Society of American Indian Government Employees

Honoring Our Ancestors Through Government Service
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Military Meritorious Achievement Awardees Announced

May 8, 2024Waboose31blog

3 May 2024
Edward Blauvelt
Warrior Society Director

On behalf of the Society of American Indians Government Employees (SAIGE) as the it is with great pleasure that I announce the 2024 SAIGE Military Meritorious Service Award winners!

Senior Airmen Connor Crawn, (Mohawk and Anishinaabe), US Air Force, 51st Fighter Wing

Staff Sergeant Sharon Quneenie (Asa’carsarmiut and Yupik), Alaska Air National Guard, 176th Wing

Staff Sergeant Desirea Yazzie, (Navajo), US Air Force, 82nd Training Wing

Technical Sergeant Darrell Charlee, (Navajo), US Air Force, Air Force Inspection Agency

Technical Sergeant Anastacia Rodriguez, (Ramah Navajo and Acoma), US Air Force, 6th Air Refueling Wing

Second Lieutenant Richard Landeaux, (Lakota), South Dakota Army National Guard, 196th Regional Training Institute

Lieutenant Justin Townsend, (Choctaw), US Coast Guard, Coast Guard Cryptologic Unit

Major Patrick Sorensen, (Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde), US Army, Communication Directorate, TRADOC

Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay Freeman, (Lumbee), US Air Force, 33rd Fighter Wing

Mr. Danny Villareal, (Lipan Apache), Veteran-Army, Director of Veterans, Lipan Apache Tribe

These remarkable AI/AN military and veteran leaders will be recognized during the SAIGE National Training Program Veterans Luncheon on 6 June 2024 at the Northern Quest hotel in Spokane, WA. See more at our website at www.saigetraining.org

Pevar Book Sales to Benefit SAIGE

April 28, 2024Waboose31blog

Author, Attorney and Federal Indian Law Expert Stephen Pevar

Stephen Pevar recently published the 5th edition of his authoritative and popular book, The Rights of Indians and Tribes. Stephen is generously offering SAIGE an opportunity to benefit from sales of his updated book.
The 540-page book discusses every significant issue in federal Indian law. This book sells for $29.95. Stephen will personally autograph the book if ordered from his website:
https://www.therightsofindiansandtribes.com

SAIGE will receive a part of the proceeds of each book sold. After you click on “Buy Now,” you’ll be asked if you want the book autographed. Click “Yes.” Then, in the autograph box, place SAIGE followed by the name of the person receiving the book. Stephen will sign the book to that person and share some of the proceeds with SAIGE as a donation. This does not increase the price of the book for you.

Also, you can send this information to your friends and relatives and suggest that they purchase the book by entering SAIGE in the autograph box. Each of those books will also generate money for SAIGE.

Stephen has been a friend of SAIGE for many years, and we are proud that he will be a keynote speaker at our National Training Program in Spokane on June 4, 2024.

Consulting with Tribal Nations Course

April 17, 2024Waboose31blog

Greetings SAIGE,
Please note that this 3-day intensive Tribal Consultation Training hosted by the Department of the Interior is being held at the Northern Quest Resort concurrently with the SAIGE National Training Program. It is separate from the SAIGE Training, and requires separate registration through DOI, although you do not have to be a DOI employee to attend.

SAIGE offered sharing the venue with the National Indian Programs Training Center in support of their efforts to extend their reach to educate specifically about Tribal Consultation. The participants in this class will not be attending the main SAIGE National Training program, but will be in their own area for the duration. There will be no crossover.
We will invite them to join us for our evening activities so we can network. Please feel free to share.
(Registration for the SAIGE National Training Program can be found at saigetraining.org )

Consulting with Tribal Nations – This interactive course provides participants with an overview of Consulting with Tribal Nations through instructor-led lectures, discussions, and case studies. The culminating activity is a mock consultation where participants will play the various roles. The training will enable participants to acquire the basic knowledge of the tribal consultation process, cultural awareness, and the importance of engaging with Tribal nations on matters that affect them. This course was created to support the Department of the Interior’s Policy on Consultation with Indian Tribes and the directive for training on Tribal consultation. 

 Training Dates: June 4-6, 2024 (Spokane, WA) Concurrent with SAIGE (But separate Training)
Delivery Format/Hosting Location: In-Person (Spokane, WA) 
Contact: jennifer_martinez@ios.doi.gov or april_d_gonzalez@ios.doi.gov
Tuition: $869.00 
Tuition Payment Application: Payment Form (Spokane, WA) 
DOI Employees RegistrationDOI Talent

NON-DOI Registration: Non-doi-registration

ALL Tuition Paymentshttps://doiu.doi.gov/cc/

Get the latest DOIU news and information. Follow/Like us on social media: FacebookLinkedInTwitter and YouTube.

Justification to attend SAIGE National Training Program

March 25, 2024Waboose31blog

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT TO FEDERAL AGENCY HEADS AND TRAINING DIRECTORS

March 20, 2024

On May 1, 2015, The Office of Personnel Management issued guidance to agencies on Determining if a Conference is a Training Activity. The Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE) hosts an outstanding three-day National Training Program focused on leadership, professional development centered on OPM’s Core Competencies, and the complex relationship known as the Federal Indian Trust Responsibility.  Attendees can participate in developmental programs on a variety of topics while networking with other government professionals.  Additionally, cultural awareness events are presented by local indigenous people and American Indian and Alaska Native professionals.  As part of this program, SAIGE offers special training sessions for military veterans and leadership training for college students, as well as hosting a Career Fair with numerous federal agencies represented.

The 21st Annual SAIGE National Training Program, “Affirming Native Voices: Visibility-Leadership-Service,” will be held at the Northern Quest Resort owned by the Kalispel Tribe June 3-6, 2024.  For additional information you may visit our website at www.saige.org or our registration site at
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-saige-national-training-program-tickets-770969760307

SAIGE is providing the following information to Agency Heads, Training Directors, and others to assist in the training approval process in light of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) discontinuing its former practice of issuing yearly memorandum regarding whether conferences qualify as a training activity in accordance with 5 CFR 410.404.

SAIGE is pleased to announce that the SAIGE National Training Program specifically meets these required criteria. To request the document that outlines these criteria, please ask for it at info@saige.org.

SAIGE Achievement Awards Return!

March 11, 2024Waboose31blog

SAIGE is happy to announce that it is reinstating the Annual SAIGE Achievement Awards for this year, that have been dormant since 2020.

The purpose of these awards is to recognize agencies and individuals (civilian or military), who through their personal commitment and professional initiative have made demonstrable contributions in recruiting, retaining, and providing career advancement opportunities to American Indian and Alaska Native employees in the Federal workforce. Additionally they have assisted with the advancement of American Indian and Alaska Native professionals, role models and future leaders.
Deadline: April 8, 2024 for awarding at the National Training Program in June. (Travel expenses are not included)

Open this link: HERE for nominating someone you think is deserving of this award. We would love to hear of all the good things people are doing in their agencies to advance the goals of SAIGE.

If you have questions, please direct them to Selection Committee Chair Georgeie Reynolds at greynolds@saige.org.

Awardee Coralee Mackay and Carl Etsitty, SAIGE Board

SAIGE Student Program Opens Application submissions

A popular aspect of the SAIGE National Training program is the SAIGE Student Program that provides college students insight into federal, tribal and state government careers. This program is offered for FREE. SAIGE provides scholarships for selected applicants that covers travel, lodging and food during the SAIGE National Training Program.

Our Student Director, JoAnn Brant, is excited to announce that applications are now being accepted for the Student track, happening June 2 – 6, 2024, in Spokane, WA. If you have any questions you may contact her at brant.joann@epa.gov.

Now accepting applications for our college Student Program for the SAIGE National Training Program, Affirming Native Voices:
Visibility-Leadership-Service, in Spokane, WA.
Apply Online: CLICK HERE  
Questions: Student.Program@saige.org  
Deadline to apply is April 1, 2024
SAIGE Students, 2023, Tulsa, OK
Students in Session, 2023

Now accepting applications for SAIGE 2024 Student Program

January 31, 2024Waboose31blog

PRESS RELEASE: 2024 Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE) Student Program Scholarship Application
SAIGE announces scholarships for American Indian and Alaska Native students to attend the 2024 SAIGE National Training Program, due Monday April 1, 2024.

January 22, 2024

The Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE) is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native employees of federal, tribal, state and local governments. Each year, SAIGE sponsors a National Training Program to promote the recruitment, retention, development, and advancement of American Indian and Alaska Native government employees.

SAIGE offers scholarships to attend our annual National Training Program to American Indian and Alaska Native students aged 20–25, who are attending an accredited school and who are interested in federal, tribal, state, or local government careers.

These scholarships consist of training program registration, travel, lodging, and meals.

This year’s National Training Program will be held at the beautiful Northern Quest Resort in Spokane, Washington – owned and operated by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians – from June 2-6, 2024.

Application Deadline: Monday, April 1, 2024
Apply Online: CLICK HERE
Questions: Student.Program@saige.org

ELIGIBILITY
– American Indians and Alaska Natives who:Will be at least 20 years of age and not more than 25 years of age on June 1, 2024;

– Are enrolled and in good standing at an accredited college or university; and

– Are interested in gaining a professional degree or pursuing a career with a Federal, Tribal, State, or local government.

GOALS
The SAIGE Student Program promotes the recruitment, hiring, retention, development, advancement, and equitable treatment of American Indians and Alaska Natives in the government workforce.

The Program also helps American Indian and Alaska Native students realize their leadership and professional development goals and inspires them to pursue a life of service. Participants are offered unique opportunities to meet and network with American Indian and Alaska Native government employees and officials. Participants may gain valuable insight into government work environments and learn how government employees can play a positive role in enhancing the quality of life for Indian people and our resources.

Student Program participants can also learn about how federal agencies can help protect tribal treaty rights and fulfill federal Indian trust responsibilities.

ACTIVITIES
–    SAIGE Student Program participants engage in leadership and professional development training, team building activities, and hear from some of the most inspirational and accomplished American Indian and Alaska Native federal, state, and tribal government employees from across the country.

–    Students take part in a Career Fair with various organizations and agencies to help inform their academic and career decisions.

SCHOLARSHIPS INCLUDE
–    Registration to attend the annual SAIGE National Training Program in Spokane, WA from June 2-6, 2024.

–    Reasonable transportation costs; hotel; and meals.

SAIGE MISSION
–    Promote the recruitment, retention, development, and advancement of American Indian and Alaska Native government employees, and work to ensure their equal treatment under the law;

–    Educate Federal agencies in the history and obligations of the Federal Indian Trust responsibility and to assist them in it’s implementation;

–    Assist government agencies in the development and delivery of initiatives and programs that honor the unique Federal-Tribal relationship; and

–    Provide a national forum for issues and topics affecting American Indian and Alaska Native government employees.

APPLY TODAY!
We look forward to you joining us at the 2024 SAIGE National Training Program in Spokane, WA (Northern Quest Resort) from June 2-6, 2024!

Application Deadline: Monday, April 1, 2024

Apply Online: CLICK HERE
Contact: JoAnn Brant, Student Program Director
(202) 564-0375 or at Student.Program@saige.org

2023 SAIGE Student Cohort
Tulsa, OK

Announcing the 2024 SAIGE National Training Program

January 24, 2024Waboose31blog

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C.
January 23, 2024
Contacts: SAIGE Chair, Fredericka Joseph, chair@saige.org
SAIGE Training Program Co-Chairs: Edward Blauvelt at Edward.blauvelt@us.af.mil; Nieva Brock, nieva.brock@saige.org; Luke Jones luke.jones@saige.org

SAIGE 21st National Training Program

The Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE) will hold its 21st National Training Program June 3rd – 6thth, 2024, at the Northern Quest Resort in Spokane, Washington. This venue is owned and operated by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians and all rooms are priced at government per diem rates for Spokane. This year’s theme is: “Affirming Native Voices: Visibility-Leadership-Service”.

Our training provides forums on the most current issues facing American Indians and Alaska Native employees, tribes, and people we serve. The plenary sessions include dynamic presenters from Indian Country and government leaders. Workshops are presented by knowledgeable speakers in their specialties. Sessions are designed in these areas: Federal Indian Law and Policy; Leadership and Professional Development; Natural/Cultural Resources; and EEO/DEIA issues.

SAIGE is excited to include college students in our robust Student Program. Designed to develop Indigenous students, ages 20 – 25 years old with leadership training, it gives them important skills when choosing career paths.

SAIGE proudly supports our Warrior Society Program, developed for and by veterans, that offers training specific to the needs of veterans and active-duty military by highlighting federal benefits. This one-day symposium exposes attendees to various agencies and veterans’ organizations that serve them.  All veterans and military are invited to attend at no cost.

Registration for the SAIGE National Training Program will be available within the next few weeks. Please monitor our website at https://saige.org for continuous updates.

The Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE) is a national 501c (3) non-profit organization representing American Indian and Alaska Native Federal, Tribal, State, and local government employees. SAIGE was formed to promote their recruitment, retention, equal treatment, and advancement within the government and to assist government agencies in honoring the unique Federal-Tribal relationship.

Congratulations Scholarship Recipients!

January 11, 2024Waboose31blog

SAIGE is proud to announce our two Carol Jorgensen Scholarship recipients for 2023.

  • Denise Flores Frazier, Reno-Sparks Indian Colony
  • Aiyanna Tanyan, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma

Both are Environmental Science majors at Haskell Indian Nation University. They each received a monetary award and will receive registration and travel support to attend the SAIGE National Training Program in Spokane, WA in June.

SAIGE established this award to honor the memory and legacy of Carol Jorgensen whose service to her family, community, country, and Mother Earth was an inspiration for all.

Carol was Tlingit from the Yandestake Village in southeast Alaska and was part of the Eagle/Killer Whale Fin House of Klukwan. She served many years in public service, and finally as Director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s American Indian Environmental Office. She had a deep connection to our shared Earth and was a passionate advocate for protecting the environment and human health in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED!

August 31, 2023Waboose31blog

CAROL JORGENSEN SCHOLARSHIP FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP APPLICATION PERIOD NOW OPEN

woman in sunglasses with native jewelry
Carol Jorgensen

SAIGE established this award to honor the memory and legacy of Carol Jorgensen whose service to her family, community, country, and Mother Earth was an inspiration for all.

Carol was Tlingit from the Yandestake Village in southeast Alaska and was part of the Eagle/Killer Whale Fin House of Klukwan. She served many years in public service, most recently as Director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s American Indian Environmental Office. She had a deep connection to our shared Earth and was a passionate advocate for protecting the environment and human health in American Indian and Alaskan Native communities.

Link to application announcement HERE.
Deadline to apply is Oct. 27, 2023. SAIGE membership is not required.

Contact Us

Email:
info[at]saige.org

Mailing Address:
17706 N. Peoria
Skiatook, OK 74070

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