About Us

Serving Indian Country

The Office of Tribal Relations has many roles serving Indian Country, including:

• Serves as the Department's primary point of contact for tribal issues.
• Advises the Secretary of Agriculture on policies related to Indian tribes.
• Coordinates the Department's programs involving assistance to American Indians and Alaska Natives.
• Enters into cooperative agreements to improve the coordination and effectiveness of Federal programs, services, and actions affecting rural areas.
• Oversees the Tribal Advisory Committee.
• Administers the USDA/1994 Land Grant Institutions (Tribal Colleges) Programs.
• Directs the Department’s implementation of Executive Order 13175, “Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments,” including the continual refinement of the consultation process to ensure robust partnerships that will respect and preserve Tribal sovereignty.