VA OFFICE OF TRIBAL GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Presentation to: Tribal Networking Multi-Agency Event

Terry BentleyTribal Government Relations SpecialistWestern Region (OR,WA,ID,CA,NV,AK)

January 31, 2012

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Demographics

• As of the 2000 U.S. Census, American Indian and Alaskan Native populations represent approximately 1% of the total U.S. population. Approximately 1% of the entire U.S. population serves in the military

• American Indians and Alaskan Natives have one of the highest representations in the armed forces (in comparison to other racial minorities).• Approximately 200,000 veterans

• There are 565 federally recognized tribal entities.

• American Indian and Alaskan Native Tribal Governments have a recognized government to government relationship with the U.S. federal government.

•The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established the Office of Tribal Government Relations (OTGR) in January 2011.

•The OTGR was created in response to President Clinton’s Executive Order 13175 and President Obama’s Memorandum on Tribal Consultation dated November 5, 2009.

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Background

VA Announces 3 Milestones

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• Office of Tribal Government RelationsOTGR was established in January 2011.

• Tribal Consultation PolicyThe policy was signed by Secretary Eric Shinseki on February 4, 2011. This historic document was drafted in consultation with the 565 federally recognized Tribes. The policy is considered a “living document,” one that can be revised and amended as needed.

• Indian Health Service & VA Memorandum of UnderstandingThe MOU was signed on October 10, 2010 by Dr. Robert A. Petzel, Under Secretary of Health, Department of Veterans Affairs and Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, Director, Indian Health Service.

15 workgroups were created with specific areas of focus , Veteran Health Administration Office of Rural Health is facilitating these initiatives.

The VA consults with American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments to develop partnerships that enhance access to services and benefits by Veterans and their families.

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OTGR Mission

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The VA has positive relationships with American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments and is part of the landscape of Indian Country. Every Veteran receives excellent services that are holistic in nature and that lead to optimal health. American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments view the VA as an organization of integrity that advocates for their needs. The VA demonstrates its commitment to Veterans by being culturally competent, respecting the unique sovereign status of Tribes, and reaching Veterans in Indian Country. Veterans know how to access all VA services and benefits and are woven into the fabric of the VA.

OTGR Vision

Tribal Government Relations Specialists

• Manage a portfolio of relationships with tribal governments (within a specific region).

• Develop relationships with tribal leaders, federal and state VA personnel and partnership agencies. These relationships will enhance the work relationships of VA administrations with tribal governments.

• Serve as a resource to tribal governments seeking to engage in productive relationships with VA.

• Serve as the Department resource in developing more productive, positive relationships with Tribes.

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Regional Map

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Tribal Government Relations Specialist

Western Region (OR,WA,ID,NV,CA,AK)

Terry Bentley Enrolled Member of the Karuk Tribe of California – Western Region

Western RegionOR, WA, ID, CA, NV and AK

•Oregon has 9 tribes

•349,621 Veterans

•1.4% American Indian – 2,974 Veterans

Western RegionOR, WA, ID, CA, NV and AK

•Washington has 29 tribes

•615,860 Veterans

•1.5% American Indian – 5,560 Veterans

Western RegionOR, WA, ID, CA, NV and AK

•Idaho has 4 tribes

•131,409 Veterans

•1.4% American Indian – 933 Veterans

Western RegionOR, WA, ID, CA, NV and AK

•California has 106 tribes

•2,092,627 Veterans

•1.0% American Indian - 17,131 Veterans

Western RegionOR, WA, ID, CA, NV and AK

•Nevada has 24 tribes

•231,126 Veterans

•1.2% American Indian – 2,345 Veterans

Western RegionOR, WA, ID, CA, NV and AK

•Alaska has 229 tribes

•72,494 Veterans

•14.8% American Indian – 5,429 Veterans

Goals

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Access to Healthcare

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• Local implementation of IHS/VA MOU provisions Ties into the 15 workgroups

• Use of new media and other communication tools to promote innovative technologies (telehealth) that bring care to rural communities

• Host annual listening sessions to obtain recommendations, hear priorities and integrate Tribes’ perspectives into practices that will improve access to care

• Integrated, strategic outreach plan for linking tribal governments to VA healthcare systems (OTGR working with Alaska strategic outreach plan)

Economic Sustainability

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Consists of activities, opportunities and programs that strengthen tribal government economies

• Increase utilization of Native American Home Loan Program• Increase utilization of Vocational Rehabilitation Program• Access Post 9/11 GI Benefits• Facilitate greater involvement by tribes and tribal member

veterans in small business development and entrepreneurship opportunities for veteran owned businesses Federal contracting opportunities

VA Small Business Conference and Expo

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• OTGR sponsored 15 American Indian/Alaskan Native Veteran small business owners and Tribal Leaders to the VA Small Business Conference and Expo in New Orleans, LA – August 2011

Tribal Consultation Policy

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• Facilitate implementation of tribal consultation training module and make it accessible to VA employees – required in locations that engage in business with tribal governments

• Distinguish between ‘formal’ consultation process and listening process

• Posting of annual tribal consultation schedule on VA website along with proposed statutory, policy and regulatory items requiring consultation

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Elements of VA Tribal Consultation Policy

• To enhance the relationship of cooperation, coordination, and open communication

• To work in good faith to amicably and fairly resolve issues/differences

• To continue to pursue mutually agreeable objectives successfully

• To enhance positive government-to-government relations between VA and all federally recognized Indian Tribes

• To establish meaningful consultation procedures to develop, improve, and maintain partnerships with American Indians and Alaskan Native Tribes

OTGR Highlights

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• Developed a Resource Guide for Tribal Courts– Alternatives to help Veteran

• Sponsored 15 Veterans, Tribal Leaders, Small Business Owners to VA Small Business Conference – New Orleans, LA

• Held listening sessions with tribes in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota

• Awarded contract to assist Alaska VHA Healthcare System with Alaska Native Outreach

• Launched OTGR website – www.va.gov/TRIBALGOVERNMENT • Scheduling VA Tribal Consultation – April, May, June, September• Hosting VA OTGR Regional Conferences across nation

– Western Region – April 10-11, 2012 – Spokane, WA