Tribal Affairs Office

The Tribal Affairs Office works with tribal governments to obtain funding for services to help their members lead healthy lives. The office serves the 11 federally recognized tribal governments, the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, Inc. (GLITC), and the Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center, Inc.

Understanding the Tribal and State Partnership

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services created a tribal liaison position in 1972 when it recognized its unique legal relationship with Indian tribes located in the state. That position became the Tribal Affairs Office.

The Tribal Affairs Office provides administrative, fiscal, and program oversight of contracts awarded to Indian governments and organizations.

It makes sure that DHS and tribal governments work together when developing policies, programs, and funding initiatives that affect tribal communities.

It makes sure that services are culturally appropriate for each individual tribe.

Learn more about the relationship between DHS and the tribal governments:

Wisconsin Executive Order #18: Details the government-to-government relationship between the state and Indian Tribal Governments.

DHS Policy Regarding Consultation with Wisconsin Indian Tribes, July 2009 (PDF): How DHS supports and works with Indian Tribal Governments.

Wisconsin Legislator Briefing Book 2019-2020 Chapter 24 (PDF): Background information on tribal governments in Wisconsin and their relationship with the state.