New Tribal Advisory Committee Established
WASHINGTON - HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has announced the establishment of a new Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC). The STAC signals a new level of attention to Government-to-Government relationship between HHS and Indian Tribal Governments. “The establishment of a tribal advisory committee at the Secretarial level will create a coordinated, department-wide strategy to incorporate tribal guidance on HHS priorities, policies and budget, improve the Government-to-Government relationship, and mechanisms for continuous improvement with our partnership with Indian Tribes,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “We are committed to continually improving our relationship with Indian Country and building healthier communities.” The STAC’s primary purpose is to seek consensus, exchange views, share information, provide advice and recommendations; or facilitate any other interaction related to intergovernmental responsibilities or administration of HHS programs, including those that arise explicitly or implicitly under statute, regulation or Executive Order. The first meeting of the STAC is expected to commence in December 2010. Nominations are currently being sought for one primary representative from each of the twelve areas of the Indian health Service (IHS), as well as five at-large national representatives. All representatives must either be elected or appointed Tribal officials, acting in their official capacity as the elected officials of their Tribe, or be designated by an elected Tribal official with authority to act on behalf of the Tribal official.
