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Office of the Tribal Liaison

Created in January 2012, the Office of the Tribal Liaison (OTL) seeks to demonstrate a respect for sovereignty and advocate for tribal nations while fostering inclusive partnerships using sound public health practices to achieve its vision - "Achieving Tribal-State Synergy for Optimal Holistic Health" for all Oklahomans.  

The American Indian people residing in the State of Oklahoma are citizens of the state, and as such possess all the rights and privileges afforded by Oklahoma to its citizens.  They are also the citizens of tribal nations.  The OTL and the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) recognize that each of the 38 federally recognized Oklahoma tribal nations has inalienable self-governance power over their citizens and territories, and possess unique culture, beliefs, value systems, and history as a sovereign nation.  Thus, the OTL and OSDH commit to tribal nations participation in their decision making process as a government-to-government relationship, and embrace a belief that strengthening collaboration with tribal nations and key stakeholders at the federal, state, and community levels while leveraging resources may yield greater impact in creating a healthier and safer community for American Indian people.  

The OTL pledges to produce work of the highest quality while embracing the office's core values - respect, sovereignty, collaboration, integrity, and accountability.  Major OTL offerings include:  

  1. Seeking government-to-government consultation with tribal nations;
  2. Establishing and strengthening relationships and collaborations among tribal nations, federal, state, and community key stakeholders, and OSDH colleagues;
  3. Increasing cultural competence among the OSDH workforce;
  4. Implementing culturally appropriate and effective communication; and
  5. Appropriately disseminating and translating American Indian public health findings into meaningful knowledge and field practice.  


Contact Information

Stephen Weaver, MPA
Tribal Liaison
Email: StephenW@health.ok.gov

Mailing Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Office of Tribal Liaison
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave., Suite 1702
Oklahoma City, OK 73102-6406

Physical Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK