In recognition of exceptional service and significant contributions to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and 27 member tribes of the Mni Sose Intertribal Water Rights Coalition along the mainstream of the Missouri River.

The Mni Sose Intertribal Water Rights Coalition and its member tribes have played a pivotal role in enabling the BIA to carry out its mission. The Coalition has been very successful in uniting the tribes of the Missouri River basin to speak with one voice as they deal with a variety of federal, state, and other organization who are involved with the usage and management of Indian-reserved water rights. Because of this "one voice" the Coalition has been able to influence decision making to the benefit of the tribes. The Coalition has entered into a formal agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers for coordination and consultation on the development of the Master Manual to discuss tribal issues and concerns and identify tribal impacts and issues related to the future operation of the Missouri River. As a result of the Coalition's efforts, various states now recognize Indian water rights in the Missouri River basin and acknowledge the need to resolve issues with the Coalition and tribes. The Coalition has worked with the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, the House Resources Committee, and the Western Area Power Administration to ensure inexpensive hydroelectric power is brought to tribal reservations by the year 2001. Other successes of the Coalition include the development of a Federal Resource Guidebook on water resources and environmental programs to assist tribes in accessing information on water quality, watershed conditions, and adverse environmental programs on tribal lands. The Coalition has formed successful partnerships with the tribes, western states, federal and state agencies, and others in offering solution to complex problems. For its exemplary contribtuions toward accomplishing the mission of the BIA, the Mni Sose Intertribal Water Rights Coalition is granted the Conservation Service Award of the Department of the Interior.


Bruce Babbitt
Secretary of the Interior

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