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Native American News

APHIS recognizes the rights of sovereign tribal nations and the importance of strong partnerships with Native American communities across the country. We are committed to respecting tribal heritage and cultural values when planning and initiating programs as described by Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments. We believe it is critical for sovereign tribal nations to participate in the development of APHIS policies and programs that affect them.

In addition, APHIS offers a broad range of assistance to Native American producers and tribes in managing their agricultural and natural resources through our Veterinary Services, Animal Care, Wildlife Services, Biotechnology Regulatory Services, and Plant Protection and Quarantine programs. Working in consultation with APHIS' Native American Working Group, these programs offer Native American communities in-depth advice and assistance to ensure their animals and plants remain healthy and strong. An overview of the many resources and activities APHIS can offer, as well as ongoing projects, is available on this Web page and others.

APHIS looks forward to building new partnerships and developing and nurturing existing relationships with our tribal partners. Together we can strengthen our agricultural network and build a future where history is acknowledged, sovereignty is respected, and mutual growth fostered.

About APHIS

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The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is a multi-faceted Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with a broad mission area that includes protecting and promoting U.S. agricultural health, regulating genetically engineered organisms, administering the Animal Welfare Act and carrying out wildlife damage management activities. These efforts support the overall mission of USDA, which is to protect and promote food, agriculture, natural resources and related issues. More >>

News

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February 13, 2013 GonaCon Approval
-- GonaCon receives approval as an immunocontraceptive vaccine for wild horses and burros.
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February 7, 2012 Animal Disease Traceability
-- USDA's new regulations for improving the traceability of U.S. livestock moving interstate go into effect March 11, 2013.
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November 1, 2012 Profile: APHIS' New National Tribal Liaison
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The newly created APHIS National Tribal Liaison position replaces the agency's previous Native American program coordinator/delivery manager position and includes a number of expanded goals and activities. Read more about the new Tribal Liaison for APHIS - Dr. Terry Clark.

Opportunities

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Internship/Scholarship Opportunities:  USDA and APHIS offer students a wide range of scholarships and internships/externships that can help them learn more about possible careers in animal and plant science, wildlife/natural resources management, agribusiness, animal welfare, and more.  Further information is available on the APHIS Student Opportunity Page.

Federal Register Posts

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Freeze Tolerant Eucalyptus Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Scoping Meetings
On February 27, 2013, APHIS published a notice of intent (NOI) in the Federal Register to prepare an EIS, in response to APHIS petition no. 11-019-01p, from ArborGen Inc., seeking a determination of nonregulated status for two Freeze Tolerant Eucalyptus (FTE) lines designated 427 and 435. APHIS also announced that it will host two virtual public meetings during the comment period. The purpose of the meetings will be to further delineate the scope of alternatives and environmental impacts and issues discussed in the EIS. For more information, including meeting dates and how to register and participate, can be found here: Eucalyptus Virtual Public Meeting Information.

Proposed Rule to Allow Sharing Certain Confidential Business Information (CBI) with State and Tribal Governments
APHIS maintains a collaborative relationship with State Departments of Agriculture and Tribal governments in the regulation and oversight of genetically engineered (GE) organisms under 7 CFR part 340. In the proposed rule, APHIS seeks to amend its rules governing sharing certain CBI with State and Tribal partners to strengthen and enhance our cooperative relationship, while maintaining the integrity of CBI. APHIS is soliciting comments from the public and affected agencies through April 29, 2013. Click here to review the proposed rule and comment at our online comment portal, Regulations.gov.

Publications

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APHIS: Partnering Across Nations To Safeguard Native American Agriculture
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APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine: Keeping Native American Crops and Plants Healthy and Strong
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APHIS Veterinary Services: Helping Native Americans Protect Their Livestock and Fisheries
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APHIS Wildlife Services: Controlling Wildlife Damage on Native American Lands

Contacts

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Terry Clark is the APHIS National Tribal Liaison and should be contacted for questions regarding Veterinary Services at (301)440-4388 or terry.w.clark@aphis.usda.gov.

Carl Etsitty is the Plant Protection and Quarantine National Tribal Liaison and can be contacted at: (970)494-7573 or carl.etsitty@aphis.usda.gov.

Gwendolyn Burnett is the Biotechnology Regulatory Services National Tribal Liaison and can be contacted at: (301)851-3893 or Gwendolyn.L.Burnett@aphis.usda.gov

Lianne Hibbert is the Wildlife Services National Tribal Liaison and can be contacted at: (301)-851-4011 or Lianne.L.Hibbert@aphis.usda.gov

Christine Jones is the Animal Care National Tribal Liaison and can be contacted at: (301)-851-3730 or Christine.B.Jones@aphis.usda.gov

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