Serving Indian Country
The Office of Tribal Relations has many roles serving Indian Country, including:
- Intergovernmental - Leads the Department’s vision to support and enhance government-to-government relations between USDA and Federally recognized Tribal governments;
- Advisor to the Secretary - Provides counsel to the Secretary on policies related to or impacting Indian Tribes;
- Facilitator – Enables tribes, tribal governments, tribal organizations and individuals to access programs and services within USDA and throughout Federal agencies;
- Catalyst – Streamlines processes and develops opportunities to address policy and program complexities, programs and services that support the needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives; and,
- Consultation, Coordination and Collaboration Lead - Directs Department for the implementation of Executive Order 13175, “Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments,” including the continual refinement of the consultation process to ensure robust partnerships that will respect and preserve Tribal sovereignty.
Contact Our Team
HeatherDawn Thompson, 202-205-2249, Director, Office of Tribal Relations
Betsy Rakola, 202-205-2249, Deputy Director, Office of Tribal Relations
Lawrence Shorty, 202-870-8035, Director, Tribal Colleges and Universities Program
Lisa Yellow Luger, 202-845-5646, Deputy Director, Tribal Colleges and Universities Program
Josiah Griffin, 202-720-1999, Policy Advisor on Economic Development and Food Systems
Jeff Harris, 202-768-0812, Policy Advisor on Food, Research, Consultation, Youth, Indigenous Food Sovereignty Initiative
Taylor Schad, 202-875-9236, Policy Advisor on Forest Service and Natural Resources
Jim Wabindato, 202-805-2208, Special Advisor on Tribal Agricultural Lands
Elena Krajeski, 771-216-2277, Administrative Officer
Ariel Williams, 202-934-8337, Administrative Assistant