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Native American Legislative Liaison Committee

MINUTES OF THE

NATIVE AMERICAN LEGISLATIVE LIAISON COMMITTEE

Thursday, August 20, 1998 - 1:00 p.m. - Room 405 State Capitol


Members Present:
    Sen. Alarik Myrin, Cochair
    Rep. M. Keele Johnson, Cochair
    Sen. R. Mont Evans
    Sen. Millie M. Peterson
    Sen. Pete Suazo
    Rep. Eli H. Anderson
    Rep. Judy Ann Buffmire
    Rep. Beverly A. Evans
    

Members Excused:
    Rep. James R. Gowans
    Rep. Jordan Tanner
    Rep. John L. Valentine

Staff Present:
    Mr. John Q. Cannon,
         Research Analyst
    Ms. Patricia Owen,
         Associate General Counsel
    Ms. Vanessa Thompson,
         Legislative Secretary

Note:    A list of others present and a copy of materials distributed in the meeting are on file in the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel.

1.    Call to Order - Chair Myrin called the meeting to order at 1:15 p.m.

2.    Committee Business -

    MOTION: Sen. Millie Peterson moved to approve the minutes of the November 20, 1997 and June 26, 1998 meetings. The motion passed unanimously, with Sen. Evans absent for the vote.
    
    Ms. Judy Edwards, Utah Department of Health, invited committee members to the Fifth Annual Western Summit on Indian Health Care.

3.    Status Report on the Circle of Wellness - Sen. Pete Suazo and Mr. Forrest Cuch, Director of the Division of Indian Affairs, discussed the status of the Circle of Wellness project. Mr. Cuch addressed Phase I of the project in terms of funding, space, the cultural center, and social service facilities.
                            
    Sen. Suazo explained that the project is in evolution and requires a phased approach. He noted that West Valley City has asked for the initial focus to be on the economic aspect, and to gradually phase-in the social service element.

    Mr. Bob Buchanan, West Valley City, identified the location of the project.

    Mr. Cuch discussed the handout titled "Economic Development Initiative Grant Request Summary."
    Committee Discussion followed.

4.    Native American Remains - Ms. Patricia Owen, Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel, briefed the committee on the Native American Remains issue, including a discussion of applicable statutes and recent court decisions.

    Mr. Steven Rosen, Chair, Native American Remains Review Committee, reported to the committee. He raised the possibility of clarifying definitions and strengthening penalties under the Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act.
    
    Mr. Forrest Cuch reviewed proposals from a handout titled, "Native American Legislative Liaison Committee Progress Report" regarding Native American remains.

    Mr. Thom Roberts, Attorney General's Office, gave background information on the Redd Case. He also briefed the committee on the statute in connection with the case.

    Committee discussion followed.

     MOTION: Chair Johnson moved that legislative staff meet with other interested parties to address this issue and to develop and define policy issues for discussion at the next meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

5.    Division of Indian Affairs Review - Mr. John Cannon, Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel, referred to a handout titled "Indian Affairs Agencies in Surrounding States," and another handout covering the review of the Division of Indian Affairs which was mailed prior to the meeting.
    
    Mr. Cuch updated the committee on recent developments to the division, including an updated filing system. Mr. Cuch is being urged to work closely with the Office of Ethnic Affairs by the Department of Community and Economic Development.
    
    Mr. Cuch stated that tribes want to ensure a relationship with the state and federal government. He referred to the Native American Legislative Liaison Committee "Progress Report" handout. He indicated that there is a question of whether the division should be under DCED or moved back to the Capitol in order to strengthen ties with the governor.

    Mr. Cuch remarked that the Navajo Nation has requested a letter of support from the committee for the Four-Corners Empowerment Zone.
    
    MOTION- Rep. Beverly Ann Evans moved that the committee write a letter of support

for this project.

    Chair Myrin requested that this issue be placed on the next agenda. After committee discussion, Rep. Evans withdrew the motion.

    MOTION: Rep. Evans moved to schedule a meeting in September to allow both the Navajo Nation and Ute Tribe an opportunity to gain support for their empowerment zone applications. The motion passed unanimously.
        
    Sen. Myrin addressed change in direction of the division. He also requested a review of the statues and issues at a future meeting.

    Adjourn -

    MOTION: Sen. Peterson moved to adjourn the meeting at 3:15 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.

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