Note: A list of others present and a copy of materials can be found at http://image.le.utah.gov/imaging/history.asp or by contacting the committee secretary, Jennifer Markham, at 538-1032.

1. Committee Business

Chair Evans called the meeting to order at 8:10 a.m.

MOTION: Rep. Young moved to approve the minutes of the September 19, 2002 meeting. The motion passed unanimously, with Rep. Gowans absent for the vote.

Mr. Cannon distributed copies of the letter sent to the State Tax Commission and Department of Public Safety regarding provision of services at Navajo Mountain; the response from Forrest Cuch on the request to schedule earlier in the legislative session the annual meeting between the Governor, the Legislature, and Utah Tribal Leaders; "2002 Annual Report to the Native American Legislative Liaison Committee," which also included the report from the Native American Remains Review Committee; "State Native American Coordinating Board membership list;" and "State Native American Coordinating Board 2002 Strategic Plan."

2. State Native American Coordinating Board

Mr. Forrest Cuch, Director, Utah Division of Indian Affairs and Chair, Board (State Native American Coordinating Board), summarized the "State Native American Coordinating Board 2002 Strategic Plan" and the "2002 Annual Report to the Native American Legislative Liaison Committee." Mr. Cuch stated that the Board meetings had been devoted to planning. He indicated that board members had expressed dissatisfaction, and attendance had declined.

Mr. John Harja, Governor's Liaison for Indian Affairs and Governor's Representative to the Board, indicated the members' uncertainty as to the Board's purpose and the Board's size contributed to the difficulties. He recommended meetings of smaller groups with a specific focus for the groups.

Ms. Rose Taveapont, Vice Chair, Ute Indian Tribe, and Chair, Utah Tribal Leaders, expressed the need to know how the Board can help the tribes. She expressed the need for representatives from the Board to attend the tribal leaders meetings and discuss services that are available.

Mr. Harold Cuthair, Vice Chair, Ute Mountain Tribe, expressed concern that tribes needed more information regarding state activities.

Ms. Judy Edwards, Indian Health Liaison, Department of Health, provided examples of state collaboration of projects for the Native American population. She discussed the need for the Board but stated that smaller groups could maximize resources.

Committee discussion followed.

MOTION: Sen. Peterson moved that the chairs form a work group to develop recommendations for the future of the State Native American Coordinating Board. The motion passed unanimously.

3. Indian Education

Mr. Steven Laing, Superintendent, Utah State Board of Education, provided an overview of the history of the Native American Education Specialist position. He stated that the current focus of the specialist has been the development of a statewide task force to study and develop recommendations for Indian education policy and a strategic plan for meeting needs of Indian children.

Ms. Shirlee Weight, Specialist, Native American Education, expressed appreciation to the Utah State Office of Education, the Utah State School Board, and the Coalition of Minority Advisory Committee for the development of the Utah American Indian/Alaska Native Education State Plan. She distributed and discussed the "Utah American Indian/Alaska Native Education State Plan."

Ms. Charlene Lui, Title 7 Coordinator, Indian Education, Granite School District, discussed the results of the following graphs: "Utah State CRT Language Arts 3rd Grade 2002," "Utah State CRT Language Arts 6th Grade 2002," "Utah State CRT Math 6th Grade 2002," "Utah State CRT Math Pre-Algebra 2002," "Utah Senior High School Geometry 2002 (Urban)," "Utah State CRT Language Arts 6th Grade 2002 (Rural)," "Proficiency Level," and "SLC District Leaving Kids Behind?"

Ms. Joyce Guenon, Title 7 Coordinator, Jordan School District, discussed the effect of the lack of education of Indian parents and grandparents on the children. She described the successes of some of the students. She emphasized the need for unity.

Mr. Howard Rainer, Advocate for Native American young people, emphasized the urgent need to assist students failing in schools. He proposed that the State fund an Indian Education Office and give authority to the office to enhance the academic success of Indian children.

Chair Evans requested that a copy of the report that will be compiled in December by the Advisory Committee to the Utah State Board of Education be sent to committee members.

Dr. Kalvin White, Ph.D., Division of Education, Navajo Nation, distributed and discussed "Assessment and Standardized Testing On the Navajo Nation."

4. Other Items / Adjourn

Chair Evans expressed appreciation to Sen. Peterson, Rep. Saunders, and Rep. Young for their work on the Committee.

MOTION: Sen. Peterson moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:02 a.m. The motion passed unanimously.