Federal Emergency Management Agency
Washington, D.C. 20472

April 1, 1998

The Honorable Richard Bad Moccasin Executive Director
Mni Sose Intertribal Water Rights Coalition, Inc.
P.O. Box 2890
514 Mt. Rushmore Road
Rapid City, South Dakota 57709-2890

Dear Mr. Bad Moccasin:

Thank you for taking the time to review and respond to the draft American Indian and Alaska Native Policy. Your input is valuable and will assist us to implement an Indian Policy that will form the basis of a partnership between the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments.

You have identified important issues that will impact the policy. Your input will be reviewed and considered in context with issues identified by other respondents. Once finalized, FEMA's Tribal Policy will reinforce the importance of a partnership between and among all levels of government on issues related to disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. The final policy will demonstrate FEMA and the Clinton Administration's commitment to a government-to-government relationship.

We look for your support as we develop and implement this important initiative. If you have any questions or need additional information, please call me at (202) 646-2889.

Sincerely,

Rachael A. Rowland
Intergovernmental Affairs