GENERAL MEMORANDUM 11-095

HHS Annual Tribal Consultations on Head Start--Region X and Alaska Grantees

On August 9, the Department of Health and Human Services/Administration for Children and Families issued the attached notice announcing one-day tribal consultation sessions to be held with tribes operating a Head Start/Early Head Start program(s) in Region X and Alaska. The purpose of the consultations is to discuss delivery of Head Start services to American Indian/Alaska Native children and families, “taking into consideration funding allocations, distribution formulas, and other issues” that may affect services in the various geographic areas.

The Head Start tribal consultations are being held in conjunction with other Tribal Leader events. The meetings will be held:
October 15 Region X — Seattle, WA at Westin Seattle Hotel
October 17 Alaska — Anchorage, AK at Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa

The meeting specifics such as hotels, schedule, etc. will be e-mailed to tribal leaders and posted at http://www.headstartresourcecenter.org.

Please note that the Department views the consultations to be with “elected or appointed” tribal government leaders or their designated representative. Persons serving as a representative of a tribe must submit, at least three days in advance of the session, an authorizing letter from the tribal government. Representatives of tribal organizations and native non-profits “are welcome” but would be observers, not participants.

Tribal leaders/designated representatives may submit written testimony or consultation agenda topics to Head Start Program Specialist Camille Loya at Camille.Loya@acf.hhs.gov. Written statements from those not attending a session may be submitted within 30 days after a consultation session.

If we may be of further assistance regarding these consultation meetings, please contact us at the information below.