RD Instruction 1901-N PART 1901 - PROGRAM RELATED INSTRUCTIONS SUBPART N - INDIAN OUTREACH PROGRAM §1901.651 Purpose. The purpose of this Subpart is to establish procedures and responsibilities for carrying out the Rural Development American Indian Outreach Program. §1901.652 Goals. The Rural Development American Indian Outreach Program is a concerted effort to: (a) Make all Rural Development programs more accessible and available to Indians living on and off reservations. (b) Surface and attempt to correct problems and obstacles that prevent the participation by eligible Indians and Indian tribes in Rural Development programs. (c) Increase the production level of Rural Development loans and grants going 1 to American Indians both on and off reservations. (d) Provide pamphlets, publications and information on Rural Development programs to individual Indians, Indian tribes and Tribal leaders, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) personnel, and other interested groups and individuals. §1901.653 Field action. State Coordinators of Indian activities appointed by State Directors will: (a) Maintain close liaison with local Rural Development supervisors and officials serving Indian populations and reservations; (b) Work closely with local District, State, and National Office representatives to remove obstacles and solve problems that impede the use of Rural Development programs on Indian reservations; (c) Be familiar with all Rural Development loan and grant programs available to Indians living on and off reservations, including the types of security and eligibility requirements; 1 (1-25-78) PN 606 RD Instruction 1901-N §1901.653 (Con.) Page 2 (d) Be aware of any unique relationship that may exist between Indians and the Federal and State governments affecting Indian participation in the Rural Development loan and grant programs; (e) As necessary, attend pertinent meetings of Indian groups, government agencies, and others concerned with the economic and social development of Indians; (f) If possible, become personally acquainted with Indian leaders and non-Indian leaders in Indian affairs in the State; (g) Arrange for the training of members of Indian tribes, individuals, and interested groups involved in Indian affairs, in the packaging and distribution of materials for use in Rural Development loan and grant programs. §1901.654 Rural Development publications. Rural Development publications, such as "Rural Credit for American Indians," a handbook of Rural Development programs, and "Rural Development Credit for American Indians," or other materials to be developed, will be used as supplementary training and informational aids for Indian communities, individuals, governmental agencies, and other groups involved in Indian affairs. §1901.655 Reports. (a) State Directors will keep the National Office advised of any problems and obstacles in Rural Development's procedures relating to Indian laws or customs that cannot be resolved locally and which prevent American Indians from participating in the Rural Development programs on or off the reservations. (b) Any changes in personnel serving as State Coordinator of Indian activities will be reported to the National Office. (c) Each State Director will make a semi-annual memorandum report on January 1 and July 1 of each year on activities and accomplishments in his State. The report will specifically reflect what has been done to carry out the items set forth in §1901.653. The report will be sent to the National Office, Attention, Coordinator of Indian Activities. §1901.656 - 1901.700 [Reserved] o 0 o 2