2026 Self-Governance Cooperative Agreement - The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, a Federally recognized Tribe located on the Fort Hall Reservation in Southeastern Idaho, formally entered into Self-Governance planning per Tribal Resolution. This application seeks funding under the Tribal Self-Governance Program (TSGP) Negotiation Cooperative Agreement to support the Tribes' preparation for assuming Indian Health Service (IHS) Programs, Services, Functions, and Activities (PSFAs) through a phased Title V approach. The purpose of this project is to enhance Tribal readiness for formal negotiations by advancing planning efforts, preparing essential documents, and supporting tribal-federal collaboration to determine the terms of a Self-Governance Compact and Funding Agreement. The proposed activities include legal and technical consultation, internal and government to government coordination, and completion of documentation necessary for a successful Title V Compact and Funding Agreement negotiations with IHS. The project builds on previous planning efforts, feasibility assessment, and planning input from community focus groups and tribal leadership, which identified service delivery gaps and priorities. These findings informed the Tribes’ Work Plan, which outlines a phased approach to integrating Tribal Health and Human Services (THHS) and IHS operations. This integration aims to improve health outcomes through culturally appropriate, community-led service delivery aligned with Tribal sovereignty. Expected outcomes include completion of the Compact and Funding Agreement, increased organizational capacity to support self-governance functions, and strengthened infrastructure for the eventual assumption of PSFAs. The project supports the Tribes’ long-term goal to provide high-quality, culturally grounded healthcare that meets the unique needs of the AI/AN population in Fort Hall. Through this cooperative agreement, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes seek to take an essential step toward advancing Tribal sovereignty and building a responsive, self-directed health system.
