Mission Statement

The Office of Indian Policy's (OIP) role is to assist the collective needs of Tribal Governments and Recognized American Indian Organizations to assure quality and comprehensive program service delivery from the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to all American Indians and Alaska natives in Washington State.

Message from the Director

"Working together is a great foundation in achieving greater results!"
- Colleen F. Cawston

I am pleased to serve as the Director of the DSHS Office of Indian Policy (OIP) and to have the opportunity to share with you my vision for the program over the next several years. As a component of building stronger partnerships with tribal governments, OIP has the critical role of representing DSHS' efforts to work cooperatively and respectfully with Native Americans across the state, both on and off the reservations. OIP also has the responsibility to ensure that the tribes have a voice in state government. It is with the pursuit of fulfilling this dual mandate that I assume my leadership role.