Happy Camp, CA — The Karuk Tribe has become the first tribe in California to receive federal approval for a comprehensive 102-477 Self-Sufficiency Plan, marking a milestone in Karuk self-governance and integrated service delivery. Approved for the 2025–2035 program period, the Tribe’s 477 Plan consolidates a wide array of federal employment, education, childcare, and welfare programs into a unified system designed to empower families and strengthen the Karuk community. This plan is an important step in reducing administrative burdens.

Under the authority of Public Law 102-477, tribes may combine funding from multiple federal sources into one coordinated program. The Karuk Tribe’s 477 Plan brings together services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Justice, including TANF, LIHEAP, CCDF, Head Start, and reentry support. This consolidation streamlines access for all eligible residents of the Karuk service area who depend on these vital programs.

“The Karuk Tribe continues to make strides on behalf of our community,” said Karuk Tribal Council Chairman Russel “Buster” Attebery. “The 477 Plan honors our traditional heritage while strengthening the economic, educational, and cultural traditions of our families. It gives us the tools to serve our communities with the dignity and flexibility that only a tribally driven approach can provide.”

A holistic approach to self-sufficiency

The Karuk 477 Plan introduces a new model for tribal administration, integrating education, job training, youth services, cultural engagement, childcare, and basic needs support into a single, culturally grounded delivery system. Local intake staff and an intra-departmental Yav Pa Anav Wellness Forum will coordinate implementation across Happy Camp, Orleans, and Yreka, ensuring services are tailored to each community’s unique challenges and opportunities.

Key components include:

• Employment and training: Job readiness, placement services, reentry support, and workforce development partnerships.
• Education and youth development: Higher education scholarships, GED and vocational training, Head Start integration, and youth camps.
• Support services: General assistance, TANF cash aid, emergency relief, culturally responsive childcare, and family preservation programs.
• Cultural integration: Traditional parenting education, language revitalization, ceremonial healing practices, and support for Native foster placements.

The plan also addresses systemic barriers such as lack of transportation, childcare gaps, housing instability, and historical trauma, while offering transitional support for TANF recipients moving into stable employment.

Leading by example in tribal governance

The Karuk Tribe’s pioneering approach positions it as a national model for self-determination and innovation in tribal service design. Through a single reporting system and consolidated administrative processes, the Tribe is maximizing resources, reducing overhead, and increasing access for community members.

“For years, the Tribe has operated these programs in silos. Now, we have combined them into a single service delivery program. Expect more inter-departmental communication, streamlined services, and less bureaucracy when applying for services,” said Program Director Dion Wood. “It brings federal dollars into alignment with our tribal values and our community-defined goals.”

With this plan now approved, the Karuk Tribe invites other nations to explore the possibilities of 102-477 integration and remains committed to sharing its journey toward holistic wellness and self-sufficiency. For more information, please visit www.karuk.us or contact the Karuk Tribe’s Director of Project 477 at dwood@karuk.us.