Partnership Resource Center - TRIBAL PARTNERSHIPS

TRIBAL PARTNERSHIPS

The Forest Service and other federal agencies maintain a government-to-government relationship with American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes (see listing of federally-recognized tribes). The federal government has a trust responsibility which relies on direct consultation between agencies and tribes on policies and actions that that may affect treat or other rights and interests or traditional tribal cultural values and practices.

The Forest Service is committed to strengthening its working relationships with American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes. Many options are available for partnerships between the Forest Service and Tribal entities such as Tribal governments, Native American-owned businesses, Native American contractors and Tribal interest organizations.

Organizations and Programs

Key national initiatives and programs are highlighted below to provide inspiration and resources to budding partnerships. Please refer to “Partnership Link” feature for local references.

Tribal Organizations

Intertribal Timber Council - A nonprofit nation-wide consortium of Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, and individuals dedicated to improving the management of natural resources of importance to Native American communities.

Native American Fish and Wildlife Society - A national communications network for the exchange of information and management techniques related to self-determined tribal fish and wildlife management.

The National Congress of American Indians has been working to inform the public and Congress on the governmental rights of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Indian Nations Conservation Alliance - Assisting all US Tribal Nations/Alaskan Natives in establishing, maintaining, and/or strengthening Tribal Conservation Districts to protect the air, land, water, cultural & natural resources, and Mother Earth for future generations.-

First Nations Development Institute - Restoring Native control and culturally-compatible stewardship of the assets they own - be they land, human potential, cultural heritage, or natural resources - and to establish new assets for ensuring the long-term vitality of Native communities.

National Tribal Environmental Council - A membership organization dedicated to working with and assisting tribes in the protection and preservation of tribal environments. NTEC's membership is open to any federally-recognized tribe throughout the United States, and currently has 184 member tribes.

Relevant Government Programs

U.S. Forest Service, Office of Tribal Relations - The Office of Tribal Relations works collaboratively through government-to-government relationships to manage the resources entrusted to their care for the benefit of the American public, while respecting the special trust relationship of the United States towards Indian Tribes.

Bureau of Indian Affairs, Forestry Department - Website Currently Unavailable

US Department of Agriculture - Director of Native American Programs, Dawn Charging.

Department of the Interior, Indian Arts and Crafts Board - Promotes the economic development of American Indians and Alaska Natives of federally recognized Tribes through the expansion of the Indian arts and crafts market. The IACB provides promotional opportunities, general business advice, and information on the Indian Arts and Crafts Act to Native American artists, craftspeople, businesses, museums, and cultural centers of federally recognized Tribes.

Key Forest Service Contact

The Forest Service maintains a network of Tribal Liaisons across the US.

Publications

Tribal Forest Protection Act - The Tribal Forest Protection Act (Public Law 108-278) was passed in July 2004 in response to devastating wildfires that crossed from Federal onto Tribal lands the prior summer. The Act provides a tool for tribes to propose work and enter into contracts and agreements with the Forest Service (FS) or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to reduce threats from on Federal lands adjacent to Indian trust land and Indian communities.
Forest Service National Resource Guide to American Indian and Alaska Native Relations - FS-600, April 1997. Document written to help Forest Service line officers and employees gain a clear understanding of how to implement the U.S. Government’s and the Forest Service’s American Indian and Alaska Native policies.
Guide to USDA Programs for American Indians and Alaska Natives - Program Aide Number 1617, October 1997. This document is a reference for American Indian and Alaska Native tribal leaders and members, planners, community leaders, producers, and anyone else who works with American Indians on numerous USDA programs. It is designed to help partners decide which programs best serve their needs and how to improve access to USDA programs and services.