Page 10
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 certain ITOs were not consulted and specify the name of the ITOs that were not consulted. As FNS is aware, Oklahoma presents a unique situation, as the state does not have any federally recognized reservations. We assume this is why Oklahoma’s SNAP E&T program has not yet been approved for the 75% enhanced reimbursement for Native Nation partners. Nevertheless, Oklahoma remains committed to consulting with and building relationships with all Native Nations in the state. On January 2, 2025, the Oklahoma Human Services Tribal Liaison initiated consultation by sending a letter to all 38 Nations via standard mail and email. The letter invited the Nations to engage in discussions related to Adult and Family Services programs, community needs, and the FY 2025 State Plans. A written comment period was open from January 2, 2025, through February 15, 2025. During this time, the full FY 2025 State Plans were made available for review to provide context. Comments could be submitted through a webform (via link or QR code), email, or by speaking directly with AFS’s Tribal Liaison, Summer Wesley. No written comments or questions were received, nor were any meetings requested by officials from any Nation. A second formal invitation was sent to all 38 Nations for the 2025 SNAP Summit, held on April 8, 2025. This provided an additional venue for consultation regarding the drafting of the FY 2026 State Plan and for the Nations to learn more about AFS programs. Attendees included representatives from the Chickasaw Nation, Quapaw Nation, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Nations. No comments or requests regarding the contents of the annual plans were submitted. Below is a list of the attendees. Adrienne Jacobs, SNAP Ed Manager Chickasaw Nation Melissa Young, SNAP Ed Chickasaw Nation Michelle Bowden, Food Sovereignty Quapaw Nation Jean A. Blalock, QFM and FH Manager Quapaw Nation Marsha Lena, Grants Manager Cheyenne and Arapaho Nation List the ITOs consulted and describe the outcomes of the consultation(s). Provide specific examples of how the State agency incorporated feedback from ITOs into the design of the E&T program (e.g. unique supportive 1/29/26, 9:31 AM State Plan OK FY26 - Original Submission https://dam-fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/microsite/snapet-okfy26stateplan//index.html 10/156