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FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK
ALASKA REGION (REGION 10)
JUNEAU, ALASKA
FSH 1709.11 – CIVIL RIGHTS HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 60 – EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Supplement No.: R-10 1709.11-2006-1
Effective Date: June 30, 2006
Duration: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved: /s/ Mary Anne Young (for)
DENNIS E. BSCHOR
Regional Forester
Date Approved: 06/13/2006
Posting Instructions: Supplements are numbered consecutively by Handbook number and
calendar year. Post by document; remove the entire document and replace it with this
supplement. Retain this transmittal as the first page(s) of this document. The last supplement to
this Handbook was R-10 Supplement 1709.11-2005-2 to chapter 60.
New Document
1709.11_60
11 Pages
Superseded Document(s) by
Issuance Number and
Effective Date
1709.11_60 (1709.11-2005-2, 1/14/2005)
9 Pages
Digest:
61:
Removes reference of the Alaskan Native Program Committee (ANPC) and replaces it with the
Alaskan Region American Indian Council (ARAIC).
The Region’s EEO Specialist (Title VII) serves as the Region’s manager for all Special
Emphasis Programs.
Establishes a new charter and bylaws for the Alaska Region American Indian Council.
61.3: Updates text to include American Indians.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 1709.11-2006-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/30/2006
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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CHAPTER 60 – EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
61 - SPECIAL EMPHASIS PROGRAMS
The Alaska Region American Indian Council (ARAIC) is an employee organization that
provides support to and works in concert with the Alaska Native Special Emphasis Program
Manager toward achieving the goals of the Alaska Native/American Indian Program relative to
job advancement, career opportunities and enhancement, recruitment, retention, and employment
outreach to Alaska Native/American Indian applicants and employees.
The ARAIC serves in an outreach and support capacity to the Alaska Native/American Indian
Special Emphasis Program Manager discussing and recommending methods that will contribute
to a more effective Alaska Native/American Indian Program in the Region.
The Region’s Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist (Title VII) serves as the Region’s
manager for all Special Emphasis Programs (SEP) and provides advice to Forest level and
Regional Office SEP managers on conducting SEP events and activities Region-wide.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 1709.11-2006-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/30/2006
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSH 1709.11 – CIVIL RIGHTS HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 60 – EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
USDA FOREST SERVICE
ALASKA REGION AMERICAN INDIAN COUNCIL
REGION 10
CHARTER AND BYLAWS
I. CHARTER
The Alaska Region American Indian Council is organized as a voice of American Indian and
Alaska Native employees within the Forest Service. We serve a diverse group of people with
many tribal backgrounds sharing many common interests. We act as a resource to the leadership
of Region 10 for the purpose of addressing Tribal employee issues. We are dedicated to
supporting and nurturing respect, understanding, trust, and good relationships among American
Indian and Alaskan Native employees, Tribal governments, and the Forest Service.
Historically, Alaska Native and American Indian people have been inherent caretakers of the
land, on behalf of present and future generations. Our rich customs, cultures, traditions, values,
and knowledge sustain this commitment and, if utilized, can provide valuable contributions to
achieving the USDA Forest Service mission.
Alaska Region American Indian Council shall:
a. Encourage leadership to utilize American Indian/Alaska Native employees on the correct
protocol, customs, and traditions for each tribe to foster effective working relations between the tribes
and the Forest Service with the tribes in Southeast and South Central Alaska.
b. Support the goals of the Alaska Native/American Indian Program for the Region.
c. Encourage leadership to involve American Indian/Alaska Native employees to participate in
Forest Service task groups and programs with the goal to improve job enhancement and career
opportunities.
d. Encourage American Indian/Alaska Native employees to participate in Forest Service task
groups and programs with the goal to improve job advancement and opportunities.
e. Assist in the recruitment, retention and advancement of qualified Alaska Natives/American
Indians within the Region.
f. Be kept informed of proposed policies and procedures which could impact Alaska Native
and American Indian employees within the Region. Make recommendations and suggestions to the
Region Leadership Team as it feels appropriate and necessary.
g. Be a member in the National American Indian Group and Civil Rights programs. Foster
understanding of Alaska Native and American Indian issues throughout the Forest Service workforce
at all levels.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 1709.11-2006-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/30/2006
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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CHAPTER 60 – EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
II. BYLAWS
Article I. Name. The name of this organization shall be the Alaska Region American Indian Council
(ARAIC).
Article II. Functions. The ARAIC can provide support to the Leadership, the Civil Rights Staff, and
the Tribal Government Relations Program. Occasionally, it will act as a working council involved in
the assistance in implementation of these programs to ensure their success. It also serves as the Alaska
Chapter of the National American Indian Council, and will provide recommendations for Regional
representation within the National organization. The ARAIC will:
a. Provide a channel of two-way communications between Forest Service managers
and Alaska Native and American Indian employees.
b. Promote unity among Alaska Native and Native American employees, their
associates, and colleagues.
c. Promote good interpersonal relations and cross-cultural communication among all
employees within the Region.
Article III. Membership. Membership is open to all employees of Region 10 and Forestry Sciences
Laboratory, regardless of their Tribal affiliation or ethnicity, who are interested or concerned with the
objectives and goals of Alaska Native/American Indian programs within the Region. All members
may participate in any discussion and shall elect the officers of the ARAIC.
Article IV. Officers.
A. Election and Terms. A Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and a Secretary-Treasurer shall be elected
by simple majority of the membership and will serve a term of one year corresponding to the
calendar year. Elections will be held in January each year. The election will be by closed ballot.
All officers shall serve for one year and until their successors are elected. No office shall be held
for more than two (2) consecutive years by the same person. Vacancies may be filled by a simple
majority vote of the membership for the unexpired portion of the term.
B. Duties.
1. The Chairperson shall preside over all meetings.
a. Operate as official spokesperson for the organization; only at the direction of the council;
b. Appoint standing committees and others as needed;
c. Respond to day-to-day inquiries and actions regarding the ARAIC;
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EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/30/2006
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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d. Sign letters or other instruments to meet the purposes of the ARAIC that are within the
objectives of the organization as outlined in the Charter;
2. The Vice Chairperson shall act as Chair in the absence of the Chair.
a. Maintain an accurate membership and mailing list.
3. The Secretary-Treasurer shall:
a. Record, compile, and distribute minutes of meetings to all members within one week of
meeting;
b. Announce meetings in advance and distribute agendas, which clearly identify the purpose
and location of the meetings, and meeting materials (handouts), at least three days prior to
meeting dates;
c. Distribute any electronic or over land correspondence as necessary;
d. Maintain records of all correspondence of the ARAIC;
Article V. Meetings.
A. ARAIC may meet once a month. The Chairperson may call special meetings as needed. The
ARAIC may hold more or fewer meetings depending on the amount of business to be conducted.
The meeting site will be determined by the council, and a bridge number will be set up for remote
members to participate. Every member will have one vote. All decisions shall be made with a
simple majority vote of members present.
B. A meeting quorum shall be reached with the presence in person or by telephone of including at
least three duly elected officers. No decisions will be made without the presence of a quorum.
C. The Chairperson or designated representative will brief the Regional Forester on a semi-annual
basis on issues being addressed by the ARAIC.
Article VI. Funding of Organization. Membership to this organization is voluntary. If travel is
requested, ARAIC will pay the expenses for an ARAIC officer to travel.
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EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/30/2006
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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Article VII. Committees. The committees will have the responsibility to complete tasks as assigned.
The ARAIC will select their representative for the Alaska R-10 Council. The committee’s activities
will be reported back to the Council, as a commitment to keep all Council members informed.
Article VIII. National Representation. One of the ARAIC officers will serve on the National
American Indian Council (NAIC). The ARAIC representative to the NAIC will serve as a two-way
channel for communications and meet with the ARAIC prior to attending the NAIC meetings and
report to the ARAIC after each NAIC meeting.
Article IX. Amendments to Charter and Bylaws. These Bylaws may be altered, amended or
repealed, and new Bylaws may be adopted at any regular or special meeting of the ARAIC.
/s/ Mary Anne Young (for)
DENNIS E. BSCHOR
Regional Forester
June 13, 2006
Date
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 1709.11-2006-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/30/2006
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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61.3 - Special Emphasis Program Planning
1. Alaska Native/American Indian Program (AN/AIP).
a. Authority. Pertinent laws, orders, rules, regulations concerning Civil Rights are
listed in Zero Code of this handbook. Other pertinent legal requirements are:
(1) National Forest Management Act.
(2) American Indian Religious Freedom Act.
(3) Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.
(4) Alaskan National Interest Lands and Conservation Act.
b. Objectives. To provide special emphasis and direction for the Alaska
Native/American Indian Program.
c. Policy. Alaska Natives/American Indians comprise the largest minority group in
Region 10. Alaska Native/American Indian tribes, through legislation and
agreements, have a special legal relationship with the United States Government. The
Regional policy shall be to:
(1) Take affirmative action to provide equal employment opportunity for Alaska
Natives/American Indians;
(2) Coordinate cultural and other special emphasis activities with regional office
staffs and employees.
(3) Afford equal opportunity to participate in or derive benefits from Forest Service
programs.
d. Responsibilities.
(1) Deputy Regional Forester for Operations. Maintains overall responsibility for the
AN/AIP in Region 10.
(2) Civil Rights Director. Defines the AN/AIP mission and functions, establishes
objectives for implementation efforts, and manages the program.
(3) Civil Rights Title VI (Employment) Manager. Directs, implements, and monitors
the Region's AN/AIP and provides assistance and guidance to the field as needed.
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DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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(4) Forest level and Regional Office Alaska Native/American Indian Program
Managers (AN/AIPM). AN/AIPMs will assist in implementing the objectives of
Alaska Native/American Indian Program, as appropriate.
(5) Forest Supervisors. The Forest Supervisors are responsible for establishing,
directing, and evaluating a Forest AN/AIP that supports the accomplishment of
Regional objectives and policies. Each Forest Supervisor shall designate a Forest
AN/AIPM to manage the unit's program.
(6) Staff Directors. The Staff Directors within their area of responsibility shall
propose needed policy and assist the Regional Office AN/AIPM with the
accomplishments of the Region's AN/AIP objectives and policies.
e. Program. The program will have three primary focus areas: (1) Employment, (2)
Alaska Native/American Indian Community Contact, and (3) Cultural Awareness.
The AN/AIP shall be developed, implemented, and maintained in Region 10 to
support the accomplishments of the objectives and policies.
(1) Employment.
(a) Policy. Encourage Alaska Natives/American Indians to pursue careers and
become employable in natural resources and related occupations by:
(i) Using the Career Enhancement Program to provide systematic developmental
opportunities for Alaska Natives/American Indians;
(ii) Using the Student Education Employment Program to provide a basic exposure to
land management activities and to encourage attainment of a 2- to 4-year post high
school education in natural resources and related occupations;
(iii) Working with the State of Alaska, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Tribes, Native
corporations, and other Native groups and organizations to:

Identify barriers that prevent Alaska Native/American Indian youth from
competing equally for jobs.

Participate in career fairs and other recruitment and youth education activities.
(iv) Promoting and supporting the establishment/development of curricula at local
community colleges, Sheldon Jackson Community College, Seward Skill Center, and
the University of Alaska system, which are compatible with occupational needs and
requirements of land and resource management; and
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DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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(v) Working with Human Resources Staff to promote diversity, recruitment, and
retention activities.
(vi) Establishing contacts and/or partnerships with tribal colleges and universities
(TCU) to promote employment and education of Native youth in natural resources
management.
(vii) Maintaining communication with Native corporations, community groups, and
R-10 employing units to foster recruitment of Alaska Natives/American Indians;
(2) Alaska Native/American Indian Community Contact.
(a) Policy. Actively seek out opportunities to develop and maintain communications,
and cooperation with Alaska Native/American Indian groups, organizations,
associations, and corporations by:

Developing continuing, open, 2-way communication;

Improving Alaska Native/American Indian community's understanding of
natural resources management;

Developing cooperative activities of mutual interest concerning youth
education, employment, cultural awareness, and diversity.
(3) Awareness
(a) Policy: All employees shall receive appropriate orientation, training, and
exposure to develop an awareness of Alaska Native/American Indian customs and
traditions. This will be effected by:
(i) Including an AN/AIP presentation at all new employee and professional
orientation sessions;
(ii) Using significant commemorative days and events to promote recognition and
understanding of Alaska Native/American Indian cultures, concerns, and
contributions;

Designing, organizing and overseeing programs and activities for Forest
Service employees in celebration of selected commemorative events;

Promoting the use of photos and graphics that depict Alaska
Natives/American Indians in positive active roles in Forest Service Alaska
Region public information media when appropriate and feasible;

Developing and working with the Alaska Region American Indian Council to
develop and submit Alaska Native/American Indian success stories as articles
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EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/30/2006
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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for the Regional employees' newsletter, Sourdough Notes, and to the field
AN/AIPMs for their use;

Developing and/or implementing seminars or workshops on Alaska
Native/American Indian cultures for the Regional Office employees; and

Providing leadership and guidance in the development or implementation of
training/orientation of Alaska Native/American Indian cultures to the
Regional office, Forests, and Districts.
(b) Responsibilities. The following responsibilities are assigned to develop and
maintain the Awareness Program.
(i) Director of Human Capital Management . The Director of Human Capital
Management shall:

Ensure that information and/or presentations on Alaska Native/American
Indian cultures are included in new employee orientation training sessions.

Provide guidance, and leadership in recruitment and retention initiatives and
activities.
(ii) Director of Public Affairs Office. The Director of Public Affairs shall:

Keep the Regional AN/AIPM informed of current community events;

Ensure the use of photos and graphics that depict Alaska Natives/American
Indians in positive active roles in R-10 public information materials,
brochures, and audiovisual presentations when appropriate and feasible;

Ensure inclusion of Alaska Natives/American Indians in open and or public
meetings impacting Alaska Natives/American Indians and other EEO groups,
as appropriate;

Provide assistance and cooperation in the development of articles on Alaska
Native/American Indian success stories for the Sourdough Notes.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 1709.11-2006-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/30/2006
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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(iii) Director of Recreation, Lands, and Minerals. The Director of Recreation, Lands,
and Minerals shall:

Provide opportunities to collaborate and participate in conservation education
programs.

Develop strategies for inclusion of Alaska Native/American Indian cultures,
traditions, and history in the interpretive program.