APHIS Native American Working Group (ANAWG)
History of ANAWG Continued
ANAWG Charter
Purpose:
The APHIS Native American Working Group (ANAWG) is formed to recommend, develop, and carry out policies and activities designed to increase the delivery of program services and active partnerships with American Indian tribes, committees, and organizations primarily through assistance and advice to the existing programs and in consideration of President Clinton's memorandum of April 29, 1994 (enclosed).
Policy:
It is the policy of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to improve opportunities for all rural Americans by providing effective and efficient coordination of Federal agricultural programs. Departmental agencies have the responsibility for directing resources to the American Indian segment of the rural populations (DR No. 1020-5, 1/10/92). Definition: "Native American" and "American Indian" mean a member of any American Indian tribe, band, group, or nation, including Alaska Indians, Aleuts, Eskimos, and Alaska Native villages of the United States.
Background:
The majority of the Unites States American Indian population resides in rural areas, often in isolated areas. Jurisdiction over activities on lands occupied by American Indians is generally controlled by the tribes or their committees and agencies. In order to establish consistent direction and coordination with the tribes, and thus adequately provide access to the services and expertise available through APHIS, an agencywide direction is essential. Therefore, the Administrator is directing the ANAWG to assist the agency and its management teams to carry out this charge.
Responsibilities:
The ANAWG will provide such advice, support, and other assistance to the Administrator and APHIS Management Team (AMT) as may be required to ensure effective coordination and guidance of all APHIS polices and programs regarding American Indians. The Administrator retains authority for establishing agency policy relating to coordination of activities or interest to the American Indian population.
Operations:
The representative to the USDA NAWG will serve as chairperson of the ANAWG, with the alternate representative serving as vice-chair. In addition, the representative may designate subgroups as she or he deems necessary to carry out the activities of the ANAWG. The ANAWG will consist of designated representatives of each of the APHIS programs and support groups, the representative to the USDA NAWG, the alternate representative, the APHIS Native American Program Manager, and the Native American recruitment specialist.
Meetings:
The ANAWG will meet at the call of the chairperson, but at least quarterly, in close connection with the USDA NAWG meetings. The chairperson is authorized to meet with individual members or subgroups of the ANAWG as she or he deems appropriate. At least once a year the ANAWG will arrange a "listening" meeting with interested American Indian representatives and members of the AMT.
Last Modified: September 22, 2006