Tribal Consultation on the IHS Proposed Realignment – Seattle, Washington

Description

Tribal Consultation No. 6 – Seattle, Washington

Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Time: 1:00 – 4:00 PM PT

Venue: Seattle Airport Marriott 3201 S 176th St, Seattle, WA 98188

Register using the following link: Tribal Consultation Registration Form.

On November 13, 2025, the Indian Health Service (IHS) announced the next phase of Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer on the Agency’s proposed realignment. Since that announcement, we have continued to hear from Tribal Nations and Urban Indian Organizations that additional opportunities are needed, including more regional in-person sessions and a virtual option, to ensure that all voices are meaningfully included in this important dialogue. In response to that feedback, the IHS is expanding the Tribal Consultation schedule to increase accessibility, balance regional representation, and provide flexibility for participation.

 We sincerely appreciate the thoughtful input and engagement received to date. Your guidance continues to shape our approach as we work together to consider and refine the proposed realignment of the IHS. The purpose of this effort remains unchanged: to create a more patient-centered, self-determination-driven, operationally efficient, and fiscally sustainable health care system that strengthens our partnerships and better supports the health of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

 Today, approximately 65 percent of the IHS budget is transferred to Tribes and Tribal Organizations through Title I contracts and Title V compacts under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. The remaining 35 percent supports federally operated IHS hospitals, health centers, and programs. While Tribes continue strengthening and expanding their self-determination authorities, the proposed realignment is designed to modernize the IHS structures that remain Federal, elevate core functions, improve coordination, and enhance accountability across the Agency. Our goal is to ensure that the IHS is a strong partner, regardless of how each Tribe exercises its sovereign right to self-determination.

 To advance this work, the IHS will now host a total of nine Consultation sessions, which include the five originally announced on November 13 and four additional sessions requested by Tribes and Urban Indian Organizations, including a virtual Consultation. Supporting materials include an executive narrative, a draft organizational chart, and frequently asked questions available as “Enclosures” at www.ihs.gov/newsroom/triballeaderletters/.

In alignment with the IHS Tribal Consultation Policy, the highest-ranking elected Tribal official from each respective Tribe will be offered the first opportunity to speak, followed by other elected leaders, designated Tribal representatives, and representatives of Tribal and Indian Organizations. For any designated representatives attending an in-person session, the IHS must receive an official designation letter in advance.

The comment submission deadline for both the Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer is Friday, February 6, 2026.

•Please email Tribal Consultation comments to: consultation@ihs.gov

•Please email Urban Confer comments to: urbanconfer@ihs.gov

•Please use the SUBJECT LINE: IHS Proposed Realignment

After the comment period closes, the IHS will enter an internal deliberation phase to review all feedback prior to moving through internal clearance for finalization and implementation.

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