Department of Economic Security hires new Tribal Relations Liaison

The Department of Economic Security (DES) hired Mary Huyser as the department's new tribal relations liaison. In this position, Huyser will serve as a point of contact for Arizona's tribal governments and community members to help build an understanding of DES policies and programs and to help create communication between DES and the tribes.

"One of our goals is to develop strong working partnerships with Arizona's American Indian Nations and Tribes," said Clarence H. Carter, director of DES. "We are so pleased to have Ms. Huyser join the DES team, as she brings with her a wealth of professional and personal experiences and expertise that will help DES improve our understanding of tribal issues and move us towards our goal."

Huyser is from the Dine (Navajo) Nation in Arizona and belongs to the Salt Clan. An American Indian child welfare expert, she has worked in urban areas and on tribal lands to address challenges American Indian children and their families face. As a former strategic advisor for Casey Family Programs, Huyser conducted advocacy work, identified and mobilized resources and communicated with state and tribal governments to promote effective, integrative and culturally relevant child welfare policy and practice standards.

Huyser has also provided national consultation and training regarding the Indian Child Welfare Act, enacted in 1978 to give tribes the right to self-govern and oversee child welfare issues among tribal members.

Her previous positions include administrator for Gila River Indian Community, program manager for Navajo Nation Social Services in Window Rock and social worker at the Denver Indian Health Services.

Anyone interested in speaking with Ms. Huyser about tribal related issues may contact her via email at DESTribalRelations@azdes.gov.

Donate to nhonews.com Report a Typo Contact
Most Read