WASHINGTON - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has announced the individuals who will serve on the Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC), the first tribal advisory committee established to advise the Secretary in the history of HHS.
“I want to thank everyone who expressed an interest in serving on the STAC; an overwhelming number of nominations were received from a broad range of perspectives and experiences,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “I am excited to work with those who have been chosen, and look forward to their advice to HHS on our government-to-government relationship and delivery of services to Tribal communities”.
The Committee is comprised of one primary representative from each of the twelve areas of the Indian Health Service (IHS), as well as five at-large national representatives. The first meeting of the STAC will take place December 13-14, 2010.
The Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee is one of several Tribal initiatives undertaken this year and will make significant progress towards reshaping the way that the Department works with Tribes. The establishment of the STAC will bring the work of HHS reform and improvement efforts to a new level.
The STAC’s primary purpose is to seek consensus, exchange views, share information, and provide advice and/or 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.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee
AT-LARGE REPRESENTATIVES (5 Slots/2 Alternates)
Primary:
Jefferson Keel, Lt. Governor, Chickasaw Nation
Reno Franklin, Vice Chairman, Kashia Band of Pomo Indians of the Stewarts Point Rancheria