The current Trust Reform Task Force proposal provides for two (2) representatives from each BIA region. However, the consensus of Tribal Leaders in attendance at the San Diego consultation was that the region should have three (3) representatives, which has been customary on other task forces. Thus, while Tribal Leaders are requesting your support (see below) for a third representative, they have decided to proceed with the selection of three (3) regional representatives. Interim representatives for the Pacific Region were identified at the January 17, 2002 consultation in San Diego and are listed below. Your affirmation of these representatives or selection of other representatives is needed by January 31, 2002 so that your representatives may participate in the Task Force meetings in West Virginia on February 2^nd and 3^rd. Please contact the interim representative for your area to affirm their selection or identify yourself as a candidate. If new candidates are identified, the respective areas will conduct further selection processes. Although two representatives are listed below, Southern California will be selecting just one representative. In the event that the Pacific region is allowed only two representatives, the three representatives will "draw straws" to determine who will serve as the alternate.

Northern California
Susan Masten, Chairwoman
Yurok Tribe

Central California
Rachel Joseph, Chairwoman
Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Reservation

Southern California (2)
Chris Devers, Chairman
Pauma/Yuima Band of Mission Indians

Mary Belardo, Chairwoman
Torres Martinez Band of Desert Cahuilla Indians

Your voice is needed to advance the interests of individual Indians and Tribes throughout California. We have attached a sample letter for you to send to Interior Secretary Gale Norton to: 1) support the formation of the Trust Reform Task Force of Tribal Leaders with amendments; 2) request that the Pacific Region/California be represented by three Tribal Leaders from Northern, Central and Southern California, rather than just two; 3) request that technical advisors versed on the issues of small landbase and landless tribes be allowed to participate and provide input into the discussions and formulation of alternative proposals; 4) request funding for the full participation of the alternate; 5) request funding for local Tribal Leaders’ working sessions; and 6) support NCAI as the organization to staff, facilitate and support the operations of the Task Force. The sample letter provides an explanation for the requests. Please modify according to your wishes and needs and send out on your letterhead via fax as soon as possible.

Working Meeting of the Trust Reform Task Force with Secretary Gale Norton
February 2 - 3, 2002, Shepherdstown, West Virginia

According to the NCAI News bulletin dated January 23, 2002, the working meeting of the Trust Reform Task Force with Secretary Norton on February 2^nd and 3^rd, due to limited space, will be limited to the 24 Task Force members, the 12 alternates and the technical representatives from the 10 national organizations previously identified: Council of Large Land Based Tribes; InterTribal Monitoring Association on Trust Funds; Indian Land Working Group; InterTribal Timber Council; InterTribal Agriculture Consortium; Council of Energy Resource Tribes; National Tribal Environmental Council; Native American Fish and Wildlife Society; Self-Governance Advisory Committee; and Indian Landowners Association. Thus, it is very important that you send in your request letter to Secretary Norton if your interests are not sufficiently addressed by the representation listed above.