35 



Mr. Richardson. Thank you, Ms. Notah. 



I'd like to see if my colleague has any questions. 



Mr. Thomas. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



I guess my questions would be more simply for clarification. 



Do the agencies— for instance, Fish and Wildlife Service — partici- 

 pate in the programs that you speak of? 



Ms. Notah. Mr. Chairman and members of the Subcommittee, 

 the programs that I'm specifically referring to are programs that 

 are only open to state participation. 



The point I think is that, at least ft-om the Navajo point of view, 

 that we have the same capabihties and the same technical exper- 

 tise as state fish and game departments in managing our fish and 

 wildlife resources. And therefore, we feel that we have the right to 

 compete for these resources on the same level as a state does. 



Mr. Thomas. But my question is, do you now get assistance fi-om 

 federal agencies in terms of the management of wildlife? 



Ms. Notah. At least fi-om the Navajo standpoint, the only federal 

 assistance that we receive right now is through our Bureau of In- 

 dian Affairs. 



Mr. Thomas. I see. 



And who's eligible to utiUze these fish and wildlife opportunities? 



Ms. Notah. We provide these opportunities both for tribal mem- 

 bers and non- tribal members. 



Mr. Thomas. And there are non-tribal members who pay licenses 

 to participate on the tribe? 



Ms. Notah. But tribal members and non-tribal members pay to 

 participate in these opportunities. 



Mr. Thomas. There are, of course, Pittman funds and others, but 

 as I recall, our state game and fish is largely funded by hcense 

 fees. 



Is that true with you? 



Ms. Notah. That's correct, yes. 



Mr. Thomas. So as I understand it, your main interest is having 

 an opportunity to participate in the Pittman funds and those fees? 



Ms. Notah. That's correct. 



Mr. Thomas. Thank you. 



Mr. Richardson. The Chair recognizes the gentleman fi'om 

 South Dakota, Mr. Johnson. 



Mr. Johnson. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I apologize for being 

 somewhat late this morning. We had a whip meeting going on out- 

 lining the legislative agenda for the remainder of this week and 

 next week, and as well, I'm going to have to leave very soon for 

 a caucus going on involving a subcommittee chairmanship that I'm 

 going to be assuming. 



So I regret that I have all of these things going on at the same 

 time, because this is a critically important hearing going on today, 

 and I commend you for your leadership in putting this together. 



I'm going to be reviewing the written testimony because I think 

 it is vitally important. 



I have no questions here at this point. 



However, I would like to extend a special welcome to Mr. Fred 

 DuBray who is the Coordinator of Administration for Native Amer- 

 ican Bison Enhancement Project at Cheyenne River in South Da- 

 kota. 



