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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Tribal Self-Governance

Functions

The OTSG is responsible for a wide range of Agency functions that are critical to IHS' relationship with Tribes, Tribal Organizations, and other American Indian and Alaska Native groups. In all its functions, the OTSG supports the four IHS priorities: to renew and strengthen our partnerships with Tribes; to reform IHS; to improve the quality of and access to care; and to make all of our work accountable, transparent, fair and inclusive.

Functions include:

  • Developing and overseeing the implementation of Tribal Self-Governance legislation and authorities in the IHS.
  • Participating in nation-to-nation negotiations of ISDEAA Title V Compacts and Funding Agreements and providing oversight of the Agency Lead Negotiators (ALNs).
  • Reviewing eligibility requirements for Tribes to participate in the TSGP and applications for TSGP Planning and Negotiation Cooperative Agreements.
  • Providing resources and technical assistance to Tribes and Tribal Organizations for the implementation of Tribal Self-Governance.
  • Coordinating Self-Governance Tribal Delegation Meetings for the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), IHS Headquarters, and Area senior officials.
  • Developing and recommending policies, administrative procedures, and guidelines for the IHS TSGP and advising the IHS Director on TSGP actions and activities.
  • Arranging national Tribal Self-Governance meetings, including an annual conference in partnership with the Department of the Interior (DOI), to promote the participation by all American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes in IHS Tribal Self-Governance activities.
  • Developing, publishing, and presenting information related to the IHS TSGP to Tribes, Tribal Organizations, state and local governmental agencies, and other interested parties, including TSGP training.
  • Supporting the activities of the IHS Director's Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee (TSGAC).
  • Collaborating with Tribal and Federal partners to address crosscutting issues and processes, including budget formulation; self-determination issues; Tribal shares methodologies; resolution of audit findings; and emergency preparedness, response and security.