Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Citizens' Guide to State Services
Published by
William Francis Galvin
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Citizen Information Service
Housing/Community Development: Commissions
J8 Commission on Indian Affairs
J9 American and French Canadian Cultural Exchange Commission
J10 Manufactured Home Commission
J8 Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs (MCIA)
Department of Housing and Community Development
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 300
Boston, MA 02114
Tel: 617-573-1291
Fax: 617-573-1460
www.mass.gov/dhcd
The commission of seven members appointed by the governor was established in 1974 as an independent body to investigate problems common to American Indians and persons of American Indian descent who are Massachusetts residents. It provides a broad spectrum of services: Native American Information and Referral centralizes information on all programs in the Commonwealth which offer services of use to Native Americans, including the Massachusetts Indian Scholarship Committee, which issues tuition waivers to students at state schools of higher education. As part of the Native American Advocacy Program, the Commission drafts and supports federal and state legislation affecting Native Americans, as well as providing access to legal issues. The Prison Counseling and Training Program provides spiritual and educational counseling and training programs for those incarcerated in New England prisons. The commission generates and supports cultural programs for the general public on Indian crafts, art, music and dance through national and international festivals. The commission also implements the state law protecting unmarked gravesites, some of which are Native American, by providing re-internment for remains disinterred by development or construction projects.
J9 American and French Canadian Cultural Exchange Commission
Office of Policy Development
Department of Housing and Community Development
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 300
Boston, MA 02114
Tel: 617-573-1100
www.mass.gov/dhcd/
The commission establishes, maintains, and develops cultural ties between French-Canadians and Franco-Americans.
J10 Manufactured Home Commission
Department of Housing and Community Development
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 300
Boston, MA 02114
Tel: 617-573-1400
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www.mass.gov/dhcd/
The Manufactured (Mobile Homes) Home Commission, created by the legislature, is responsible for studying and reporting on issues and problems relating to manufactured homes, manufactured home communities (mobile home parks), and/or their tenants. The five member commission meets monthly and files reports with the legislature including recommendations for proposed legislation.
