Page 15

State Plan NM FY26 - Amendment 1 Page of 15 99 CONSULTATION WITH INDIAN TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS (ITOs) State agencies are required to consult with Tribes about the SNAP State Plan of Operations, which includes the E&T State Plan, per 7 CFR 272.2(b) and 272.2(e)(7). The consultations must pertain to the unique needs of Tribal members. State agencies are required to document the availability of E&T programs for Tribal members living on reservations in accordance with 7 CFR 273.7(c)(6)(xiii). The goal of this section is to describe how the State agency consulted with Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs), describe the results of the consultation, and document the availability of E&T programs for Tribal members living on reservations. Did the State agency consult with ITOs in the State? Yes Yes, but not all ITOs No There are no ITOs in my State Explain why the State agency did not consult with ITOs in the State. The State of New Mexico did not conduct a formal Tribal Consultation regarding SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) due to the current structure of the Income Support Division (ISD), which includes SNAP E&T, lacking a designated Tribal Liaison however an interim liaison Theresa Belanger was appointed to that position and has since left the position. Per the definition of Tribal Consultation, such engagement must occur on a government-to-government basis. At this time, the SNAP E&T team is not authorized to make program decisions independently, as that authority rests with upper leadership. Snap E&T did do outreach at four events this year, On 3.27.25 Alamo Health Fair New Mexico SNAP E&T attended the Health Fair in Alamo, NM. The outreach that was conducted were questions being answered by the E&T Team Representatives (Jimmy Rodriguez and Danica Aguilar) regarding what the E&T Program is, but there were no reverse referrals made at that time. There were multiple health initiative-based organizations present. The Health Fair had not taken place in Alamo since the COVID-19 pandemic, and this was the kickoff for the event, and it is going to be held annually as stated by the event organizers. Navajo Nation leadership was not in attendance; On 6.20.25 Pine Hill New Mexico SNAP E&T along with a representative from the contracted E&T service provider EQUUS, attended the event. The outreach that was conducted was answering questions on what the E&T program offers. SNAP E&T was represented by Jimmy Rodriguez, and Karen Griffin; EQUUS was represented by Brigadier Brown. There were multiple visitors to the outreach table, but there were no reverse referrals made. The one contact made was with Matthew Shepherd, who was the event organizer and the Benefits Coordinator for Pine Hill; Navajo Nation leadership or any authorized representative was not in attendance. SNAP E&T Team hopes to be invited back and hopefully make contact if Navajo Nation leadership or authorized representative is in attendance. On 7.31.25 Tao-Picuris (Pre-School Roundup) New Mexico SNAP E&T along with a representative from the contracted E&T service provider, EQUUS, attended the event that was held at the Taos-Picuris Indian Health Services building. The outreach that was conducted was answering questions on what the E&T programs offers, which was mainly completed by the EQUUS representative, and flyers from both SNAP E&T and EQUUS were distributed. SNAP E&T was represented by Jimmy Rodriguez, Diego