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Native American Legislative Liaison Committee

MINUTES OF THE

NATIVE AMERICAN LEGISLATIVE LIAISON COMMITTEE

Wednesday, September 23, 1998 - 1:00 p.m. - Room 414 State Capitol


Members Present:
    Sen. Alarik Myrin, Cochair
    Rep. M. Keele Johnson, Cochair
    Sen. R. Mont Evans
    Sen. Millie M. Peterson
    Rep. Eli H. Anderson
    Rep. Judy Ann Buffmire
    Rep. James R. Gowans
    Rep. John L. Valentine



Members Excused:
    Rep. Beverly A. Evans
    Sen. Pete Suazo
    Rep. Jordan Tanner

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 Johnson called the meeting to order at 1:15 p.m.

2.    Committee Business -

    MOTION: Rep. Eli Anderson moved to approve the minutes of the August 20, 1998 meeting. The motion passed unanimously, with Rep. Valentine and Sen. Evans absent for the vote.

3.    Empowerment Zones Initiatives - Mr. Cannon briefed the committee concerning the Empowerment Zone initiatives. He referred to documents titled "Empowerment Zones_Native American Legislative Liaison Committee, September 1998," and the "Four Corners Empowerment Zone Project Description." Mr. Cannon also distributed and discussed draft letters of support from the committee for both the Ute Tribe in Uintah County, and the Navajo Nation.

     MOTION: Sen. Mont Evans moved that the committee approve the two letters of support as drafted. The motion passed unanimously with Rep. Valentine absent for the vote.

    Sen. Myrin suggested representatives of both tribes address the committee. Mr. Max Adams, Director, Economic Development, Ute Indian Tribe, addressed a handout titled "About the Initiative, Fact Sheet Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Communities," and a document called "Socioeconomic Profile." He discussed the benefits of Empowerment Zone funding.

    Mr. Clarence Rockwell, Director, Navajo Utah Commission addressed the committee

concerning the Navajo Nation application for Empowerment Zone status.

    Mr. Larry Rodgers, Acting Chairman, Division of Economic Development, Navajo Nation, passed out a handout titled "Proposed Four Corners Empowerment Zone_General Summary." He addressed the committee on behalf of the Navajo Nation in the Four Corners Area.

    Chairs Johnson and Myrin gave signed letters of support to representatives of both the Ute Tribe and the Navajo Nation.
    
4.    Division Of Indian Affairs Review - Mr. Cannon briefed the committee on the progress of possible legislation regarding the Division of Indian Affairs. He explained draft legislation titled "Division of Indian Affairs Amendments."

    Mr. Forrest Cuch, Director, Division of Indian Affairs, requested more time for the tribes to review the proposed recommendations.

     Mr. Roland McCook, Vicechair, Utah Cooperative Council, wanted to meet with other tribes to discuss the proposed changes.

    Mr. Kirby Arrive, Ute Indian Tribe, requested that per diem still be an option for tribal representatives.

5.     Native American Remains - Ms. Owen briefed the Committee on the Native American Remains issue. She provided a handout titled "Protection of Indian Remains_ Policy Options," and reviewed the policy options with the committee.
        
    Mr. Kevin Jones, State Archeologist, Division of State History addressed the Committee.
    
    Mr. Cuch discussed feedback on this issue from the Native American Remains Review Committee. He noted that he would seek input from tribal leaders on this issue.

    Committee discussion followed.
    
     MOTION: Sen Millie Peterson moved that the committee direct staff to distribute the ideas and options for input by groups that might be affected by possible changes. The motion passed unanimously, with Sen. Evans absent for the vote.

6.    Adjourn-
             The meeting adjourned at 2:31 p.m.

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