The Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs (ACIA) was established the adoption of A.R.S. § 41-541 in 1953 by the 21st Legislature to consider and study conditions among the Indians residing within the State of Arizona.
As one of the nation’s oldest tribal-state liaison agencies, ACIA facilitates partnerships and educates the public and private sectors about the unique government-to-government relationships between Tribal, State, Local and Federal entities. ACIA remains committed to enhancing communications between the 22 Indian Tribes and Nation and the State of Arizona.
The Commission consists of 20 members, including seven Indian and four at large Commissioners appointed by the Governor, and 9 Ex-Officio members who serve by the virtue of their office. |
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VISION STATEMENT
To implement policies and facilitate strategic partnerships that stimulates growth in tribal human capital and creates competitive tribal economies
MISSION STATEMENT
To enhance communication and build sustainable relationships between tribal entities and the State of Arizona |
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| GUIDING PRINCIPLES |
- Encourage a spirit of cooperation to guide the continuing government-to-government relationship between the State of Arizona and Tribal Nations and Communities located in Arizona;
- Ensure meaningful and timely consultation with Tribal Leaders to facilitate better understanding, informed decision making, and intergovernmental cooperation;
- Advocate for cultural diversity education and training;
- Provide support for excellence in customer service;
- Promote and support access to economic, infrastructure and regulatory resources
- Establish a spirit of cooperation and collaboration among state agency tribal liaison's in order to share ideas, address needs and effectively implement the mandates outlined in EO 2006-14
- Ensure that state services and resources are available to all eligible state citizens residing in Arizona tribal communities to the same extent that such services are available to all other eligible state citizens.
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GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIC ACTION |
| GOAL 1: Facilitate communication between tribal entities (both public and private), elected state officials, and other state agencies |
| 1.1 Establish working relationships with state and tribal policymakers |
- Facilitate meetings between stakeholders, tribal officials and state officials to communicate and/or collaborate on administrative and legislative issues
- Establish regular communications and reports to the Governor, State Legislators and State Officials regarding Indian Affairs
- Issue an annual report describing Commission activities to state policymakers
- Identify partnerships to pursue projects that reduce disparities within tribal communities
- Conduct 10 meetings with the Tribal Liaisons and subcommittees per calendar year
- Advertise the projects and activities of Tribal Liaisons
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| 1.4 Disseminate pertinent information to tribes on a consistent basis |
- Track legislative bills related to Education, Health, Transportation, Economic Security, Commerce and Tourism
- Tracked legislative issues will be updated once a week during regular session. This data will be an analysis of legislation distributed for informational purposes.
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| GOAL 2: Establish and maintain relationships between the State of Arizona and the 22 Indian Tribes |
| 2.1 Establish and sustain a forum where the state and the tribes can address issues on a regular and proactive basis |
- Coordinate frequent and structured visits with each tribe on their respective tribal communities to obtain tribal input about state activities. Based on invitations received from tribal communities 6 visits will be planned
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| 2.2 Collect CY Annual Agency Tribal Consultation Reports |
- Distribute electronic annual reports to tribal leaders (per Executive Order 2006-14)
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| GOAL 3: Act as an informational clearinghouse and reference desk |
| 3.1 Invest resources in ACIA website to increase awareness about various Indian, state issues and areas of interest |
- Update the website once a month to ensure relevant data is consistently available. Obtain, retain, and share information about: state and federal policies that impact tribes; grants (and other monies available for tribal use) and national Indian issues
- Distribute a Newsletter 4 times a year which highlight tribal-state initiatives
- Produce and publish a Tribal Resource Directory
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| 3.2 Provide assistance to the public at large in identifying resources that meet individual needs regarding Indian issues |
- Process phone, walk-in, email and standard mail inquiries
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| GOAL 4: Promote Economic and Community Development Programs |
| 4.1 Support programs that stimulate economic growth and prosperity |
- Recruit tribal members to serve on boards and commissions
- Support supplier diversity by conducting four workshops a year to educate Indian small business owners on how to procure state contracts
- Advertise employment opportunities within state and tribal government
- Develop and establish Internships to further the ACIA mission thereby fostering future Indian liaisons and reducing administrative costs
- Provide one workshop per a year for Indian constituents on the legislative process to create informed voters
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| 4.2 Coordinate efforts to attract business development within tribal communities |
- Establish memberships with key organizations that specialize in community and economic development projects
- Establish partnerships with the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University to develop programs for small business development
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