The expansion of Tribal Self-Governance to HHS programs in agencies outside of the IHS is a long-standing priority for SGCETC and the TSGAC. We encourage the Biden-Harris Administration to support Self-Governance expansion opportunities and the 117th Congress to consider and pass legislation authorizing a Self-Governance Demonstration Project for HHS programs. Historic and current information related to Self-Governance expansion can be found below.
View the Tribally-driven legislative proposal, a concept paper explaining the expansion effort, and a list of programs identified in the legislative proposal (based on ongoing discussions taking place with a Tribal/Federal workgroup, the proposed list of programs will continue to evolve).
Expansion of Tribal Self-Governance authority has broad support throughout Indian Country. For instance, the Indian Health Service Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee, the HHS Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee, and the ACF Tribal Advisory Committee voiced support for the expansion of Self-Governance. In addition, several Tribal organizations have recently passed resolutions of support. We request that all Tribal nations and Tribal organizations consider passing a resolution of support.
Click here to download a template resolution of support. Please send a copy of your resolution to jays@tribalselfgov.org for inclusion below.
Resolutions of Support for Expansion of Tribal Self-Governance Authority
Efforts to expand Tribal Self-Governance are not new. For more than 2 decades, Tribal nations have sought this expanded authority.
Information on the historic efforts can be found below.
HHS Self-Governance Feasibility Study
The Tribal Self-Governance Amendments of 2000 required HHS to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of a Tribal Self-Governance demonstration project for HHS programs in agencies other than the IHS. The report concluded that the demonstration project was feasible.
Prior Legislative Activity
In 2003, legislation authorizing a Self-Governance Demonstration Project within HHS was introduced in Congress but was never enacted.
Self-Governance Tribal Federal Workgroup
In 2011, efforts to expand Self-Governance within HHS resumed and a Self-Governance Tribal Federal Workgroup was formed. Tribal workgroup participants developed a Concept Paper for the expansion of Self-Governance and draft legislation to address major barriers previously identified.