Kevin Washburn, a Chickasaw Nation citizen and Dean of the University of New Mexico School of Law, has been confirmed by Congress as the Department of Interior's Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs.  Asst. Secretary Washburn addressed the National Congress of American Indians General Assembly at the organization's Annual Convention in October, indicating that one of the major concerns of his office will be addressing the notoriously broken Federal Acknowledgment Process.  The urgency of the tribal recognition crisis was impressed upon the newly appointed Asst. Secretary by his newly appointed Deputy, Lawrence S. Roberts, an enrolled member of the Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin. ACET is eager to work with the new BIA leadership and ensure that all continuing historic tribes are respected and have a voice in addressing the concerns of Indian Country.