Post-Forum Series Part 1: Partnering with Tribal Communities—Considerations and Conversations

Tuesday, March 18 | 3:00 – 4:30 PM, ET 

This session is designed to bridge the gap between OFR efforts and tribal nations and offers a foundational introduction to tribal sovereignty, governance structures, and collaboration, providing invaluable insights for those new to working with tribal communities. 

Participants will explore key concepts such as federal recognition, the significance of tribal lands and reservations, and government-to-government relationships. The session will emphasize the importance of recognizing and respecting tribal sovereignty, highlighting the need for culturally appropriate engagement. Attendees will understand how tribal sovereignty may impact OFR efforts and learn strategies for creating respectful, productive partnerships. 

Do not miss this opportunity to build a strong foundation of knowledge about tribal communities and develop approaches for engaging with tribal nations in vital overdose prevention efforts. This session will equip you with essential tools for fostering collaborative relationships that honor tribal sovereignty and contribute to shared public safety and public health goals. 

Audience 

Open to all multidisciplinary members who participate in, lead, support, or are interested in OFRs, specifically those interested in engaging with tribal communities.  

Meet Your Presenters 

• Paul Fuentes is a project coordinator at the National Criminal Justice Training Center (NCJTC) of Fox Valley Technical College. In his current role, he plays a crucial role in supporting grantees of Bureau of Justice Assistance-funded programs, focusing on the Tribal Justice System Planning Process and Tribal Responses to Alcohol and Substance Misuse, both of which provide essential training and technical assistance (TTA) to tribal communities. Mr. Fuentes is a passionate advocate for tribal justice and grant management with extensive experience in the field. 
• Clayton Small Sr., PhD, a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, is the chief executive officer (CEO) for the American Indian nonprofit organization Native Prevention, Research, Intervention, Development, and Education (Native P.R.I.D.E.)., providing prevention, wellness, healing, and leadership training throughout Indian Country. Dr. Small has developed prevention programs for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Indian Health Service, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the U.S. Department of Justice. He has comprehensive knowledge and experience in community mobilization, strategic visioning, Indian education, organizational development, youth leadership, prevention, wellness/healing, team trust building, cultural competency, and creating positive change. 
• Tasha R. Mousseau, Pejuta Cangleska Win (Sacred Medicine Circle Woman), is an enrolled member of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes and is Kiowa, Caddo, and Hunka Oglala Lakota.   Ms. Mousseau interweaves her traditional knowledge and western education throughout her work. As the chief officer of advancement and tribal relations, she collaborates with tribal communities across Indian Country to implement the Friends of the Children mentoring model utilizing a culturally grounded approach. As owner of Buffalo Circle Consulting, Ms. Mousseau assists in policy development, code drafting, and lobbying for numerous tribes and organizations.