Tribal Engagement Policies & Resources

Tribal Engagement Resources Engagement Resources for EDD-Tribal Collaboration Collaboration between Economic Development Districts (EDDs) and Tribal governments involves navigating complex cultural, legal, and logistical considerations. Effective engagement requires an understanding of Tribal sovereignty, cultural values, and the frameworks that guide partnerships. This page provides resources to support EDDs and Tribal governments in building respectful and […]

Are you interested in collaborating with Native nations but don't know where to start? Or, do you have an existing partnership and want to learn how to be a better relative? During this virtual event, you'll learn best practices from Indigenous leaders working in a variety of sectors. Attendees will come away with an understanding of how to partner with Native nations in a good way and tools for taking action. Host: Alli Moran Panelists: Levi Brown, Joe Nayquonabe, Dewayne Hornbuckle

Tribal Engagement Strategies Click here to view this publication as a PDF. Introduction Economic Development Districts (EDDs) and American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Nations frequently represent overlapping or adjacent geographies, which often leads to a shared interest in regional economic development topics. However, the extent of relationships between EDDs and Tribal Nations varies widely […]

This toolkit provides state legislators a basic foundation for working with Tribal Nations. It includes short case studies, policy options, and examples of good relationship building. These policy options should be evaluated in context and alongside Tribal partners. This toolkit provides only an introductory policy overview and is not intended to replace more substantial learning.

IK Handbook

Pierce County includes 1,806 square miles of ceded lands of four Federally recognized Tribes: the Puyallup Tribe, the Nisqually Tribe, the Muckleshoot Tribe, and the Squaxin Island Tribe. These Tribes are sovereign governments that predate the founding of the United States, and their sovereignty is an inherent right that has existed since time immemorial, recognized with a government-to-government relationship by the United States.

The Tribal RPG has three main objectives: Identify opportunities for successful outreach and partnerships between conservation districts, tribal conservation districts, tribes, tribal associations and other partners. Provide assistance to conservation […]

In the summer of 2013, WACD President David Guenther appointed a Tribal Outreach Task Force to provide increased communication and cultural exchange…

NRCS Washington Tribal Assistance

Washington's first people have unique and rich insight into our natural environments. Countless generations have passed down wisdom of how our land's ecology influences its culture. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources recognizes the vital knowledge Washington's first people have of our shared natural resources. DNR operates under an order from the Commissioner

On May 10, 2019, Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced a new policy requiring “free, prior and informed consent” from tribes on projects or initiatives from the Attorney General’s Office (“AGO”) that could impact tribal interests, including tribal rights and lands. Because the AGO is not a permitting agency, like the Department of Ecology or the Department of Natural Resources, the policy does not apply to development projects, unless an agency elects to follow it or adopts a similar policy. The precise impact of this policy is unclear as agencies commonly consult with tribes during the environmental review process under the State Environmental Policy Act, but absent a violation of treaty rights, tribal consent is usually not required.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission's push to approve a new Conservation Policy for itself and WDFW appears to be going on pause after six tribes formally asked to consult with the state on the far-reaching guidance document.

Northwest Tribes and WDFW collectively work together on many fronts throughout the state on projects in conservation, habitat restoration, fish and wildlife enforcement coordination, co-management of treaty fisheries, scientific research and analysis, historic and cultural resource preservation, hunting coordination, and wildlife recovery.