NOTICE!
Alliance of Small Landbase and Landless Tribes PROPOSAL
February 1, 2002

Purpose

To form an alliance of sovereign Indian nations with small landbases or no land in trust in order to quickly mobilize efforts to protect and promote interests unique to the Alliance but shared among its members and to have a stronger collective voice and representation among other intertribal organizations in order to provide thorough and accurate information to better inform decision-making processes.

Background

Tribal leaders assembled at pre-consultation meetings in San Diego before the January 17, 2002 Department of the Interior Tribal Consultation on Trust Management Reform reached a consensus to support the proposal from the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) to create a Trust Reform Task Force of Tribal Leaders with a few modifications. One recommendation was to add representation of small landbase and landless tribes to the list of organizations allowed to directly participate in the trust reform discussions through the input of technical advisors so that the interests and issues unique to small landbase and landless tribes are properly addressed.

This idea has been raised many times throughout the years by tribal leaders wishing to strengthen and perpetuate traditional alliances and to engage in new ones for the mutual benefit of all. Current developments have impressed upon tribal leaders the need to move forward with this organizing effort.

Formation

During subsequent discussions, a few tribal leaders suggested approaching the Inter-Tribal Council of California (ITCC) about being the vehicle through which the Pacific Region/California Tribes may mobilize this effort and begin outreach efforts to other regions/states with tribes who share similar interests. Juana Majel, NCAI Vice-President for the Pacific Region/California will assist with outreach and coordination efforts with the NCAI Vice-Presidents for the Albuquerque, Juneau and Portland areas. California Indian Legal Services (CILS) has agreed to serve as a consultant to ITCC and the Alliance to conduct research, prepare reports, position papers, briefings, letters and other documents, and provide technical support in the formation and initial operations and functions of the Alliance. The Alliance is expected to develop into a separate and independent organization with its own board of directors and staff.

Membership

The Alliance is open to tribes from throughout Indian Country who self-identify as small landbase or landless tribes.  As outreach efforts continue and information about the Alliance is distributed it is expected that many tribes will join. However, like other intertribal organizations, the Alliance will not encompass all possible tribes that could join, and the Alliance will not purport to be the only representative voice for the issues, concerns and interests of its member tribes and similarly situated tribes.

Organization and Leadership

In order to quickly move the Alliance forward, it will be governed by an Initial Governing Board composed of representatives from the BIA regions reflected among the initial membership.  The Initial Governing Board will serve until the founding member tribes of the Alliance adopt by-laws or articles of associations and elect a governing body.  In any event, the Initial Governing Board shall serve for no more than one year from the Alliance's first meeting, unless otherwise authorized by a majority vote of the founding member tribes.

Contacts

If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact any of the following:

Documents

Alert (PDF - opens new window)

Membership Form (PDF - opens new window)

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