National Museum of the American Indian Press Conference

Associate Attorney General Tom Perrelli announces $127 million in grants to improve tribal public safety and criminal justice. At the National Museum of the American Indian Mr. Perrelli announced the first grants under the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS), a new effort combining 10 different Department of Justice grant programs into a single solicitation. “Today, we take another major step toward true nation-to-nation collaboration,” said Perrelli. “CTAS is not only a more streamlined grant-making process, it is part of the department’s broader strategy of increased engagement with tribal communities across a broad range of areas.”

Kimberly Teehee, White House Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs speaks about the grants and support of the Tribal Law and Order Act. Tribes submitted more than 200 applications with more than 700 funding requests. This more streamlined process has resulted in more applications for a more diverse group of grants. The Department of Justice is proud to support the Tribal Law and Order Act, which President Obama signed into law in July. This landmark Act increases accountability for federal agencies responsible for public safety in Indian Country and gives greater local control to tribal law enforcement agencies.

Robert Holden, President, National Congress of the American Indian at the podium. Native communities are working hard to address high rates of alcohol and drug abuse and the attendant crime. For the communities whose applications were approved, this program is making $10 million available to help prevent and reduce substance abuse-related crimes.

Associate Attorney General Perrelli summarized the work of the Department for Native American communities and the requests for FY 2011, In summation he said; "While we are proud of our efforts and committed to their success, we realize that these are ..."