On behalf of Secretary Becerra, please see the Dear Tribal Leader Letter initiating Tribal Consultation related to the policy directives outlined in Executive Order (E.O.) 14053— Improving Public Safety and Criminal Justice for Native Americans and Addressing the Crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous People. Section 5 of the E.O. calls on the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with Tribal nations, to develop a comprehensive plan to support prevention efforts that reduce risk factors for victimization of Native Americans and increase protective factors by enhancing the delivery of services to victims, survivors, and their families and advocates.

 The Department wishes to consult with Tribal governments to solicit their comments and recommendations on policy directives that HHS should include in the comprehensive plan. A virtual Tribal Consultation session will be held on April 20, 2022 from 3:00-6:00 PM ET. Please register in advance for the Tribal Consultation session at the following link: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItf-2trzsjHljBop7eh_XGux83tKQowkc. The Department will develop questions for Tribal leaders’ consideration, which will be distributed via e-mail to all registered participants two weeks prior to the Tribal Consultation session.  You may submit written comments by e-mail to consultation@hhs.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, May 20, 2022.