2025-09. Authorizing Execution of a BIA 638 Contract for Natural Resource Management and Education
A Resolution to authorize the Chief to enter into a Natural Resources Management contract with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) regarding the Tribal Youth Hunting and Conservation Program.
At a duly called General Meeting of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe Council held this 15th day of May, 2025, the following Resolution and Law were adopted.
WHEREAS, the Upper Mattaponi Tribe (the "Tribe") is an Indian Tribe that has existed from time immemorial and is federally recognized on a government-to-government basis by the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, Pursuant to Article VII, Section 4(c) of the Constitution of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe (the "Constitution"), the Upper Mattaponi Tribe Council (the "Council") is vested with the authority to enact laws for the safety, health, and welfare of the Tribe; and
WHEREAS, the Tribe, as a sovereign nation, retains inherent rights to hunting, fishing, and gathering, rights that remain unaltered by treaties with the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, the Tribe recognizes the necessity of maintaining oversight and regulation to prevent the depletion of fish, wildlife, plants, and other natural resources essential to its cultural and ecological heritage; and
WHEREAS, the Tribe has received a grant award from the United States regarding its Tribal Youth Initiative for a Tribal Youth Hunting and Conservation Program; and
WHEREAS, the Tribe is required to enter into a Natural Resources Management contract, pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, as a prerequisite of receiving the grant award; and
WHEREAS, the Natural Resources Management contract will support a range of tribal programs and activities, including but not limited to, agriculture, wildlife management, conservation enforcement, invasive species control, forestry, fish hatchery operations, and water resource management; and
WHEREAS, the Natural Resources Management contract will house the Tribal Youth Initiative funding for the Tribal Youth Hunting and Conservation Program, engaging tribal youth in conservation, hunting, and resource stewardship activities; and
WHEREAS, the Tribal Youth Hunting and Conservation Program will generate economic benefits, protect cultural, spiritual, and traditional resources, and promote the sustainable use and preservation of the Tribe's natural resources.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Upper Mattaponi Tribal Council hereby authorizes the Chief of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe to execute a Natural Resources Management contract with the Bureau of Indian Affairs for the management, development, and protection of Indian Trust land and natural resource assets.
CERTIFICATION
The foregoing Resolution was duly voted upon by the Council on the 15th day of May, 2025, at a General Meeting with a vote of 7 in favor and 0 opposed, 0 abstaining, and 0 absent, pursuant to the authority vested in the Council by the Constitution of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe.
