Indian Telecommunications Initiatives Workshop and Roundtable

DATE OF INDIAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS INITIATIVES REGIONAL WORKSHOP AND ROUNDTABLE IN POLSON, MONTANA
CHANGED TO OCTOBER 24 -25, 2006

For agenda topics see http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-2009A1.doc

Tribal Representatives, FCC to participate in intergovernmental Indian
Telecommunications Initiatives program examining issues critical to Public
Safety and Homeland Security in Indian Country

On October 24th and 25th, the FCC will host a Public Safety and Homeland Security Regional Workshop and Roundtable in Polson, Montana as part of its Indian Telecommunications Initiatives program (“ITI”).

This workshop is dedicated specifically to Public Safety and Homeland Security Issues. The event is designed as a workshop and intergovernmental consultative meeting between FCC senior staff and the tribal leaders and representatives who have responsibility for homeland security, public safety, and Information Technology security, and will focus on such topics as emergency preparedness and critical infrastructure protection in the communications sector and public safety communications, interoperability and preparedness. The purpose of this event is to give the tribes tools to plan for the protection of critical communications infrastructure on, or serving, tribal lands. The FCC welcomes input from the tribal community on specific discussion topics for the workshop that will assist the tribes in meeting their public safety and homeland security needs.

The Public Safety - Homeland Security ITI

The Homeland Security mission of the FCC is to evaluate and strengthen measures for protecting the Nation’s communications infrastructure; facilitate rapid restoration of that infrastructure in the event of disruption; and develop policies that promote access to effective communications services by public safety, public health, and other emergency personnel in emergency situations.

The Public Safety – Homeland Security ITI is intended to facilitate the protection of critical communications infrastructure on or serving tribal lands by engaging in a consultation with tribes, tribal organizations and tribal leaders in order to assist tribes in fulfilling the nation’s Homeland Security objectives in the communications sector. It also is intended to assist
tribes in developing policies that promote access to effective communications services by public safety, public health, and other emergency personnel in emergency situations, including tribal lands nationwide. This Workshop and Roundtable will provide a forum to discuss key issues involved in protecting critical communications infrastructure on tribal lands and recent public safety communications interoperability policy mandates and guidance. It will also provide an opportunity for tribes and tribal organizations to present to views on challenges and opportunities involved in protecting critical communications infrastructure on tribal lands.

The FCC’s Indian Telecommunications Initiatives

The FCC’s ITI is a comprehensive program that seeks to promote understanding and cooperation and trust among tribes and tribal organizations, the FCC and other governmental agencies, and the telecommunications industry. The ITI program seeks to build partnerships, identify potential solutions, and bring affordable, quality telecommunications services to Indian Country. The ITI program’s goals -- to increase the telephone penetration rate; facilitate the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure on tribal lands; and inform tribes about federal government programs, including Universal Service Fund programs -- are undertaken in Indian Country by the FCC through targeted and effective tribal outreach, coordination and consultation. The Commission’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA), located within the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau, is responsible for coordinating the FCC’s tribal outreach and consultation.

Registration for “The Public Safety - Homeland Security ITI” and Additional Information

The FCC’s Public Safety – Homeland Security ITI is free of charge and open to all interested parties. Tribal leaders and representatives that have public safety, IT security, and homeland security responsibilities are particularly encouraged to attend. To register for the ITI Workshop and Roundtable, or to obtain additional information, please call 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) press number 5 and follow the prompts to leave your full contact information, call 202-418-2513, fax 202-418-1414, or e-mail your full contact information to iti-info@fcc.gov.

The ITI Workshop and Round table will be held at the Best Western KwaTaqNuk Resort, 303 U.S. Hwy 93 East, Polson, MT, 59860. For reservations, call the hotel at (406) 883-3636 or (800) 882- 6363 or visit their website, www.kwataqnuk.com. When reserving rooms, please mention that your reservation is for the FCC public safety and homeland security training
event. There are a limited number of rooms in the hotel block and reservations must be made by October 6, 2006.

Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Include a description of the accommodation you will need with as much detail as possible. Also include a way we can contact you if we need more information. Please allow at least 5 days advance notice; last minute requests will be accepted, but may be impossible to fill. Send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice), 202-418-0432 (TTY).

For more information on the ITI Workshop and Roundtable or the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, please contact Alice Elder, Chief, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs at 202-418-2168 or alice.elder@fcc.gov.

Updates and further information will also be made available on the FCC’s Tribal Initiatives website at: http://www.fcc.gov/indians.