1. VA Office of Tribal Government Relations
Winter Convention – February 3, 2015
Chinook Winds Casino, Lincoln City, OR

2. VA OTGR Connecting with Tribal Communities
OTGR is helping tribal communities navigate VA
Refining needs based on discussion with tribes
Linking tribes to local VA sources or with other federal and state partners – making those connections
OTGR values these relationships with tribes, we know how important the government-to-government relationship is - we can’t do it alone we need your input CO
Aiyukee (hello) – I am honored to be with all of you today
Thank you to the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians for hosting the event in this lovely location
Thanks also to Mokey George and Lavada Anderson, Co-Chairs of the Veterans Committee for inviting us to give an update
Thank you to all the Veterans in the room and to all the family members who support them
Thanks also to my VA colleagues who are committed to building relationships with tribes in the Northwest 2

3. VA OTGR Connecting with Tribal Communities
Increased trend in SC claims from tribal communities – working with TVR’s/TVSO’s
Facilitate Increased access to healthcare through VA Reimbursement Agreements
$15 million / 4,300+ Veterans
Conducted Veteran Summits within Indian Country – 19 nationwide, over 2,200 attendees
Implement VA Tribal Consultation
Questions specific to the VA/IHS MOU
Impact on the realignment of VA Hot Springs, SD
Choice Act Section 102(c)
VA now more than ever has a presence in Indian Country CO
- Our office works closely with TVR’s and TVSO’s to help provide training and/or bring resources to tribal communities to help Veterans in tribal communities. We partner with the State DVA offices and VBA Regional Offices who respond quickly to these needs.
VA has reimbursed $15.2M / 4,300 Veterans impacted – 67 THPs and 83 IHS agreements over 108 IHS sites
VA ORH has funded 21 AI/AN focused initiatives investing $9.4M – impacting over 7,000 Veterans
Held 2012 consultation – report is on OTGR website – just finished 2014 consultation - NIHB 9/8/14 and 11/19/14 on the reconfiguration in the VA Black Hills Healthcare System; and lastly consultation on the Veterans Choice & Accountability Act of 2014 (Choice Act), Section 102(c) – feasibility/advisability for reimbursement of non-native Veterans. Written comments due 1/14/15
VA Secretary Robert McDonald – held first national conference call with tribal leaders; Addressed the NCAI Annual Conference; 2012-VA Secretary Shinseki addressed NIHB Annual Conference; held 4 webcasts for training; hosted workshops at NIHB; engage at local, regional and national events within Indian Country – ATNI, USET, NPAIHB, CRIHB, NICWA, NIHB, NCAI, etc. 3

4. OTGR WESTERN REGION CONTACT
Terry Bentley
VA OTGR Specialist
Western Region
Direct:
Blackberry:
Other helpful resources: