The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) formed a unique new advisory body this week in the form of the Tribal Homeland Security Advisory Council, a first-ever means for tribal leaders to advise the department on homeland security policies that affect indigenous communities.
Emergency management, law enforcement, cybersecurity, domestic terrorism, border security – the new council could have a potential stake and insight into any of them, and now, the DHS will listen. Council members will interact with DHS agencies and offices, producing recommendations and reports for the Secretary of Homeland Security along the way. More specifically, it will be charged with collaborating on homeland security for tribal nations and indigenous communities, rather than having to go through the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
“The inaugural Tribal Homeland Security Advisory Council is a result of sustained engagement to improve nation-to-nation relationships and comes at a time of critical importance,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said. “I look forward to building a new Council that will provide timely advice and recommendations directly from Indian Country regarding how we can better work together to improve homeland security.”
A period of nomination for the council’s members began with the announcement. It will last 30 days, and applicants will be considered based on their qualifications to serve as representatives of a tribal nation or organization.