White Pages Can’t Help Tribal-State Relations

by Ron S. Lee

Executive Director

Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs

Brian Kirby wanted to open a business on an Indian reservation. Lacking experience in dealing with tribal governments, Kirby turned to the Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs (ACIA).

“We needed a resource…for assistance in building relationships, navigating and understanding the often complex local, state, federal and tribal government processes. The Commission was that resource,” says Kirby, director of operations for Sage Business Solutions.

Lee stated, “We helped Kirby negotiate a deal with the White Mountain Apache Tribe to develop a $17 million call center. When completed, the center will employ over 200 people in the economically depressed White Mountains, and will contribute an estimated $56 million to the local economy.

“Not a bad return for a $237,000 budget. And that’s just one of ACIA’s success stories. However, the Legislature wants to close Arizona’s tribal-state liaison office.

“Across the nation, 42 states operate Indian commissions. These agencies act as liaisons between states and tribes who have historically been at odds with each other. Mississippi, the only state with an Indian reservation that lacks an Indian commission, has one tribe to deal with. Arizona has 21.

“The Federal government, which once refereed water, land use and other squabbles, is stepping back from intervention through its policy of devolution. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is currently meeting with tribes to restructure its operations, placing more power in the hands of tribes. With new power coming to rest in the hands of state, tribal and local government comes the responsibility to wield it wisely.

“When tribes and states work together, all citizens benefit from efficiently-run programs, less taxpayer money wasted on litigation, and economic partnerships to build sustainable economies, especially in rural areas. However, many, if not most, Arizonans know little or nothing about Arizona tribal governments, cultures or legal rights and responsibilities.

“That’s where ACIA comes in. With our specialized knowledge of both state and tribal governments, we act as a buffer, smoothing the path to both intergovernmental and public-private partnerships. With Indian commissions’ aid, states and tribes are learning to establish and maintain the relationships essential to building partnerships.

“By the time of my appointment by Gov. Jane Dee Hull in 1998, ACIA had fallen into disrepute. Its leadership was faltering, its staff was demoralized, and both the tribes and state were ready to chuck it into the waste bin of failed policies. I saw an opportunity to revive ACIA and return it to its role of intergovernmental liaison. In just three years, ACIA has become a vital link between tribal, state and federal governments, private business and non-profit organizations.

“The Navajo and Hopi tribes, who employ professional lobbyists, nevertheless use ACIA to help with legislative matters. Tribal communities avail themselves of ACIA’s technical assistance program. Federal agencies, like the Community Development Institutions Fund, a division of the U.S. Treasury Department, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Social Security Administration, as well as members of the U.S. Congress, all make use of ACIA’s resources in tribal community outreach. The state regularly consults with ACIA on a variety of issues. And, of course, private business concerns contact ACIA for help in doing business on reservations.

“ACIA takes the mystery out of dealing with tribes. One writer suggested that people interested in doing business with the tribes simply pick up the phone. But the White Pages don’t list the right person to speak with in tribal government, or explain the right approach to take. Some of the 400-500 calls for assistance we receive every month are from people who don’t even know what city to give directory assistance to obtain a tribal government phone number.

“In 2000, a legislative committee of reference, co-chaired by former state Sen. Tom Freestone, gave ACIA an overwhelming vote of confidence. Freestone noted, “[Executive Director Ron Lee] has built inroads into the Legislature more than any other director I have worked with.”

Donate to nhonews.com Report a Typo Contact
Most Read