The communities are small and over the years, both formal and informal networking among and between providers has occurred. There is an acknowledgement and a demonstrated relationship between the agencies to come together to serve mutual clients. Hence, the groundwork is already in place from which to develop the Steering Committee and multi-agency approach to provision of services. For the most part, agencies have been able to put many turf battles to rest which is an extremely significant strength. There is present in the Tribe and surrounding communities a desire to work together and build a stronger, more responsive system.
Present services are primarily crisis focused and reactive in nature.
Inspite of living in close proximity to one another the Non-Natives lack knowledge of the culture and practice of the Native Americans. Though there have been improved relations and a genuine willingness on the part of many agencies to learn what is necessary to provide culturally specific services there remains the history of discrimination and mistrust. These elements impact families willingness to access services and providers ability to deliver these services. Some of the local stakeholders administrators do not have the final authority to reallocate funds, ie family independence agency though there is a local director, ultimate decision making authority lies elsewhere. Limited fiscal resources to address identified problems and the reality of future further reductions in funding.