Since 2021, the USDA Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) has hosted an Annual USDA Tribal Barriers Consultation and Listening Session in partnership with the mission areas of USDA on the identification of barriers limiting access to or participation in USDA programs by Tribes and Tribal agricultural producers. The Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) would like to encourage all Tribal leaders and Indian Country stakeholders to register and attend the sessions to ensure Tribal perspectives are represented and addressed.

This year's consultation and listening sessions will be held virtually during the week of April 22, 2024 from 2:00 - 5:30 pm (EST), with the first hour reserved for tribal-only caucus. The caucus is reserved for tribal leaders to consider recommendations from their constituents and to meet with a facilitator to discuss topics prior to the consultation. Following the caucus, each session will consist of a Tribal consultation where elected Tribal officials or their proxies (only) can advance requests and a listening session (any Indian Country stakeholder) to provide a broad opportunity for input.

Register to attend a virtual consultation at the links below. The caucus, consultation, and listening sessions will all use the same link so you only need to register at the link next to the day(s) you wish to attend:

1. Monday April 22 - Topic: Education and Research – REGISTER

2. Tuesday April 23 - Topic: Forests and Public Lands Management – REGISTER

3. Wednesday April 24 - Topic: Farming, Ranching, and Conservation – REGISTER

4. Thursday April 25 - Topic: Economic Development – REGISTER

5. Friday April 26 - Topic: Food, Safety, and Trade – REGISTER

All meetings are scheduled for 2:00 - 5:30 pm (EST), with the first hour reserved for tribal-only caucus

IAC will be co-facilitating the Farming Ranching and Conservation session scheduled for Wednesday, April, 24, 2024. More information can be found on the OTR website under "Upcoming Consultations": OTR Tribal Consultation website. Any questions on logistics for this engagement session can be directed to Tribal.Relations@usda.gov.

TRIBAL LEADERS

IAC would like to encourage all Tribal leaders to register to attend the consultation series to ensure that Tribal perspectives are represented and addressed at this year's Barriers Consultation. Tribal officials or their proxies are not only best positioned to articulate the challenges and barriers faced by Tribal members, they are the only participants eligible to advance requests during the consultation. Through active participation, Tribal leaders can advocate for policy changes or program improvements that are essential for addressing the unique needs of tribal communities.

If you are a Tribal leader, and are unable to attend a consultation and listening session listed above, please submit a PROXY LETTER to assign an authorized representative to act on your behalf.

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