VA Office of Tribal Government Relations

Winter Convention – February 3, 2015

Chinook Winds Casino, Lincoln City, OR

2

VA OTGR Connecting with Tribal Communities

CO

OTGR is helping tribal communities navigate VARefining 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

3

VA OTGR Connecting with Tribal Communities

CO

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+ VeteransConducted 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, SDChoice Act Section 102(c)

VA now more than ever has a presence in Indian Country

Terry Bentley

VA OTGR Specialist

Western Region

Terry.Bentley@va.gov

Direct: 541-440-1271

Blackberry: 541-537-0213

Other helpful resources:

www.va.gov/tribalgovernment

Tribal.agreements@va.gov

Tribal.Consultation@va.gov

OTGR WESTERN REGION CONTACT