Tribal Affairs

OCIA coordinates all Department engagements with Tribal Nations:

• Read the current DOL Tribal Consultation Policy

Please direct all inquiries related to Tribal Consultation to TribalConsultation@dol.gov

Upcoming Tribal Consultations

Tribal Consultation Announcement: Department of Labor Seeks Tribal Input on PRWORA and ETA Programs

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) will host two virtual Tribal Consultation sessions on October 1 and October 2, 2026. The consultations will provide leaders of Federally recognized Tribal Nations an opportunity to offer input as the Department develops a proposed rule addressing which services provided through ETA-administered programs are considered a “Federal public benefit” under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA). The same information will be presented during both sessions. 

The proposed rule will define which ETA program services constitute Federal public benefits under PRWORA. While the rule will not prescribe how grantees conduct eligibility determinations, the Department notes that the definition may affect how grantees and service providers verify eligibility. The consultation is intended to gather Tribal input regarding potential implications for Federally recognized Tribes that serve as ETA grantees and service providers, including feedback related to WIOA Title I programs and the Senior Community Service Employment Program. 

Consultation Dates and Times

• Thursday, October 1, 2026 | 3:00–5:00 p.m. EDT
• Friday, October 2, 2026 | 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. EDT 

The virtual consultations are open only to leaders of Federally recognized Tribal Nations and their proxies and are not open to the press or general public. Sessions will be held via WebEx. For more information on how to join the consultations, please see the following letter for further details. Dear Tribal Leader Letter 

• PRWORA Tribal Consultation Slides

Prior Tribal Consultations

On November 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced expanded partnerships with the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Department of Labor (DOL). These partnerships will be formalized through Interagency Agreements (IAAs), under which ED will procure services from DOI and DOL for specified programs. DOI and DOL will provide services, technical assistance, and support to integrate and strengthen Native-serving programs. DOL will take on a growing role in ensuring appropriate Tribal set-asides within applicable fiscal appropriations to support programs that boost literacy, strengthen employable skills, and connect Native youth and adults to meaningful workforce pathways. ED will retain all statutory and policymaking authorities governing these programs.

ED, in partnership with DOI and DOL, will host a Tribal consultation on February 10, 2026, to gather input from elected Tribal leaders. For more information on the consultation and on IAA implementation, please see the links below:

Tribal Consultations and Engagement Sessions | U.S. Department of Education

Returning Education to the States | U.S. Department of Education

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