Departmental role: The Department operates in its own functional lane and coordinates family, wellness, support, referral, and community-service initiatives for Tribal members. The Executive Branch provides administrative oversight, coordination, and assistance while the Department retains responsibility for its assigned mission and programs. It does not represent itself as a hospital, medical practice, licensed clinical provider, or public social-service agency. Medical, behavioral-health, legal, and other licensed services should be provided or supervised by appropriately qualified professionals when required by applicable law.
Responsibilities
Strengthening the family. Supporting the whole person.
Family is the first pillar of F.E.E.D. The Department turns that principle into organized support for children, parents, elders, families, and individuals through education, wellness, resource coordination, prevention, and community care.
Family StrengtheningDevelop programs that support stable families, healthy relationships, responsible parenting, marriage and family education, conflict prevention, and intergenerational responsibility.
Health & Wellness EducationPromote practical health education, preventive wellness, physical activity, nutrition awareness, healthy lifestyles, and informed use of qualified medical and behavioral-health services.
Children, Youth & ParentsSupport parents and caregivers, encourage healthy child development, coordinate family-centered youth services, and connect families with educational, mentoring, recreational, and developmental resources.
Elder SupportPromote respect, dignity, safety, inclusion, and practical support for elders, including resource navigation, family coordination, wellness outreach, and intergenerational participation.
Human Services & Resource NavigationHelp members identify and access lawful public, nonprofit, charitable, community, and professional resources for food, housing, transportation, employment support, health care, counseling, benefits, and other essential needs.
Crisis & Family Support CoordinationDevelop clear referral and support pathways for families facing emergencies, displacement, domestic difficulty, grief, hardship, or other serious disruptions, with priority placed on safety and appropriate professional assistance.
Community Wellness ProgramsCoordinate wellness fairs, screenings through qualified providers, fitness and healthy-living programs, elder and caregiver education, family workshops, and other initiatives that strengthen community well-being.
Partnerships & Service NetworksBuild lawful partnerships with hospitals, clinics, counselors, social-service organizations, schools, nonprofits, veterans organizations, food programs, housing resources, and other institutions that can expand support for Tribal families.
Protection of Vulnerable MembersPromote safeguards, referral procedures, and responsible reporting practices for children, elders, people with disabilities, and others who may be vulnerable to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or unsafe conditions.
Confidentiality & Responsible RecordsMaintain appropriate privacy, dignity, and record-handling standards for sensitive family and service information, consistent with applicable law and adopted Tribal policies.
F.E.E.D. Connection
Family is the foundation of community.
The Department gives the Family pillar a permanent institutional home within Tribal government while working closely with Education, Economic Development, community protection, and other Tribal programs. The Executive Branch provides administrative coordination and support.
Mission Pillar • FamilyFamily Development
Programs and services are organized around the principle that stronger families create stronger communities and stronger future generations.
View F.E.E.D.
People & CommunityOur People
The Department serves children, parents, adults, elders, caregivers, and families as part of the Tribe's broader responsibility to the well-being and continuity of its people.
Our People
