About the ICNAA

Intradepartmental Council on Native American Affairs

The Intradepartmental Council on Native American Affairs (ICNAA) was reactivated by Secretary Thompson on August 28, 2002. The ICNAA is authorized by the Native American Programs Act of 1974 (NAPA), as amended, and is organizationally located in the Administration for Native Americans (ANA), Administration for Children and Families (ACF). The ICNAA ensures coordination and consultation on health and human service issues as well as social and economic development issues affecting the American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native American population, which includes over 560 federally recognized tribes, approximately 60 tribes that are state recognized or seeking federal recognition, Indian organizations, Native Hawaiian communities, and Native American Pacific Islanders, including Samoans.

Mission

The ICNAA is an internal council that brings together all Health and Human Services Operating Divisions and Staff Divisions to help frame HHS' policy and initiatives on American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Americans.

The ICNAA guides the overall Department's interaction with American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Americans. This coordination brings together HHS leadership to ensure consistency on policy affecting American Indians, Alaska Native and Native Americans, and maximize limited resources. The ICNAA enables the Department to address issues of importance to American Indians, Alaska Native and Native Americans with renewed effectiveness. The major functions of the ICNAA are to:

• Develop & promote HHS policy that provides greater access;
• Assist in the Tribal Consultation process;
• Develop both short term & long term strategic plans;
• Promote self-sufficiency and self-determination;
• Develop legislative, administrative, and regulatory proposals to benefit Native Americans; and
• Promote the Government-to-Government relationship as reaffirmed by the President