Office of Tribal Affairs (OTA)

Wesley Simmons, Associate Director

Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) Coordinator

Wesley.Simmons@ihs.gov, Office: 916-930-3981 x319, Cell: (916) 387-5154

(916) 930-3927

or (916) 930-3981 + Extension

or (916) 930-3981 + 4 for directory of personnel by first or last name

The Office of Tribal Affairs (OTA) is located in Sacramento, CA, in the Office of the Area Director of the California Area Indian Health Service, United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). OTA is responsible for a wide range of Agency functions that are critical to the Indian Health Service relationship with Tribal leaders with the State of California, Tribal Organizations, and other American Indian and Alaska Native groups. OTA provides advice to the Area Director and functional area managers on implementation of Tribal Self-Governance legislation and authorities within the IHS under Title V of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), Public Law 93-638, as amended. This office provides information, technical assistance, and policy coordination in support of IHS Self-Governance activities, with maximum input from IHS staff and workgroups, Tribes and Tribal Organizations, and the Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee (TSGAC). OTA is the primary focal point for Title I, Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, activities and implementation. OTA provides advocacy for Direct Service Tribes (DST) in the development of health policy program management, budget allocation and advises the California Area Indian Health Service Area Director and senior staff on DST issues and concerns.