WDVA Joins Oregon DVA & Tribal Veteran Partners in Hosting Tribal Veteran Advocate Conference

The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) had the distinct honor of joining Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) and multiple tribes in hosting the 2022 Tribal Veteran Advocate Conference this week with the purpose of offering training about VA benefits and programs aimed at improving services to tribal veterans and their families.

This event marked the first time the two states’ veterans’ affairs departments partnered together, with multiple host tribes involved, to better serve tribal veterans. The Yakama Nation served as Washington’s host tribal nation, while the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde presented on behalf of Washington state’s tribal veterans.

The two-day virtual conference included veteran benefit topics about specially adapted housing grants, advance care planning, Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), Native Veterans Spouses & Dependency, and shared how WDVA and ODVA are working to support tribal veterans through collaborative agreements with Native American tribes in each state. A record 168 attendees across 25 states participated in this important event.

In remarks to close the conference’s first day, WDVA Director Alfie Alvarado-Ramos noted the importance of not leaving fellow warriors behind and that there is extreme concern focused on supporting elder veterans, their survivors, and especially tribal veterans at risk, whether living on or off of the reservation.

“This is why it is so critical to reach out to all your tribal members, so that we can be more predictive regarding our veterans and their families’ needs,” said WDVA Director Alfie Alvarado-Ramos.  “This way those worked so hard to keep a roof over their heads, don’t lost it or have to choose between medications or food.”

This event would not have been possible without the support and partnership of the ODVA, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Yakama Nation, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Tribal Government Relations, Pacific District, and tribal and local veteran service officers serving tribal veterans in both states.

To locate a tribal veteran service office or tribal veteran advocacy support in Washington, please visit WDVA’s website at https://www.dva.wa.gov/resources?resource_type=819