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Title

01

:
General Provisions






Chapter

023

:
NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN PEOPLE











 

§

852. Vermont commission on Native American affairs established; authority

(a) In order to

recognize the historic and cultural contributions of Native Americans to

Vermont, to protect and strengthen their heritage, and to address their needs

in State policy, programs, and actions, there is hereby established the Vermont

Commission on Native American Affairs (the "Commission").

(b) The

Commission shall be composed of nine members appointed by the Governor for

staggered two-year terms from a list of candidates compiled by the Division for

Historic Preservation. The Governor shall appoint members who have been

residents of Vermont for a minimum of three years and reflect a diversity of

affiliations and geographic locations in Vermont. A member may serve for no

more than two consecutive terms, unless there are insufficient eligible

candidates. The Division shall compile a list of candidates from the following:

(1)

Recommendations from Native American communities residing in Vermont. Once a

Native American Indian tribe has been recognized under this chapter, a

qualified candidate recommended by that tribe shall have priority for

appointment to fill the next available vacancy on the Commission.

(2) Individuals

who apply to the Division for Historical Preservation. Candidates shall

indicate their residence and Native American affiliation.

(c) The

Commission shall:

(1) elect a

chair each year;

(2) provide

technical assistance and an explanation of the process to applicants for State

recognition;

(3) compile and

maintain a list of professionals and scholars for appointment to a review

panel;

(4) appoint a

three-member panel acceptable to both the applicant and the Commission to

review supporting documentation of an application for recognition and advise

the Commission of its accuracy and relevance;

(5) review each

application, supporting documentation and findings of the review panel, and

make recommendations for or against State recognition to the legislative

committees;

(6) assist

Native American Indian tribes recognized by the State to:

(A) secure

assistance for social services, education, employment opportunities, health

care, and housing;

(B) develop and

market Vermont Native American fine and performing arts, craft work, and

cultural events; and

(7) develop policies

and programs to benefit Vermont's Native American Indian population within the

scope of the Commission's authority.

(d) During

fiscal year 2011, the Commission shall meet at least three times a year and at

any other times at the request of the Chair and Commission members shall

receive a per diem pursuant to 32 V.S.A. § 1010. In fiscal year 2012 and

thereafter, the Commission shall meet as needed but members shall receive a per

diem pursuant to 32 V.S.A. § 1010 no more than six times a year. The Division

for Historic Preservation within the Agency of Commerce and Community

Development shall provide administrative support to the Commission, including

providing communication and contact resources.

(e) The

Commission may seek and receive funding from federal and other sources to

assist with its work. (Added 2005, No. 125 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. May 3, 2006;

amended 2009, No. 107 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. May 14, 2010; 2011, No. 3, § 99.)