This training manual has been reviewed, corrected and updated by the September, 1985 HD 255 Probates .P5511 1985 Preface Preface This training manual, Probates, is one of eight designed to be used in a new BIA Real Property Training Program. The purpose of this program is to standardize Real Property practices throughout the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and to upgrade the technical services provided by Bureau personnel by fully familiarizing them with these standard procedures. In order to accomplish this educational task, these manuals are presented in clear and precise language for in-house training at all levels of operation, from the local Agency to the Central Office. Land has always been important to Indian culture and religion, and it has also been at the center of most disputes involving Indians. Federal Indian policy has usually been designed to allocate or adjust property rights, and the possession of special property rights distinguishs Indians from other American citizens. Accordingly, the administration of trust property property has always been a key element of the Bureau's responsibility to tribes as well as individual tribal trust Each year the problems involved in managing the approximately 52 million acres of real property that remains in trust become more complex. At the same time, the Bureau strives to meet the increased demand for more efficient administration. In order to help meet this dual challenge, I was directed to develop this Real Property Training Program. It is therefore my personal goal to substantially increase the technical skill level of all Real Property personnel. And that is also the fundamental purpose of this manual, which I hope you find useful and informative. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the dedicated efforts of Sidney L. Mills, Director of the Office of Trust Responsibilities in Washington, and Fred Gillis, Real Real Property Management Officer in Aberdeen, in helping to develop and coordinate this training program. Sincerely, Jerry L. Jaeger Probates Foreword are FOREWORD The Real Property Management Training Manuals are designed to be taught by several several types of individuals, including ΒΙΑ employees and external specialists. In this respect, the manuals minimal and instructors are urged to go beyond them in teaching the course. Instructors are expected to read all four chapters thoroughly and supplement them with their own experience and any special technical knowledge or administrative procedures regulations that apply to the jurisdiction(s) trainees work. or where the the It is expected that each instructor will bring to classroom some special experience(s) that expand on and clarify particular points in the manual. To present the trainees with the content of the manual, only, is a minimal approach to teaching the course. With this expectation in mind, instructors are encouraged to consider the manual as minimal and to draw from their own experience and knowledge. The instructor may wish to make notes pertaining to additional reading material available the local levels levels that can be included in the course. Instructors will be well advised to open each session with a brief review of the prior material. That is, when you are beginning Session Two, start the instruction with a review of Session One and so on. The training manuals were developed with the understanding that instructional aids such as overlays, video tapes, etc. would, generally, be unavailable be at the training sites. The approach written into the manuals was primarily reading, and a chalkboard. It is, therefore, essential that the trainees be provided with an opportunity to read the manual before lectures are given. If the textual material is not available to trainees, the instructor will have to spend a much larger amount of time in presenting the chapters. to This course on Probates is designed to provide Real Property Management personnel with the knowledge required process Indian probates by following this policy and procedures necessary within the proper authorities. The Real Property Management Training Manuals have have been developed with the intent of improving the performance of officials involved in the Realty program. If this basic goal is measure realized, then the administration of BIA's trust responsibility will have been improved considerably. To this end, the training manuals are dedicated. |