It shall be the duty of the commission to study, consider, accumulate, compile, assemble, and disseminate information on any aspect of Indian affairs; to investigate relief needs of Indians of Mobile County and to provide technical assistance in the preparation of plans for the alleviation of such needs; to confer with appropriate officials of local, state, and federal governments and agencies of those concerned with Indian affairs to encourage and implement coordination of applicable resources to meet the needs of Indians in Mobile County; to cooperate with and secure the assistance of the local, state, and federal governments or any agencies thereof in formulating any such programs, and to coordinate such programs with any program regarding Indian affairs adopted or planned by the federal government to the end that the commission may secure the full benefit of such programs. The commission is authorized to directly seek and receive from the federal government any grants, funds, or other benefits which may be available for Indians; to review all proposed or pending legislation, and amendments to existing state legislation affecting Indians in Alabama; to conduct public hearings on matters relating to Indian affairs and to subpoena any information or documents deemed necessary by the commission; to study the existing status of recognition of all Indian groups, tribes, and communities presently existing in the State of Alabama, and to establish appropriate procedures to provide for legal recognition by the state, and to initiate procedures for their recognition by the federal government; to employ and fix the compensation of an executive director of the commission and such supporting staff as may be required to carry out the responsibility of the commission; to expend funds in compliance with state regulations; to make legislative recommendations; and to make and publish reports of findings and recommendations.
Last modified: May 3, 2021