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GAO Seeks Members for New Tribal Advisory Council

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 7, 2022)--The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) today announced plans to form its first-ever Tribal Advisory Council (TAC) to provide insights and recommendations on issues affecting Tribal Nations and their citizens.  GAO is now seeking nominations as it begins building membership in the new group. The Council will help inform the nonpartisan watchdog agency’s future work and priorities in examining federal programs that serve tribal communities and Indigenous peoples.

“The persistent challenges facing tribal communities are a national concern,” said Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States and head of the GAO.  “Although GAO does not generally audit Tribal Nation’s activities, we review numerous federal agencies and programs that serve Tribes, their citizens, and descendants. That work touches on such critical areas as health care, education, economic development, environmental protection, justice, and infrastructure. We look forward to the Council’s input on emerging topics that warrant further attention, ways to ensure GAO work includes a diverse range of tribal and indigenous perspectives, and the agency’s processes for working with Tribes.”

Nominations for Council appointments for terms beginning in August 2022 are now being accepted. Nomination instructions and requirements are here and nominations should be submitted to TAC@gao.gov by May 20. 

The Council will include up to 15 members.  These may be elected or appointed officials from federally-recognized Tribal Nations, from a state-recognized Tribe and/or Native Hawaiian organization, or technical advisors knowledgeable about tribal and indigenous issues.  Council appointees will be invited to serve terms of two or three years.  

For more information about the Council, contact Paige Gilbreath at (214) 777-5724 or gilbreathp@gao.gov. Inquiries may also be directed to Chuck Young, Managing Director of Public Affairs, at (202) 512-4800.

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The Government Accountability Office, known as the investigative arm of Congress, is an independent, nonpartisan agency that exists to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities. GAO also works to improve the performance of the federal government and ensure its accountability to the American people. The agency examines the use of public funds; evaluates federal programs and policies; and provides analyses, recommendations, and other assistance to help Congress make informed oversight, policy, and funding decisions. GAO provides Congress with timely information that is objective, fact-based, nonideological, fair, and balanced. GAO’s commitment to good government is reflected in its core values of accountability, integrity, and reliability. 
 

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