Tribal Relations
The Coconino National Forest continues to build a positive working relationship with our tribal neighbors with the creation of the Tribal Relations Specialist position. This position reports directly to the Forest Supervisor and provides a direct line of communication from the tribes to the Forest Supervisor. Fiscal Year 2010 saw the completion the first phase of a three-phase repatriation process in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Following the Schultz Fire, traditional tribal practioners were able to conduct traditional ceremonies with the assistance of Forest Service employees in or near the burn area to heal the damage to the forest created by the fire.
The Coconino National Forest was also successful in working with the Coconino County Board of Supervisors in assisting tribes with fuel wood permits to provide fuel wood to elderly tribal members. This project is expected to be implemented on a yearly basis. In September 2010 the Coconino National Forest participated in an Intertribal Meeting in partnership with the Kaibab National Forest and the Grand Canyon National Park. This meeting provided tribal members and federal employees to meet and get to know each other in an informal basis and provide success stories on collaboration. The Coconino and Kaibab National Forests have developed a new policy for providing free forest products to Native Americans for traditional and cultural purposes.
The Coconino National Forest consults with 13 Federally Recognized Native American Tribes, Nations, and Pueblos.
ARIZONA
- The Navajo Nation
- The Hopi Tribe
- The Havasupai Tribe
- The Hualapai Tribe
- The San Juan Southern Paiute
- The White Mountain Apache Tribe
- The Tonto Apache Tribe
- The San Carlos Apache Tribe
- The Yavapai-Apache Nation
- The Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe
- Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
NEW MEXICO
- The Pueblo of Acoma
- The Pueblo of Zuni