Office of Tribal Government Relations
Tribal Consultation
On November 5, 2009, President Obama signed a Memorandum on Tribal Consultation that pronounces Tribal consultations a critical ingredient of a sound and productive Federal-Tribal relationship. The Presidential Memorandum directs all Federal agencies to develop a detailed plan of the actions to fully implement Consultation and Coordination with American Indian/Alaska Native Tribal Governments and to establish regular and meaningful consultation and collaboration with Tribal officials in the development of Federal policies that have Tribal implications.
In 2016, VA initiated consultation with American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments on recognition of tribal organizations for representation of VA benefit claimants, the top three to five priorities for Veterans in Indian Country, and a proposed consolidation of non-VA care into a more standardized system under the Veterans Choice Program. This report presents tribal responses and policy background for each consultation topic. Download the report »
- VA Directive 8603, Consultation and Communication with Federally-Recognized Indian Tribes
- VA Handbook 8603, Consultation and Communication with Federally-Recognized Indian Tribes
2021
- Federal Register Notice — VA’s Indian Health Service/Tribal Health Program Reimbursement Agreements Program-Pharmacy Reimbursement Rate for the Lower 48 States - June 3, 2021
- Joint Agency Tribal Consultation Letter - April 2021
- Co-pay prohibitions for Native American Veterans (HR 7105 section 3002) - March 29, 2021
- Tribal Consultation Letter - March 17, 2021
- Presidential Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships - January 26, 2021
2020
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Community Care and the Office of Tribal Government Relations held a virtual tribal consultation session on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, from 3:30–5:00 p.m. (est). VA invited tribal leaders (or their representative designee) along with tribal health program leadership to a tribal consultation regarding care coordination for Veterans receiving care under VA and Indian Health Service/Tribal Health Program (IHS/THP) Reimbursement Agreement Program (RAP).
2018
VA initiates consultation on an alternative process in the National Historic Preservation Act called Program Comment. VA will offer a webinar on March 22, 2018. Dear Tribal Leader Letter
2016
VA initiates Consultation on Care in the Community—comments due November 5, 2016. Download Dear Tribal Leader Letter, Federal Register Notice, Fact Sheet
Department of Veterans Affairs Round Table Discussion, Anchorage, AK–Postponed, date to be determined. Dear Tribal Leader Letter
VA initiates Tribal Consultation—comments due October 7, 2016. Dear Tribal Leader Letter, VA Fact Sheet
VA initiates Tribal Consultation—comments due April 2, 2016. Dear Tribal Leader Letter
2015
VA initiates Tribal Consultation—comments due October 26, 2015. Dear Tribal Leader Letter, Non-VA Care Core Provider Network, 2014 Tribal Consultation Report
VA initiates Tribal Consultation on the Choice Act Section 102 (c)Deadline for comments is January 14, 2015. Dear Tribal Leader letter, Section 102(c) of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014
2016
VA/IHS MOU Tribal Consultation - Comment Deadline October 8, 2014. VA/IHS MOU
2012
VA Tribal Consultation Reports — Dear Tribal Leader letter, Washington, DC and Anchorage, AK, Lincoln, Nebraska and Denver, Colorado
Tribal Consultation - Comment Deadline April 4, 2012. 03/05/2012 VA/IHS Letter, 03/05/2012 VA/IHS summary document, 03/12/2012 VA Consultation Letter, 04/05/2012 VA/IHS Letter
