving educational outcomes for students
- Streamlining and modernizing the probate process
According to the department, the committee will focus on providing strategic guidance directly to Secretary Burgum, working alongside existing tribal engagement efforts to help ensure federal policies and initiatives reflect the perspectives and priorities of tribal communities.
Nominees seeking regional seats on the committee must be elected tribal officials. Those nominated for expert positions may either be elected tribal officials themselves or tribal employees who are authorized to act on behalf of an elected official. In both cases, the department said nominees should demonstrate relevant experience or expertise in federal-tribal relations and in policy areas central to the current administration’s agenda for Indian Country.
Additional information on the nomination process is available on the Bureau of Indian Affairs website.
