DES Shout Out: Office of Tribal Relations

The Department recognizes the importance of highlighting its commitment, perspective and resources to serve as a focal point for bringing pertinent information to the Tribes. It honors tribal sovereignty and adheres to the Tribal Government Consultation Policy through the Office of the Tribal Relations Liaison.

DES Tribal Relations Liaison, Mary Huyser, serves as the point of contact in the Office of Community Engagement and works with the 22 Indian Nations and Tribes throughout Arizona on a variety of human services issues. Mary has been traveling constantly to provide outreach to the Tribes for needed programs and services provided by DES. In a newly-released Tribal Relations overview video, Mary expresses that the best part of her job, is visiting the tribes. In the story below, Mary outlines how she and DES colleagues traveled to Supai, Arizona, to meet with Havasupai Tribal Council members.

DES Colleagues Conduct Official Meeting with Havasupai Tribal Council Members

Joined by Elsie Yoyokie, (North Region Program Manager (FAA)), Archie Mariano, (Tribal Instructor Liaison with the Office of Professional Development), Amanda Dean, (Division of Child Support Services tribal liaison), and Lisa Chamberlain, (Administrative Representative for Indian Health Service (IHS)), the group traveled to Supai, Arizona, to meet with the Havasupai Tribal Council (HTC) members.

The goal of a travel consultation is to inform members of any changes in DES policies which would directly impact Arizona's 22 Tribal Nations. During this most recent visit, Huyser and her colleagues met with members to assess and discuss how DES can better serve the needs of the tribes regarding access to benefits and medical eligibility services in remote locations. In most instances, locations can only be accessed via helicopter.  To do so, one must obtain advance permission from the tribe he, or she, is going to visit.  One of the biggest challenges facing tribal members trying to access DES services are lack of transportation; basic phone line services; and training regarding Health-e-Arizona (HEAplus). With continued travel consultations and dialog, DES and tribal members will continue to strengthen partnerships and build interpersonal relationships resulting in better services for the Havasupai Tribe.

DES Tribal Liaisons Directory

There are six DES Program Divisions that have a Tribal Liaison to address day-to-day program issues and needs from the Tribes. Divisional Tribal Liaisons assist the local tribes, DES and office staff to work together on a local level to address specific program issues. View a list of staff per Division.

Upcoming Events

The next DES Tribal Consultation will take place on Thursday, June 16, at the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona located in Phoenix. 

By Tasya Peterson