Archive
Racial and Ethnic Diversity Goes Local: Charting Change in American Communities Over Three Decades
Racial and Ethnic Diversity Goes Local: Charting Change in American Communities Over Three Decades (PDF)
Source: Department of Sociology and Population Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University
During the last three decades, the United States has become more racially and ethnically diverse. We examine this trend at the local level, where the consequences of increased diversity for the economy, education, and politics regularly prompt debate, if not rancor. Decennial census and ACS data spanning the 1980-2010 period allow us to determine (a) the pervasiveness of diversity across America, focusing on metropolitan, micropolitan, and rural areas and places, and (b) the community characteristics that correlate with diversity.
We nd that almost all communities—whether large immigrant gateways or small towns in the nation’s heartland—have grown more diverse. However, the data show a wide range of diversity pro les, from predominantly white communities (a shrinking number) to minority-majority and no-majority ones (an increasing number). The pace of local diversity gains, as well as shifts in racial-ethnic composition, has similarly varied.
While surging Hispanic and Asian populations often drive these patterns, other groups, including African immigrants, Native Americans, and multi-racial individuals, contribute to the distinctive mixes evident from one community to the next.
As for the correlates of diversity, communities with large populations, abundant rental housing, and a range of jobs are more diverse. So are those where the government and/or the military is a key employer. Locationally, diversity tends to be higher in coastal regions and along the southern border.
In short, a growing number of Americans now live in communities where multiple groups—Hispanics, blacks, and Asians as well as whites—are present in signi cant proportions.
The National Indian Education Study: 2011
The National Indian Education Study: 2011
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
The National Indian Education Study (NIES) is designed to describe the condition of education for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) students in the United States. NIES is conducted under the direction of the National Center for Education Statistics on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Indian Education. The results presented in this report focus on the performance of AI/AN fourth- and eighth-graders on the 2011 National Assessment of Educational Progress in reading and mathematics and on the educational experiences of AI/AN students based on NIES survey data.
Nationally representative samples of approximately 9,600 AI/AN students at grades 4 and 8 participated in the 2011 reading assessment and in the mathematics assessment. Students’ performance in 2011 is compared to earlier assessments in 2005, 2007, and 2009. Average reading and mathematics scores for AI/AN fourth- and eighth-graders in 2011 were not significantly different from the scores in either 2009 or 2005. At both grades 4 and 8, AI/AN students attending BIE schools scored lower on average in reading and mathematics than students attending public schools. Among the 12 states with samples large enough to report results for AI/AN students in both 2009 and 2011, average mathematics scores were lower in 2011 for fourth-graders in Montana and for eighth-graders in Minnesota and Utah. None of the participating states had a significant change in average reading scores from 2009 to 2011 at grade 4 or grade 8.
About 10,200 AI/AN students at grade 4 and 10,300 students at grade 8 participated in the 2011 NIES survey. Surveys were also completed by students’ teachers and school administrations. Results showed how the educational experiences of AI/AN students differed based on the type of school they attended and the proportion of AI/AN students in the school. For example, AI/AN students in BIE schools were more likely to report having some or a lot of knowledge about their AI/AN history, have teachers who reported learning about AI/AN students from living and working in the AI/AN community, and attend schools where members of the AI/AN community visit the school to discuss education issues.
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports
Source: Government Accountability Office
1. Indian Health Service: Action Needed to Ensure Equitable Allocation of Resources for the Contract Health Service Program. GAO-12-446, June 15.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-446
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/591632.pdf
2. Managing for Results: A Guide for Using the GPRA Modernization Act to Help Inform Congressional Decision Making. GAO-12-621SP, June 15.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-621SP
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports and Press Release
Source: Government Accountability Office
+ Reports
1. Securities Regulation: Opportunities Exist to Improve SEC’s Oversight of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. GAO-12-625, May 30.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-625
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/591220.pdf
Podcast - http://www.gao.gov/multimedia/podcasts/591197
2. VA Administrative Investigations: Improvements Needed in Collecting and Sharing Information. GAO-12-483, April 30.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-483
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/590547.pdf
3. Tribal Law and Order Act: None of the Surveyed Tribes Reported Exercising the New Sentencing Authority, and the Department of Justice Could Clarify Tribal Eligibility for Certain Grant Funds. GAO-12-658R, May 30.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-658R
4. Indigent Defense: Surveys of Grant Recipients, Select Tribes, and Indigent Defense Providers, an E-supplement to GAO-12-569. GAO-12-661SP, May 2012.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-661SP
5. GAO Schedule Assessment Guide: Best Practices for project schedules. GAO-12-120G, May 2012.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-120G
+ Press Release
1. How Long Will This Project Really Take? GAO Issues Draft Schedule Assessment Guide; Second Volume in Series to Help Manage Government Projects, May 30.
http://www.gao.gov/press/schedule_assessment_2012may30.htm
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports and TestimoniesSource: Government Accountability Office
+ Reports
1. Indigent Defense: DOJ Could Increase Awareness of Eligible Funding and Better Determine the Extent to Which Funds Help Support This Purpose. GAO-12-569, May 09.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-569
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/590737.pdf
2. Medicare: Review of the First Year of CMS’s Durable Medical Equipment Competitive Bidding Program’s Round 1 Rebid. GAO-12-693, May 09.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-693
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/590713.pdf
3. Social Security Administration: Improved Planning and Performance Measures Are Needed to Help Ensure Successful Technology Modernization. GAO-12-495, April 26.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-495
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/590493.pdf
4. Indian Issues: Federal Funding for Non-Federally Recognized Tribes. GAO-12-348, April 12.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-348
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/590103.pdf
5. Workplace Safety and Health: Better OSHA Guidance Needed on Safety Incentive Programs. GAO-12-329, April 09.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-329
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/590/589964.pdf
+ Testimonies
1. Department of Health and Human Services: Opportunities for Financial Savings and Program Improvements in Medicare and Medicaid Remain. GAO-12-719T, May 09.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-719T
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/590723.pdf
2. Homeland Security: DHS and TSA Face Challenges Overseeing Acquisition of Screening Technologies. GAO-12-644T, May 09.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-644T
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/590730.pdf
3. Medicare: The First Year of the Durable Medical Equipment Competitive Bidding Program Round 1 Rebid. GAO-12-733T, May 09.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-733T
4. Social Security Administration: Technology Modernization Needs Improved Planning and Performance Measures. GAO-12-723T, May 09.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-723T
Ethnicity, Metabolism and Vascular Function: From Biology to Culture
Ethnicity, Metabolism and Vascular Function: From Biology to Culture
Source: Medscape
We live in a multicultural society. Data from the US 2000 census illustrate that the population is quite heterogeneous: 75% of the population is of Caucasian origin, but look at the numbers for the other racial/ethnic populations. These numbers have now actually changed. The most recent data show that the Latino population now comprises 13.9% of the US population, followed by the African American population. And as you can see, there are other minority populations in the country.
Why is that relevant? It is relevant because we recognize that type 2 diabetes affects different populations in different ways. In this graph, you can see that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is significantly higher in most of these minority groups in comparison to the white population. In this case, the European population represents what we usually see in this country in the white population. Keep in mind that these data are in people between the age of 45 and 74 years, and the rates of diabetes are 1.5, 2, 3 times higher than in the white population, with the highest prevalence of diabetes in terms of percentage of the population being demonstrated in the Pima Indians.
The Pima Indians are an American Indian group (most live in the state of Arizona) that has the highest rates of diabetes in the world: 70% of all Pima Indians above the age of 35 years have type 2 diabetes. They have a tremendous genetic risk for the disease, and they develop diabetes at very high rates. There is a very interesting natural “study” that occurred many years ago. The Pima Indians represented just a single group at some point in the past, but they divided into two groups: one that resides in the state of Arizona and another group that migrated to the northern part of Mexico (Sonora state). Although the populations are genetically identical, their rates for diabetes are very different.
Jails In Indian Country, 2010
Jails In Indian Country, 2010
Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics
Presents findings from the 2010 Survey of Jails in Indian Country, an enumeration of all jails, confinement facilities, detention centers, and other correctional facilities operated by tribal authorities or the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) on June 30, 2010. The report includes data on the number of adults and juveniles held, type of offense, number of persons confined on the last weekday of each month, average daily population, peak population, and admissions in June 2010. It also provides detailed data on rated capacity, facility crowding, and jail staffing for each facility.
Highlights include the following:
- At midyear 2010, a total of 2,119 inmates were confined in Indian country jails, a 2.6% decrease from the 2,176 inmates confined at midyear 2009.
- Nationwide, 78,900 American Indians and Alaska Natives were under correctional supervision in the United States.
- The number of inmates admitted into Indian country jails (12,545) during June 2010 was about 6 times the size of the average daily population (2,009).
- The expected average length of stay during June 2010 was the highest (12.5 days) in facilities rated to hold 50 or more inmates and the lowest (2.3 days) for jails rated to hold 10 to 24 inmates.
+ Full Report (PDF)
Preventing and Addressing Sexual Abuse in Tribal Detention Facilities
Source: American Probation and Parole Association
The issue of corrections-based sexual assault is complex and has implications reaching far beyond correctional institutions. In developing the law, Congress found that “prison rape endangers the public safety by making brutalized inmates more likely to commit crimes when they are released—as 600,000 inmates are each year… [and that] victims of prison rape suffer severe physical and psychological effects that hinder their ability to integrate into the community and maintain stable employment upon their release from prison.”
This bulletin seeks to provide information to tribal detention professionals, as well as tribal leaders, on the key policy and practice issues for the prevention, reduction, detection, and punishment of sexual abuse perpetrated on those under correctional supervision in Indian Country, including in jails, juvenile detention facilities, and police lock-ups.
Tribal detention professionals face a number of particular challenges: working with a range of criminal defendants/inmates, including violent and nonviolent, adults and juveniles, and men and women; working in facilities that are often underfunded, understaffed and overpopulated; balancing the equally important responsibilities of holding inmates accountable for their crimes and providing needed programs and services to promote their rehabilitation; managing potentially dangerous inmates in settings originally designed for individuals charged or convicted of lower-level offenses; and, negotiating complex jurisdictional issues unique to Indian Country criminal justice systems. Without a doubt, working in tribal corrections is a highly stressful profession in which the stakes are incredibly high—for officers, for inmates, and for the community alike.
While at first glance it may appear that policy and practice recommendations for preventing and addressing sexual violence add to an already overwhelming set of tasks that tribal corrections professionals are required to accomplish, the purpose of this bulletin is rather to demonstrate how tribal detention staff can build on existing efforts to protect the safety of inmates and facilities through the enhancement of policies and procedures for the prevention of and response to sexual abuse. Moreover, this bulletin will highlight key resources that have been designed to assist tribal detention professionals in addressing this critical issue.
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports and Testimony
Source: Government Accountability Office
+ Reports
1. Indian Health Service: Continued Efforts Needed to Help Strengthen Response to Sexual Assaults and Domestic Violence. GAO-12-29, October 26.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-29
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d1229high.pdf
2. Information Technology: OMB Needs to Improve Its Guidance on IT Investments. GAO-11-826, September 29.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-826
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11826high.pdf
3. National Preparedness: Improvements Needed for Acquiring Medical Countermeasures to Threats from Terrorism and Other Sources. GAO-12-121, October 26.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-121
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d12121high.pdf
4. Low Income Countries: International Financial Institutions Met Many Goals in Response to Financial, Food, and Fuel Crises, but Impact on Spending Difficult to Establish. GAO-11-832, September 28.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-832
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11832high.pdf
+ Testimony
1. Defense Acquisitions: Future Ground-Based Vehicles and Network Initiatives Face Development and Funding Challenges, by Belva M. Martin, director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-12-181T, October 26.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-181T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d12181thigh.pdf
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports (PDFs)
Source: Government Accountability Office
1. Federal Chief Information Officers: Opportunities Exist to Improve Role in Information Technology Management. GAO-11-634, September 15.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-634
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11634high.pdf
2. Long-Term Care Hospitals: CMS Oversight Is Limited and Should Be Strengthened. GAO-11-810, September 15.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-810
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11810high.pdf
3. Temporary Assistance For Needy Families: HHS Needs to Improve Guidance and Monitoring of Tribal Programs. GAO-11-758, September 15.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-758
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11758high.pdf
4. Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle: DOD Needs to Ensure New Acquisition Strategy Is Based on Sufficient Information. GAO-11-641, September 15.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-641
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11641high.pdf
5. Yucca Mountain: Information on Alternative Uses of the Site and Related Challenges. GAO-11-847, September 16.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-847
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11847high.pdf
Crime and Justice in Indian Country: A summary of talking circle findings and the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010
Crime and Justice in Indian Country: A summary of talking circle findings and the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 (PDF)
Source: Crime and Justice Institute
This report summarizes information regarding culture and criminal justice issues in Indian Country today, most of it gathered through talking circles and focus groups with members of different American Indian communities in the United States in 2009-2010. Findings from the talking circles highlight some of the major issues facing American Indian tribal governments and communities in terms of criminal justice issues, strategies being used to address such issues, and areas in need of improvement. The intent of this writing is to educate those who may not be familiar with American Indian culture, courts, governments, and current criminal justice challenges; to better inform those making Indian policy and funding decisions; to share with tribal communities a sampling of criminal justice resources and initiatives in Indian Country today, and to outline for all the significant legal changes created by the recently enacted Tribal Law and Order Act.
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports and Testimonies (PDF)
Source: Government Accountability Office
+ Reports
1. Drug Pricing: Manufacturer Discounts in the 340B Program Offer Benefits, but Federal Oversight Needs Improvement. GAO-11-836, September 23.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-836
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11836high.pdf
2. Indian Health Service: Increased Oversight Needed to Ensure Accuracy of Data Used for Estimating Contract Health Service Need. GAO-11-767, September 23.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-767
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11767high.pdf
3. Electronic Government: Performance Measures for Projects Aimed at Promoting Innovation and Transparency Can Be Improved. GAO-11-775, September 23.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-775
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11775high.pdf
+ Testimonies
1. DOD Financial Management: Improved Controls, Processes, and Systems Are Needed for Accurate and Reliable Financial Information, by Asif A. Khan, director, financial management and assurance, before the Subcommittee on Government Organization, Efficiency and Financial Management, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. GAO-11-933T, September 23.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-933T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11933thigh.pdf
2. Social Security Disability: Participation in the Ticket to Work Program Has Increased, but More Oversight Needed, by Daniel Bertoni, director, education, workforce, and income security issues, before the Subcommittees on Social Security and Human Resources, House Ways and Means Committee. GAO-11-828T, September 23.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-828T
3. American Samoa and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: Employment, Earnings, and Status of Key Industries Since Minimum Wage Increases Began, by David Gootnick, director, international affairs and trade, before the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs, House Natural Resources Committee. GAO-11-956T, September 23.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-956T
4. Polar Satellites: Agencies Need to Address Potential Gaps in Weather and Climate Data Coverage, by David A. Powner, director, information technology management issues, before the Subcommittees on Investigations and Oversight and Energy and Environment, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. GAO-11-945T, September 23.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-945T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11945thigh.pdf
Tribal Youth in the Federal Justice System, Final Report (Revised)
Tribal Youth in the Federal Justice System, Final Report (Revised) (PDF)
Source: Urban Institute
The Tribal Youth in the Federal Justice System project explored issues surrounding the population of American Indian juveniles who are processed in the federal justice system. Juveniles in the federal system are rare, and a substantial proportion enters into the system because of crimes committed on American Indians lands, over which the states have no jurisdiction. While these cases are sometimes handled within a tribe’s own justice system, some are prosecuted federally. Using 1999-2008 data from the Federal Justice Statistics Program and interviews with tribal and federal officials, the study explored the prevalence, characteristics, and outcomes of these youth at each stage of the justice system. In addition, the study examined significant issues surrounding the processing of tribal youth cases, including the reasons that these cases may be handled federally or tribally. This study fills a gap in the literature by providing both statistical and contextual information about tribal and non-tribal juvenile cases in the federal system. Although the data have many limitations, the study pointed to a number of findings, including the following: over the last ten years, about half of all juveniles in the federal system were tribal youth; the number of juveniles in the federal system – both tribal and nontribal — decreased over this period; most juvenile cases were concentrated in a small number of federal judicial districts; and U.S. Attorneys declined a substantial portion of all juvenile matters referred for prosecution. Tribal and non-tribal juvenile cases differed in significant ways: most tribal youth cases involved violent offenses, while most non-tribal cases involved public order and drug offenses; and tribal youth were more likely to be adjudicated delinquent, while nontribal youth were more likely to be prosecuted as adults. Availability of rehabilitative resources and tribal capacity to prosecute were also found to be important factors in the decision to pursue a tribal youth case in the federal system.
US Forest Service opens Sacred Sites Report for public comment
US Forest Service opens Sacred Sites Report for public comment
Source: U.S. Forest Service
The U.S. Forest Service has opened for public comment through the Federal Register a draft report that outlines its policies and procedures on Indian Sacred Sites.
The 60-day comment window follows on-going dialogue between the Forest Service and Tribal representatives on Sacred Sites. The Forest Service will accept public comments on the draft report while honoring its responsibility to consult with Indian Tribes.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack requested an internal review and consultation with Tribes to determine if existing law, regulations and policies affecting Sacred Sites provide a consistent level of protection.
“I cannot overemphasize the value of government-to-government consultations with the Tribes,” said Vilsack. “These discussions continue to produce information critical to developing land management strategies that respect and protect America’s sacred lands.”
Compendium Of Tribal Crime Data, 2011
Compendium Of Tribal Crime Data, 2011
Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics
Focuses on BJS’s existing data on key criminal justice issues in Indian country and addresses gaps in tribal crime data. This compendium is part of BJS’s first annual report to Congress, as required by the Tribal Law and Order Act (TLOA), 2010. It consists of four separate reports and selected findings from a previously released BJS report.
+ Full Report (PDF)
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports and Testimonies (PDFs)
Source: Government Accountability Office
Reports
1. DOD Weapon Systems: Missed Trade-off Opportunities During Requirements Reviews. GAO-11-502, June 16.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-502
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11502high.pdf
2. Small Business Contracting: Action Needed by Those Agencies Whose Advocates Do Not Report to Agency Heads as Required. GAO-11-418, June 3.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-418
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11418high.pdf
Related Product:
Small Business Contracting: Survey of 25 Agency Advocates (E-supplement to GAO-11-418). GAO-11-436SP, June 3.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-436SP
Testimonies
1. Indian Issues: Key Federal Agencies’ and the Smithsonian Institution’s Efforts to Identify and Repatriate Indian Human Remains and Objects, by Anu K. Mittal, director, natural resources and environment, before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. GAO-11-755T, June 16.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-755T
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11755thigh.pdf
2. Compact of Free Association: Proposed U.S. Assistance to Palau and Its Likely Impact, by David Gootnick, director, international affairs and trade, before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. GAO-11-559T, June 16.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-559T
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11559thigh.pdf
3. Small Business Programs: Efforts to Address Internal Control Weaknesses and Potential Duplication, by William B. Shear, director, financial markets and community investment, before the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. GAO-11-558T, June 16.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-558T
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11558thigh.pdf
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports, Correspondence and Testimonies (PDFs)
Source: Government Accountability Office
Reports
1. Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children: Federal Support for Developing Language and Literacy. GAO-11-357, May 25.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-357
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11357high.pdf
2. Defense Management: Comprehensive Cost Information and Analysis of Alternatives Needed to Assess Military Posture in Asia. GAO-11-316, May 25.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-316
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11316high.pdf
3. Smithsonian Institution: Much Work Still Needed to Identify and Repatriate Indian Human Remains and Objects. GAO-11-515, May 25.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-515
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11515high.pdf
Correspondence
1. Federal Student Loans: Patterns in Tuition, Enrollment, and Federal Stafford Loan Borrowing Up to the 2007-08 Loan Limit Increase. GAO-11-470R, May 25.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-470R
Testimonies
1. Tax Refunds: Enhanced Prerefund Compliance Checks Could Yield Significant Benefits, by Michael Brostek, director, strategic issues, before the Subcommittee on Oversight, House Committee on Ways and Means. GAO-11-691T, May 25.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-691T
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11691thigh.pdf
2. Taxes and Identity Theft: Status of IRS Initiatives to Help Victimized Taxpayers, by James R. White, director, strategic issues, before the Subcommittee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Growth, Senate Committee on Finance. GAO-11-674T, May 25.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-674T
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11674thigh.pdf
3. Opportunities to Reduce Potential Duplication in Government Programs, Save Tax Dollars, and Enhance Revenues, by Gene L. Dodaro, comptroller general of the United States, before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-11-635T, May 25.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-635T
4. Economic Development: Efficiency and Effectiveness of Fragmented Programs Are Unclear, by William B. Shear, director, financial markets and community investment, before the House Committee on Small Business. GAO-11-651T, May 25.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-651T
5. Antidumping and Countervailing Duties: Options for Improving Collection, by Loren Yager, director, international affairs and trade, before the Subcommittee on Homeland Security, Senate Committee on Appropriations. GAO-11-693T, May 25.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-693T
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d11693thigh.pdf
Foundation Funding for Native American Issues and Peoples
Foundation Funding for Native American Issues and Peoples (PDF)
Source: Foundation Center
From e-mail:
Over the past decade, U.S. foundation support explicitly benefiting Native Americans declined from 0.5 percent to 0.3 percent of total foundation giving. According to Foundation Funding for Native American Issues and Peoples, released today by Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) and the Foundation Center, total grant dollars targeting Native Americans dropped 30.8 percent in the latest year, compared to a 12.4 percent overall downturn in foundation giving. Although the number of foundation grants benefiting Native Americans remained far more consistent during much of this period, grant dollars were down more than 10 percent from 2008 to 2009.
“Only a small number of U.S. foundations target funding for the direct benefit of Native Americans,” said Steven Lawrence, director of research at the Foundation Center. “This report documents the current reality and offers specific ways that other grantmakers might become engaged.”
Other key findings of the report include:
- The top 10 funders for Native Americans in 2009 accounted for close to 60 percent of grant dollars.
- Education received the largest share of foundation giving for Native Americans in 2009.
- Most foundation funding for Native Americans in 2009 supported organizations not affiliated with tribal governments.
- Recipients located in three of the country’s seven major regions (Northeast, Midwest, and Southwest) captured more than two-thirds of grant dollars benefiting Native Americans in 2009.
- Eight of the top 25 recipients are Native-led or for the exclusive benefit of Native Americans.
Traditional wisdom: Protecting relationships with wilderness as a cultural landscape
Traditional wisdom: Protecting relationships with wilderness as a cultural landscape
Source: U.S. Forest Service
Interviews of tribal and nontribal residents of the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana, U.S., were conducted to contrast the meanings that different cultures attach to the Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness. Legislation that created a national system of wilderness areas (in 1964 and still growing) was conceived, supported, and enacted by a fairly distinct social group generally residing in urban areas and schooled in modern civilization’s scientific model and relationship with nature. The places this legislation protects, however, provide many other poorly recognized and little understood meanings to other parts of society. There is a link between indigenous people and nature that is not described well in this legislation or management policy in most places. The Wilderness Act suggests that these protected areas should be “untrammeled,” or unmanipulated, unfettered, when in fact it is common knowledge that, for most areas in North America, indigenous people have intervened, with respect, for generations. The Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness in Montana, though not part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, was designated to protect many of these same values but also extend to protect important cultural meanings assigned to this wild landscape. Protecting the relationship between indigenous people and relatively intact, complex systems, which we commonly refer to as wilderness in North America, can be an important contributor to sustainability of the landscape and cultural heritage.
+ Full Paper (PDF)
Jails In Indian Country, 2009
Jails In Indian Country, 2009
Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics
Presents findings from the 2009 Survey of Jails in Indian Country, an enumeration of 80 jails, confinement facilities, detention centers, and other facilities operated by tribal authorities or the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The report includes data on the number of adults and juveniles held, type of offense, number of persons confined on the last weekday of each month, average daily population, peak population, and admissions in June 2009. It also summarizes rated capacity, facility crowding, and jail staffing.
Highlights include the following:
- The number of inmates confined in Indian country jails increased by 1.9% between midyear 2008 and 2009, reaching 2,176 inmates.
- Over the 12 months ending June 2009, the average daily jail population in Indian country increased by 12%, and the percentage of occupied bed space increased from 64.2% to 73.5%.
- During June 2009, the number of inmates admitted into Indian country jails (11,357) was about 5 times the size of the average daily population (2,124).
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