Purpose

The Office of Tribal Affairs was established in 2000 to serve as the official first point of contact for Tribes, Tribal Governments, and Tribal Organizations wishing to access the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Organizationally, the Office of Tribal Affairs is situated within the Immediate Office of the Secretary, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) and is the Departments’ lead office for Tribal Consultation in accordance with Executive Order 13175- Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments. Other duties and responsibilities of the Office of Tribal Affairs include:

• Coordination and management of IGA's tribal and native policy issues and serves as the Department's expert and informational resource to the Secretary
• Provides executive direction for the Secretary's Intradepartmental Council on Native American Affairs (ICNAA)
• Collaboration and outreach to Tribes and national Native organizations
• Coordination of HHS participation in national Tribal meetings and Tribal site visits for HHS executive leadership
• Advice and assistance to the HHS Regional Direcotrs  and Senior staff on tribal affairs
• Coordination of the Secretary's policy development for Tribes and national Native organizations