The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) Office of Tribal Relations is the main point of contact for all American Indian Tribal Nations in Arizona.
The office works with Tribes to:
Address needs from the tribes
Help with human services questions and issues
The DES Office of Tribal Relations also provides guidance, assistance and education to DES on various policy-related matters with a specific focus on Tribal Government Consultation and cultural awareness. The office also helps educate DES staff about the American Indian Tribal Nations in Arizona. This helps DES better understand strengths, needs, and opportunities for partnership/collaboration. Some DES Program Divisions have a Tribal Liaison. Tribal Liaisons help with daily program issues and support the specific needs of Tribes.
DES Office of Tribal Relations, Executive Liaison
Darlene Vinarskai [email protected] Tribal affiliation: San Carlos Apache Tribe (480) 296-4911 1717 W. Jefferson St. Mail Drop: 1181 Phoenix, AZ 85007
Child and Community Service Division (CCSD), Tribal Liaison
Kathryn Steffen [email protected] (480) 601-7678 1717 W. Jefferson St. Mail Drop: 1181 Phoenix, AZ 85007
Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), Tribal Liaison
Patricia Sutton [email protected] Tribal affiliation: Navajo/Diné, Cheyenne/Tsitsistas & Arapaho/Hinónoʼeitíít (480) 341-5109 1717 W. Jefferson St. Mail Code: 1181 Phoenix, AZ 85007
Division of Benefits & Medical Eligibility (DBME), Tribal Liaison