USDA American Indian Council
The USDA American Indian Council (AIC), is
an employee organization, formed to give a voice to the American
Indian and Alaska Native community and culture within the US Department
of Agriculture. The AIC seeks to support the Secretary's diversity
initiatives and works to promote cultural awareness among USDA employees.
Membership in the AIC is open to all.
An Organization Charter was adopted by unanimous vote on July 18, 1996.
A copy of the Charter was sent to Secretary Glickman by letter expressing
the support of the AIC for the Secretary's efforts in civil rights and
volunteering to help in this effort. Assistance provided by the Secretary's
Office enabled the AIC to comply with 5 C.F.R 251 and be eligible for support
services by USDA including the use of agency equipment, administrative
support services, payment of expenses to attend professional orgaization
meetings, a liberal policy of leave authorization to attend meetings, meeting
space, internal mail distribution systems, and electronic mail.
American Indian Council Charter
To see the AIC Charter and Amendments click here. Charter
AIC Meetings
The AIC meets approximately ten times a year. Minutes of the meetings are
distributed by email to members.
To see Minutes of AIC meetings click here. Minutes
American Indian Issues and Concerns
Giving voice to the concerns of American Indians
and Alaska natives is a major responsibility of the American Indian Council.
When issues and concerns need to be identified, explained and shared, we
will include them on our home page. To see AIC issues and concerns,
please click here. Issues.
AIC Officers
Officers of the AIC are elected by members in attendance at the December
meeting. Current AIC Officers are listed below. To view previous
Officers, please click here. Officers
2000 Officers:
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Wayne Brewer, Chair (202-720-7578)
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Garet Moravec, Vice-Chair (202-720-2038)
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Emily Wright, Historian (202-720-2975)
Upcoming Events
For the date, time and place of the next meeting of the AIC, please refer
to the latest AIC Minutes page. The latest minutes will also have information
about other upcoming events.
American Indian Heritage Month
November is American Indian Heritage Month. Celebrations are held at the
Departmental and agency level throughout the month. Each Heritage Month
has a central theme. In 1998 it was "American Indians: Then and Now." A
kick-off ceremony is held at the beginning of the month in the Jefferson
Auditorium and includes honored guest speakers, USDA officials, and a drum.
All are welcome to attend.
Activities during the month have included video presentations on various
aspects and concerns of American Indian life, speakers, demonstrations,
employee and professionally made posters, food, increasing awareness and
knowledge of American Indian culture, and personal sharing of what it means
to be an Indian in American society.
To see posters for American Indian Heritage Month click here. Posters
Wayne Brewer, AMS, and Garet Moravec, NASS
August 23, 2000