The Office of Tribal Relations is located in the Office of the Secretary, and is responsible for government-to-government relations between USDA and tribal governments.
Secretary Vilsack is committed to a USDA that faithfully serves Tribal organizations and individual Native Americans and Alaska Natives. The Office of Tribal Relations works to ensure that relevant programs and policies are efficient, easy to understand, accessible, and developed in consultation with the Native American constituents they impact.
At the recent historic White House Tribal Nations Conference, President Obama signed a memorandum reaffirming his commitment to Executive Order 13175 and consultation, and directing all Federal agencies to develop a comprehensive plan for consultation and coordination with tribal Nations. Recently Secretary Vilsack sent a letter to tribal leaders inviting formal written comments on the new USDA policy. Comments may include:
What Federal actions should initiate consultation?
How far in advance should the Department and its agencies give notices of consultation?
Who should be invited to participate in consultation?
How should consultation occur?
Should timelines be considered in consultation processes?
How should follow-up to the consultation occur?
How should the Department coordinate among its agencies as well as with other Federal departments?
What other opportunities or alternatives are appropriate to improve communication and coordination with tribes (e.g., conferences, workshop sessions, or task forces)?
We request that all comments be submitted by January 10, 2010 to ensure we have time to review your thoughts and ideas. They can be submitted by email to tribalconsultation@usda.gov or Janie.Hipp@osec.usda.gov; faxed to: 202-720-1058; or mailed to:
Office of Tribal Relations
1400 Independence Ave. SW, Room 500A
Washington DC 20250
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