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Bill to change appointments to state Commission on Native American Affairs draws wide, sometimes emotional testimony
Summary
House Bill 161 would change how members are appointed to the state Commission on Native American Affairs and add a request for a study of recognition. Proponents said the bill would ensure tribal nominees are appointed; opponents said it would cede state appointment authority, exclude existing New Hampshire residents and reduce oversight.
Sherry Gould and Representative Carol McGuire presented House Bill 161 to the House Science, Technology and Energy Committee as a statutory change focused on how members are appointed to the New Hampshire Commission on Native American Affairs and on asking the commission to study state recognition processes.
Why it matters
The bill would modify the commission’s membership process and specify that nominees must be enrolled tribal citizens who reside in New Hampshire and be nominated by chiefs of "state recognized Abenaki or federally recognized tribes in New England." Supporters said the change clarifies a confusing nomination process and would allow recognized tribal governments to nominate residents.…
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