FHBC Secretary Boyer attends ATNI winter convention in Portland
From left: FHBC Secretary Devon Boyer, Loretta Seaman and Jessica James at Bison
Coffeehouse in Portland, Ore.
By MICHAEL STEELE
Tribal Policy Analyst
PORTLAND, Ore. – Fort Hall Business Council (FHBC) Secretary Devon Boyer participated in the winter convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) in Portland, Oregon from February 2-5.
Representing the interests of tribes from Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and parts of Alaska, Nevada, and Northern California, the ATNI provides a forum for sharing information on matters of interest to its member Tribes that promote its goals for Tribal self-determination and self-sufficiency.
Accompanied by Jessica James, Tribal Education and Library Program Manager, and Frances Goli, Tribal Broadband Project Manager, Boyer successfully sponsored one resolution during the event urging the U.S. Congress to support the Haskell Indian Nations Improvement Act. With five Shoshone-Bannock Tribal members currently attending the university and dozens of graduates, the act calls on congress to fully fund Haskell and to charter it as an independent institution governed by the National Haskell Board of Regents.
James, a Haskell graduate herself and the Northwest representative to the Board, expressed, “This institution has been critical to prepare Tribal members to do great things in education and business all over the country.”
During Telecommunications and Technology Committee meetings Boyer participated in discussions about federal initiatives funding telecommunications, respecting Tribal sovereignty when leasing communication frequencies (spectrum) over Tribal lands, and expanding internet connectivity on reservations. As Goli coordinates efforts to improve internet service on Fort Hall, Boyer explained, “Progress is being made at ANTI to secure more resources for Tribes to improve internet options on Indian reservations.”
Secretary Boyer also participated in breakout sessions and a Tribal Leaders caucus focusing on protecting Tribal Citizens from civil rights violations by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency. The ATNI called on ICE to consult with tribes, to conduct training to recognize Tribal identification cards, and to coordinate their activities with Tribal law enforcement. Boyer stated, “The safety of our people is my priority. ICE cannot militarize Tribal homelands.” Of note, the FHBC submitted a request for consultation that is currently being processed by the Department of Homeland Security.
Prior to returning to Fort Hall, Boyer and James visited with Shoshone-Bannock Tribal member Loretta Guzman, owner of The Bison Coffeehouse, Portland’s only Native-owned coffee establishment. On its website, Guzman explains, “…I wanted a place for Natives to come…a place where they can come in and be proud.” Boyer highlighted, “No matter where they are, it is a privilege to support businesses owned by Tribal members.”
