COMMUNITY PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES
The Department of Community Planning and Natural Resources provides coordinated assessment and servicing of the Narragansett Indian Tribal Reservation and Tribal Community. The mission of the department is to promote sustainable community development and ecological functions, and to expand the Tribe's capacity to exercise its sovereign rights, through planning, analysis, education, and implementation. The goals of the department are to develop a sound economic base that will lead the Tribe to a future of self-sufficiency and enable the Tribe to continue providing services if funding from the federal government should decline or cease. The Planning Department develops ways to facilitate economic development and helps to envision future development of the Reservation lands, while being mindful of the need to protect natural resources and traditional Native American values. The Department also works with all other tribal departments to assist in departmental planning and works with Tribal members to assist them in developing the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the creation of businesses.
The Department of Community Planning and Natural Resources carries out many functions of the Narragansett Tribal Community including the following:
Economic and Community Development
is to enhance the Tribal Community's quality of life by creating a positive business climate that leads to job creation and the creation, retention and enhancement of existing businesses.
Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Management
is committed to protecting the health and welfare of the Tribal culture, Community, and the natural environment by preserving, conserving, restoring, and enhancing the Reservation environment through the collection and analysis of high quality natural resource data and facilitating environmentally sound resource management, planning, policy development, and community outreach. The program is also committed to the protection of the environment and human health on the Narragansett Indian Reservation through management and regulation of use activities. Programs include: indoor and outdoor air quality, non-point source pollution, management and clean-up of solid and hazardous waste, planning for hazardous incident response, emergency response, Hazard Mitigation and Planning, control of invasive species, Safe Drinking Water, wetland protection and regulation, habitat restoration, habitat management, shoreline study, sensitive areas and other natural resources, environmental ordinance and policy development and environmental review. The programs identified are funded through the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Geographic Information Services (GIS)
is responsible for providing accurate information and assistance to support all Tribal Departments. GIS maintains and creates information to aid in the development of maps and data analysis to support Tribal activities and issues. The program maintains a large database of layers including: zoning, parcels, buildings, roads, realty information, wells, vegetation, natural and cultural resources. These layers cover the Tribe's Reservation and Fee areas as well as surrounding areas and are continually expanded and updated.
Permitting
is the review and inspection of activities occurring on the Reservation to assure that the activities are being carried out in accordance with the Tribe's Ordinances and Regulations. The Department of Community Planning and Natural Resources oversees the Permitting activities along with the Land & Water Resources Commission and Building Officials. Permits include: land-use activities, building & mechanical/plumbing, demolition, Environmental Protection, Hunting, Zoning, and Planned Developments.
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CHILD CARE PROGRAM
Hand-In-Hand Child Care Center Charlestown, RI
The Early Childhood Program at the Hand-In-Hand Child Care Center will provide childcare services for the families of our Tribal community. We strive to provide the highest quality 
of childcare through our staff, materials, and parent involvement. The Hand-In-Hand Child Care Center will foster the development of each child through age-appropriate skill development in a learning environment that fosters the child's health and safety; it's also a place where we can all have fun. The center will also provide supports for parents.
The program will provide educational experiences that strengthen the growth of each child - emotionally, socially, physically, and intellectually. Teachers will focus on each child's strengths and weaknesses and provide stimulation through speaking, listening, modeling, and age-appropriate activities to develop self-awareness and self-acceptance. Children will learn about themselves and the world around them through cultural activities, games, play, songs, dance, creative dramatics, arts and crafts, stories, special visitors, and field trips.
When the day care facility opens over 30 children aged 6 weeks to 5 years will attend the center. Each of the center's five rooms will provide care for a specific age group:
Infant room (6 weeks to 12 months)
1Year Old Room
2 to 3 Year Old Room
3 Year Old Room
4 Year Old Room
The preschool classroom will be separated by age for group activities. The multi-age grouping allows for greater social interaction.
There will be two playgrounds with sandboxes, climbers, and hands-on equipment. There will be a teacher for each classroom, a student teacher for the preschool classroom and toddlers' classroom, a nurse for the infant room, and a director/head teacher.
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ADULT VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM
The Adult Vocational Training (AVT) Department provides employment and training services to all Native Americans who face barriers in their search for full-time, satisfactory employment. We offer testing, vocational counseling and guidance to assist program participants with training options and identifying available jobs in today's labor market.
The AVT provides financial assistance to Native Americans for vocational training at any accredited vocational training institution, as well as supportive services, career counseling, job search assistance, and transportation. This assistance is funded by the U.S Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
The AVT also assists with job placement within the Reservation, mainly in the construction field. It also protects against unlawful employment discrimination on or near the Reservation. These services are funded by U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) under the Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO).
We also provide training to Tribal members to became certified lead inspectors, lead abatement workers, and lead supervisors for removal of lead hazard on and off the Reservation. We also provide for lead awareness/education in the Indian community. These services are provided under an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant.
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EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
The Education Department oversees three programs that provide educational opportunities to assist all Tribal members to become employable, productive, and self-sufficient. These programs are:
Adult Education Program
Higher Education Program
Johnson O'Malley Program.
We have successfully collaborated with a number of outside agencies:
Washington County Adult Learning Center, Rhode Island Educational Opportunity Center, South County Community Action Program, University of Rhode Island Talent Development Program, Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and All Local Public Schools.
Adult Education Program
The adult education program offers an opportunity for adult Tribal members to complete their high school education. Financial and academic/tutorial assistance is provided. The program also provides learning skills instruction and cultural education awareness.
Higher Education Program
The Higher Education Program assists Narragansett Indian students working toward college degrees at the bachelor and graduate level. Financial assistance, which is based on financial need, is provided to supplement the cost of tuition and educational materials. Guidance and career counseling are available to students seeking a higher education degree.
Johnson O'Malley Program
The Johnson O'Malley program provides Indian children with the chance to receive a quality education through academic tutoring, counseling and workshops. Services are provided that meet the unique and special needs of Indian children that are not met by other departments or agencies. They are available to any federally recognized Indian students and their parents.
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HOUSING DEPARTMENT
The Narragansett Indian Housing Program is dedicated to providing affordable housing for Tribal members on or around the Reservation through these programs:
The HUD/Traditional Indian Housing Development Grant has funded construction of 12 one-bedroom public housing units for Tribal elders at the Wetuomuck Housing Village off King's Factory Road in Charlestown. All funding for the Village remains frozen until the Tribe and Town of Charlestown sign a Local Cooperation Agreement. Currently the State, Tribe, and Town have agreed to complete the development and provide for the occupancy of the existing 12 units. It is expected that the 12 existing units will be the first phase of a multi-phased development program.
HUD/Indian Housing Block Grants for Tribal Homeowners funds home improvement projects (up to $35,000) in Washington County. Tribal homeowners who need home repairs or renovations should contact the Tribal Housing Office to apply for Tribal Homeowners Improvement Assistance.
BIA/Home Improvement Program Grants are offered to Tribal members with extremely low incomes, who own and live in substandard homes and who need funds for home improvement.
HUD/Indian Housing Block Grants provide homebuyer down payment assistance, rental assistance, and construction and management business opportunities for Tribal members. Those members seeking assistance should contact the Tribal Housing Office.
IHS/Sanitary Facility Construction Grants for homeowners provides assistance for wells and "emergency repair" ISDS installation in Washington County. These are available on a first come, first served basis for Tribal members who apply.
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REAL ESTATE AND RIGHTS PROTECTION
The Real Estate and Rights Protection Program provides for the inventory, management, planning and protections of our tribal lands. We manage an effective Tribal Real Estates and Rights information base from which to operate all other Tribal programs. This Department maintains active files on all Tribal operations, including leases, permits, building records, and maps. We assist the Tribal Government in maintaining Realty and Rights compliance under 25 CFR 151, 162, 169, and 211, and prepare federal trust applications for approval to place Tribal fee land into Federal Trust.
The Real Estate and Rights Protection Program works with all land-based departments, such as Planning, Natural Resource, and Housing, for continued progress and aide to the Tribal Community. All land-based departments work together to research and create zoning and plat maps that clarify any confusion within the interior boundaries of tribal trust property. We survey all existing tribal rights-of-way not currently listed or designated as BIA Interior Roads. We also delineate all and any rightful exceptions to tribal and/or family burial plots.
The Real Estate and Rights Protection Program performs the following services:
assists the Tribal Government in the continued advancement of self-sufficiency through profit-making tribal business ventures,
assists the Tribal Government relative to infringements upon its rights to conduct business within the parameters of a sovereign Indian Government,
updates the regulations, codes, permits, and licenses to protect the sovereign rights of the tribe,
provides technical assistance to the Tribal Government and Tribal Members regarding realty issues,
assists the Tribal Government and the Natural Resources Department in the posting of signs designating tribal property,
assists Tribal commissions and committees in the enactment of Tribal codes, regulations, permits, and licenses,
assists with codes for the protection of areas of historic significance and of environmental concern.
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The Narragansett Indian Tribal Historic Preservation Office (NITHPO)
The Narragansett Indian Tribal Historic Preservation Office (NITHPO) is a designated office of the Narragansett Indian Tribe. NITHPO is authorized to determine all matters on behalf of the Tribe with respect to historic preservation, Indian graves' protection, and religious freedom and other relevant cultural matters. We strive to protect our ancestors' memories, histories, and living places. Our respect, duty, and obligations to our ancestors will forever exist and remain in the minds of us all.
NITHPO and the Tribe as a whole, view archaeological site not as just archaeological sites but as finite, fragile, and unrenewable cultural resources. Any study or construction project that involves the excavation of sediments or the alteration of a resource produces an irreversible effect on the area. Performance standards and procedures are administed by our office to ensure that archaeological studies are done properly and do not inadvertently result in the loss of cultural resources through excavation or the removal of unburied cultural materials.
The greatest challenge of this job is to protect cultural resources that contain aspects of a traditional cultural place of importance. For years, the Indigenous people of this land were left out of the process when roads were built. Countless graves and cultural resources were destroyed. But in 1992 Congress passed a measure in the National Historic Preservation Act that requires federal or state agencies to consult federally recognized tribes when a project might impinge on a historic site. This act enables the Tribe's Historic Preservation office to consult with the Rhode Island State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), as well as state and federal agencies concerning proposed activities that may affect properties of traditional religious and cultural importance to the Narragansett Indian Tribe.
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SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
The Social Services Department provides assistance through the programs listed below. Eligibility requirements and application processes vary; Tribal members who wish to apply for assistance must call the department at 401-792-9714.
General Assistance Program:
The General Assistance Program provides temporary financial assistance to eligible tribal members when income and resources are insufficient to meet basic needs. Several examples include: individuals who have been laid off from work and awaiting determination on unemployment benefits; individuals who are out of work due to a medical reason and awaiting TDI or Worker's Compensation benefits; seasonal workers and individuals awaiting determination on disability insurance; social security benefits or SSI.
Burial Assistance:
Eligible tribal families can receive financial assistance towards the funeral bill of a deceased family member. It is only available in the absence of other resources. When burial benefits or other resources are available, but are not enough to cover the rate established by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) for needy Indians, then an amount to cover the difference may be granted. The established rate by the BIA that the applicant's burial benefits or other resources can not exceed is $1,300.00.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):
The LIHEAP program provides low income tribal families with financial assistance towards their primary and secondary heating. LIHEAP also provides for Electric and Weatherization Assistance. Weatherization Assistance is available for getting furnaces cleaned or purchasing storm doors or windows for the home. When LIHEAP funds are exhausted the program seeks alternative programs like the CAP Agency in Peace Dale to help provide assistance.
Community Service Block Grant Program (CSBG):
The CSBG program provides low-income tribal families with Food & Clothing Assistance, Gardening, Relocation, and Emergency/Hardship Assistance. Funds for the CSBG program are currently on hold pending a resolution from the Federal Government. Once the funds have been released, the tribal community will be notified. Meanwhile, the Social Service Department can make referrals to outside agencies in the local communities.
Administration on Aging Title VI (AOA)
The Tribe operates a congregate meal site program, as well as addresses the social and cultural needs of elders aged 55 and older. The tribe provides home deliveries, outreach services and culturally appropriate recreational activities.
The congregate meal site program is funded by Title VI grant funded by the US Department of Health & Human Services. This contract is operated with sub-grantee agreements with the Gayhead Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe of Connecticut. The AOA Budget allocations also provide for the day-to-day operational expenses associated with operating a Tribal business.
US Department of Agriculture and Title III
The USDA and Title III funds are received annually and used for nutritional expenses for the Senior Meal Site.
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HEALTH CENTER
The Narragansett Indian Health Center, located on the reservation of the Narragansett Indian Tribe offers services to improve and maintain the physical, mental, social and spiritual health and well being of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Also available at the Health Center is the Tribe's Medicine Man as well as other spiritual people. The health center provides direct ambulatory services for primary and preventive medical care for its Tribal community, reinforcing traditional cultural methods for maintaining health.
Behavioral Health Program
The Behavioral Health Program, provides high quality substance abuse and mental health series for the Narragansett population as a part of the Narragansett Health Care program. The staff works as a team to provide prevention, assessment, intervention, treatment and continuum of care while helping the Narragansett Indian Tribe to control its own cultural survival and destiny. A positive cultural identity is necessary for good mental health and must be supported by services that reflect Tribal cultural values. Spiritual practices and values must be recognized, respected and integrated in our services.
Behavioral Health Service
The Behavioral Health Department offers many human services at the health center. Appointments can be made with behavioral staff at the health center. Because of the need for services, it is important for all patients to keep their appointments. If you cannot keep your appointment with your counselor, please call so that another person could have your time.
Emergencies and After Hours: If you have an emergency and need to see a counselor, if you cannot reach your outreach worker, call the main office and they will help you locate your counselor.
Child Welfare Program
This program provides the following services:
Provide tribal advocacy and/or representation for Tribal children in state custody or requiring services from the Rhode Island child welfare system. Particular consideration is given to ensuring that Tribal children in foster care placements and needing adoption services receive legal protections afforded under the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978.
Ensure Tribal children's rights are protected, in accordance with P.L. 95-608.
Maintain and promote stability and security of our Tribal community by evaluating potentia1 foster and adoptive homes to ensure their commitment to Native American values and culture. Maintain and update Tribal policies and procedures that support the healthy development of Tribal children and their families.
Facilitate access to legal guidance for Tribal families faced with child custody issues.
Assist Tribal children and families in accessing supports that will help them maintain family stability in a holistic way using Traditional and culturally relevant practices.
Maintain the Tribal Safe house.
Monitor implementation of our Tribal Child Welfare codes.
Build on our relationship with the Rhode Island Department of Children Youth and Families by jointly planning to maintain the family assistance referral system and commit to working with state staff on case management of Tribal children. Work on shared Tribal - State goal of building and supporting healthy children and families.
Provide training on Indian Child Welfare issues to state DCYF staff, private agency staff and court personnel. Conduct internal training to ensure Tribal government and larger Tribal community are aware of issues impacting Tribal children. Ensure Tribal Child staff attend relevant local and national training sessions on pertinent issues in Child Welfare.
Additional services provided through the Health Center include:
