Bill > H2866

This bill mandates that state agencies must cooperate with the commission on Indian affairs, a body established to address Native American issues, and extend this cooperation to Tribal Councils and inter-tribal organizations to identify services, programs, and rights needing special American Indian focus. It also specifies that state agencies should directly engage with specific tribal councils, such as the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Tribal Council and the Wampanoag Tribal Council of Gayhead, on matters affecting their respective tribes, and with the commission on Indian affairs for Wampanoag Indians not affiliated with those specific tribes, as well as with Nipmuc Tribal councils for matters concerning the Nipmuc Tribe. Furthermore, the bill requires the secretary of the executive office of energy and environmental affairs and the commissioner of environmental management to ensure the wishes of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gayhead and Mashpee Wampanoag Tribes are followed in managing the Wampanoag Reservation, with other state agencies assisting in development plans for the reservation. The commission on Indian affairs will be involved in all state decisions regarding the disposition of this reservation. The North American Indian Center of Boston, Inc. is designated as the state's liaison with certain Native American tribes with whom the state has existing agreements. Each state agency is also tasked with evaluating its services to the American Indian population, proposing improvements, and collaborating with tribal governments to seek available federal, state, or other funds to enhance these services, with the commission on Indian affairs providing advice and being informed of all funding proposals. The secretary of the executive office of housing and economic development, with the lieutenant governor's cooperation, will act as the primary liaison with the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs and other federal agencies on matters affecting resident Massachusetts American Indians, in conjunction with the commission on Indian affairs. Finally, state agencies are encouraged to include American Indians on relevant boards and commissions, particularly those with a significant impact on Native American communities, and the commission on Indian affairs can assist in identifying suitable candidates, with the exception that current commissioners on the commission on Indian affairs cannot be appointed to these other boards and commissions during their terms.