Dear USET/USET SPF Family,
The Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children (Commission) will be holding its Eastern Region hearing at the same time as the 2023 USET-BIA-IHS Partnership Meeting and USET Semi-Annual Board of Directors Meeting in Nashville, TN, June 13-15, 2023. The Commission was established by Congress in 2016 and is charged with conducting a comprehensive study of the programs, grants, and supports available for Native children, both at government agencies and on the ground in Native communities. The Commission will examine the unique challenges Native children face and make recommendations on improving the current system by building on the strengths and leadership of Native communities, with the goal of developing a sustainable system that delivers wrap-around services to Native children. Notably, USET/USET SPF Board Member, Poarch Band of Creek Indians Chairwoman Stephanie Bryan, serves as a commissioner. More information about the Commission and its work can be found here.
The Commission's Eastern Region hearing is its final prior to the submission of its report to Congress. Robust engagement at this juncture is important and we strongly encourage our membership to ensure your voice is heard during this last opportunity to appear before the body.
The Commission is planning to hear testimony on several topics over the course of its hearing and is seeking panelists from Eastern Region Tribal Nations performing vital work on the ground in service to our youth--the future of our Tribal Nations. Specifically, the Commission is interesting in hearing from those with experience and knowledge in the following areas:
- Physical, Mental, and Behavioral Health
- Education and Early Childhood Development
- Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice, and Violence
- System Innovations and Best Practices in Native Communities
There will also be a fifth panel to include the voices of Native youth and a community public comment period. A draft agenda for the event, including panel goals and descriptions can be found here.
While these hearings are normally held closer to Tribal Nations and communities, given the innovative, creative, and cutting-edge programs and services our member Tribal Nations provide to their citizens, USET SPF wanted to be sure our membership was aware of this opportunity and expects that there is a wealth of potential panelists from which Commission may learn about our region. The Commission is able to sponsor panelist travel and is willing to hear from virtual participants. If you are interested in being considered for one of the above panels (or would like to nominate someone in your Tribal community that would be a good fit) and for more information, please reach out to Ron Lessard, Federal Detailee: Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children, U.S Department of Education at: ron.lessard@ed.gov
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