About 1,500 representatives of Alaska’s 229 federally recognized Native tribes are attending the Bureau of Indian Affairs Providers Conference in Anchorage.
Among the many federal, state and private programs being discussed are BIA programs in social services, economic development, law enforcement, tribal courts, housing, roads, and bridges. Â There are loans, grants, training, technical assistance, purchasing, banking, housing, and transportation. Â Eugene Virden, the BIA regional director for Alaska, calls the conference a forum for communications and learning.
Tuesday, tribal leaders met to discuss the Department of Interior tribal consultation process, and go over the fiscal year 2012 BIA budget. The BIA Providers Conference continues through Friday at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage.
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Joaqlin Estus is a reporter at KNBA in Anchorage.
