163 



Testimony of the NWIFC February 18, 1993 



on Fish & Wildlife Management Page 12 



It must be recognized that funding not only needs to be adequate in terms of 

 amount, but also needs to be stable in its delivery to the tribes. One major problem 

 tribes have faced over the past ten years has been fluctuations in funding due to 

 misguided bureaucratic initiatives, lack of cost-of-living adjustments, inflation factors, 

 and sequestration problems. 



Shortages caused by these problems create difficulties securing and retaining key 

 staff. Tribes have seen a number of professional staff members leave their employ 

 to take positions with collateral agencies offering more stability and pay. 



Training and professional development is critical 



It is important for tribes to receive help with training and professional career 

 development. Such assistance is critical if the tribes are ever to be successful in 

 enticing Indian students into the field of natural resource management and 

 environmental protection. 



In addition, tribal staff members need to keep current in their fields just like any 

 other professional. Opportunities for further education and training and placement 

 between federal agencies and tribes would be very useful to tribal programs. 



CONCLUSION 



Cooperation is the banner we wish to wave as we close out this millennium. Let us 

 all pull together, so we can accomplish what none of us can accomplish alone. Let 

 us all have the courage to take the stands we must take to secure a habitable world 

 for our children of tomorrow, as well as our workers of today. Let us stand up to 

 hard problems and make good decisions. Let us stand behind what we know is 

 right, and fortify these positions with the words and actions of truth and dignity. 



We believe these objectives will be aided by legislation you are now considering, if 

 you focus on a few core concepts we have spoken to, and make them cornerstones 

 for an Indian fish and wildlife management act. 



The Indian tribes are waking up in this country, we are leaving the "Dark Ages" 

 behind, and through cooperative efforts, we will be able to help save the natural 

 heritage of this land for the benefit of future generations. 



Thank you. 



