The same office that deals with the EPA's affairs abroad will now also work with sovereign Native American tribes within the U.S. On Tuesday, March 16, 2010, Jackson announced an internal restructuring at the agency that brings its international and tribal programs together under one umbrella organization called the Office of International & Tribal Affairs (OITA). This restructuring was initiated in response to a request from the tribes to reconsider the proper location of the American Indian Environmental Office (AIEO).

"This change ensures that we approach our relationship with the sovereign tribal nations within our own country in the same way we approach our relationship with sovereign nations beyond U.S. borders," said Jackson in a press release, "I am confident this move will result in new and positive directions for the EPA-Tribal partnership."

In early 2009, Administrator Jackson met with the National Congress of American Indians and announced her intention to review the American Indian Environmental Office's (AIEO) placement in the EPA structure. After consultation with the National Tribal Caucus and EPA leadership in July 2009, she announced the restructuring that would move AIEO from the Office of Water to the Office of International Affairs, and rename the office to reflect the inclusion.

"Tribes and tribal lands face disproportionate environmental and public health concerns" said Michelle DePass, assistant administrator for the new OITA. "It is my honor to assume leadership of the American Indian Environmental Office – and I look forward to working with tribal communities as partners in overall efforts to address these pressing issues."