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Tribal Consultation

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The United States has a unique legal relationship with American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments, established through and confirmed by the U.S. Constitution, treaties, statutes, executive orders, presidential memos, and judicial decisions. In recognition of this nation-to-nation relationship, pursuant to Executive Order(EO) 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, of November 6, 2000, all executive departments and agencies are required to engage in regular and meaningful consultation and collaboration with elected tribal officials or their designated delegates in the development of federal policies that have tribal implications. This effort is to strengthen the nation-to-nation relationship between the United States and federally recognized Indian tribes. The Biden Administration reaffirmed the need for robust consultation with the tribes in the January 2021 Presidential Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships. 

On a quarterly basis, IGA participates in the HHS Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC) Meeting. The STAC convenes with the purpose of exchanging ideas, information sharing, or seeking recommendations or consensus with tribally elected officials, or their designees, on various HHS intergovernmental responsibilities and initiatives. The forum allows for federal agency principal advisors and tribally elected officials to discuss the issues impacting tribes, HHS service delivery, proposed or final rule making, coordination of regional consultations, etc. 

Additionally, IGA actively participates in all 10 HHS Regional Tribal Consultations held annually from May through September to provide Agency updates or resources available to tribal governments and organizations leading public health initiatives.

IGA serves as the principal advisor to the FDA on the implementation of EO 13175 and adherence to the HHS Tribal Consultation Policy and the FDA Tribal Consultation Policy.

Dear Tribal Leader Letters

Contact Information

Intergovernmental Affairs Staff
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Office of Policy, Legislation, and International Affairs
Office of the Commissioner
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
General Office E-mail: IGA@fda.hhs.gov

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