Invitation to June 14 "Wrap-Up" Session in Washington, DC.

Dear Tribal Leader:

As we previously wrote to you, Title VI consultation is now underway. There have been four regional consultation sessions with Tribal representatives as part of a study to determine the feasibility of a tribal self-governance demonstration project for programs of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The Chairman of the IHS Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee and the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Office of Planning and Evaluation in DHHS, have co-chaired the consultation sessions. The National Wrap-up Consultation Session is scheduled for Thursday, June 14, 2001 in Washington, DC.

To date, participation from Tribal leadership at these consultation sessions, has been limited. Tribal self- governance in DHHS, prior to Title VI, was only applicable to the Indian Health Service programs. We need the policy input of Tribal leadership to comment on the expressed interest of Congress to extend self- governance to other DHHS programs.

Title VI of the Tribal Self-Governance Amendments of 2000 requires a study to determine the feasibility of a tribal self-governance demonstration project for appropriate programs, services, functions, and activities (or portions thereof) of the Department. The study requires consultation with tribes, states, municipalities, program beneficiaries, and interested public interest groups.

In addition to the four regional tribal and one national consultation sessions, there have been two consultation sessions scheduled on June 6-7, 2001 in Washington, DC, for the organizations representing state and local governments and constituents.

Tribal input is critical to DHHS decision-making. This will be the last formal input opportunity in this process. Written comments will be accepted until July 1, 2001. A draft DHHS Report to Congress will be available about September 1, 2001 for a thirty-day comment period.

Enclosed, for your review, is a compilation of the summaries from the regional consultations. The National Wrap-up Consultation Session will be held as follows:

Wyndham City Center Hotel
1143 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20037

800/WYNDHAM (996-3426)
202/ 775-0800 Telephone
202/ 828-8226 Fax

Deadline to make your reservations: Wednesday, May 23, 2001

Government Rate: $136.25 Single/$148.85 Double Occupancy (tax included)
Group Code: Title VI Meeting/Lummi Indian Nation

If you have questions, or need additional information, please contact Michael Herrell, Department of Health and Human Services (202) 690-5739, or Maureen Kinley, Coordinator, Self-Governance Communication and Education Project (360) 384-2301. You can access the Self-Governance website at DHHS (http://aspe.dhhs.gov/SelfGovernance) for additional information on the study and consultation. In addition, you can access the Self-Governance Communication & Education Project site to link into the DHHS website.

Sincerely,

Merle Boyd, Chairman
Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee

Attachments: [THESE DOCUMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE SHORTLY]

Draft Agenda for National Consultation Session, June 14, 2001
Summaries of the 4 Regional Consultation Sessions
Attendees of the 4 Regional Consultation Sessions
Title VI (Legislation)
DHHS Program Listing (Full Summary Available on DHHS Website)
Feasibility Study Consultation Protocol Agreement
Slide Presentation