§ 852. Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs established; authority

(a) In order to recognize the historic and cultural contributions of Native Americans to Vermont, to protect and strengthen their heritage, and to address their needs in State policy, programs, and actions, there is hereby established the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs (the "Commission").

(b) The Commission shall be composed of nine members appointed by the Governor for staggered two-year terms from a list of candidates compiled by the Division for Historic Preservation. The Governor shall appoint members who have been residents of Vermont for a minimum of three years and reflect a diversity of affiliations and geographic locations in Vermont. A member may serve for no more than two consecutive terms, unless there are insufficient eligible candidates. The Division shall compile a list of candidates from the following:

(1) Recommendations from Native American communities residing in Vermont. Once a Native American Indian tribe has been recognized under this chapter, a qualified candidate recommended by that tribe shall have priority for appointment to fill the next available vacancy on the Commission.

(2) Individuals who apply to the Division for Historical Preservation. Candidates shall indicate their residence and Native American affiliation.

(c) The Commission shall:

(1) elect a chair each year;

(2) provide technical assistance and an explanation of the process to applicants for State recognition;

(3) compile and maintain a list of professionals and scholars for appointment to a review panel;

(4) appoint a three-member panel acceptable to both the applicant and the Commission to review supporting documentation of an application for recognition and advise the Commission of its accuracy and relevance;

(5) review each application, supporting documentation and findings of the review panel, and make recommendations for or against State recognition to the legislative committees;

(6) assist Native American Indian tribes recognized by the State to:

(A) secure assistance for social services, education, employment opportunities, health care, and housing;

(B) develop and market Vermont Native American fine and performing arts, craft work, and cultural events; and

(7) develop policies and programs to benefit Vermont's Native American Indian population within the scope of the Commission's authority.

(d) During fiscal year 2011, the Commission shall meet at least three times a year and at any other times at the request of the Chair and Commission members shall receive a per diem pursuant to 32 V.S.A. § 1010. In fiscal year 2012 and thereafter, the Commission shall meet as needed but members shall receive a per diem pursuant to 32 V.S.A. § 1010 no more than six times a year. The Division for Historic Preservation within the Agency of Commerce and Community Development shall provide administrative support to the Commission, including providing communication and contact resources.

(e) The Commission may seek and receive funding from federal and other sources to assist with its work. (Added 2005, No. 125 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. May 3, 2006; amended 2009, No. 107 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. May 14, 2010; 2011, No. 3, § 99.)