Last week the Obama Administration and the Department of Interior released the draft plan for implementing the Cobell Land Consolidation Program. In the works since May 2011, in consultation with tribal leaders, the Cobell Land Consolidation Program will facilitate the voluntary buy-back of fractioned trust and restricted free land interests owned by individual American Indians.

With a fund of $1.9 billion the Plan is focused on three areas:

• Program 1: Targeted land Fractionation Program to reduce land fractionation in highly fractionated areas
• Program 2: Willing Seller Program to provide flexibility in purchasing fractionated interests from willing sellers
• Program 3: Cooperative Agreements with Tribes to recognize the Department of Interior is exploring criteria that would allow tribes to seek cooperative agreements

The comment period for the draft plan is open until March 19, 2012. For more information on the Cobell Trust Land Consolidation Program please visit: www.doi.gov/cobell . To read the entire White House press release click here.

During Monday’s State of the Union address President Obama laid out his Blueprint for an America Built to Last (PDF) based on an economy that works for everyone, emphasizing American manufacturing, American energy and skills for American workers. Included within the President’s blueprint are the following initiatives that benefit Indian Country:

• Prevent tax increases for Native American families by extending the payroll tax cut
• Forge new partnerships between community colleges – including tribal colleges – and businesses to train and place two million skilled workers
• Help start-ups and small businesses in Indian Country succeed and create jobs by reforming regulations and expanding tax relief

You can read more about these initiatives and how they build upon the progress already made within Indian Country in Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs Kimberly Teehee’s complete blog post, found here.

November is Native American Heritage Month. As we begin our celebration of the contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives to our nation, the White House is preparing to host its third White House Tribal Nations Conference.

Yesterday Kimberly Teehee, White House Domestic Policy Council senior policy advisor for Native American affairs, hosted a listening session at the National Congress of American Indians convention to kick off this heritage month and to hear directly from tribal leaders about their priorities for the upcoming conference.

Read more about it in a White House blog post by Teehee, and don't miss President Obama's proclamation in honor of Native American Heritage Month.