48 



now properly asserting and exercising their off-reservation treaty 

 rights. 



The Commission must be able to provide the same level of natu- 

 ral resource management services to all of its member tribes. 



Right now, the Commission has sufficient funding to meet only 

 one-third of the needs of its member tribes. 



In addition, environmental protection is becoming increasingly 

 important. Stresses on tribal natural resources come from many 

 areas, including environmental degradation. 



The Commission's member tribes require the means to assess the 

 environmental impacts of pollution discharges into the air and 

 water of the ceded territories, and to participate as equal partners 

 in the development of state, federal, and international environ- 

 mental protection regulatory initiatives. 



Tribal and inter-tribal natural resources self-regulation meant to 



{)erpetuate and enhance natural resources is not very useful if pol- 

 ution destroys the very resources upon which the rights depend. 



Faced with these needs, tribes at the same time have faced 

 threats to the continuation of funding for tribal natural resource 

 programs. 



For example, in its FY '93 budget proposal, the Administration 

 proposed reducing the Commission s appropriation by about 39 per- 

 cent. Such budget fights hurt tribal efforts to carry out a com- 

 prehensive natural resources management program. 



Legislation supporting tribal self-regulation of natural resources 

 would greatly enhance the position of tribes and tribal organiza- 

 tions seeking to assure the funding needed to move forward in the 

 area of natural resources management. 



Fifth, despite its best efforts, the Commission is not always able 

 to find Indian candidates for its job openings. This is particularly 

 true in the case of biologists. But a more comprehensive program, 

 including federal scholarships and loans, is needed to help tribal 

 members into the educational programs involving resource man- 

 agement. 



Finally and in conclusion, we appreciate the Committee's sen- 

 sitivity to tribal needs regarding plant, wildlife, and fish enhance- 

 ment. 



This is an area in which tribes and tribal organizations are exer- 

 cising their self-governing authority to protect activities of long- 

 standing and continuing importance to Indian people. 



We look forward to working with the Committee to help shape 

 legislation to protect tribal hunting, fishing, and gathering rights 

 and the tribal management and enhancement of those rights. 



Thank you. 



[Prepared statement of Mr. Schlender follows:] 



