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 VA  Refining 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+ Veterans  Conducted 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, SD  Choice Act Section 102(c)  VA now more than ever has a presence in Indian Country

Terry Bentley VA OTGR Specialist Western Region Direct: Blackberry: Other helpful resources: OTGR WESTERN REGION CONTACT