Tribal Relations

The Tribal Relations program for the Northern and Intermountain Regions is part of the State and Private Forestry staff's responsibility. Many tribal interests span multiple forests and often overlap with those of other tribes. Eighty-five tribes and two tribal organizations either reside or have interest in these two regions.

National Forest System lands are the ancestral homelands for many Indian tribes and are important sources of subsistence, foods, supplies, and medicines. These lands sustain the health, life, safety, and cultures of Native peoples. The Forest Service recognizes that the harvest and use of natural resources spiritually, physically, and culturally supports indigenous ceremonies such as songs and dances since time immemorial.

Tribal Government Relations

This relationship exists to assist Forest Service officials to:

Fulfill the unique relationship and obligation the USFS has with Federally recognized Indian tribes.
Assist in the development/implementation of Forest Service interests in establishing a mutual and beneficial partnership with tribes.
Provide opportunities for partnership building with tribes to facilitate economic development.

The goals of this relationship are to:

Maintain a governmental relationship with Federally acknowledged tribal governments.
Implement programs honorably and fulfill legally mandated trust responsibilities.
Administer programs to address and be sensitive to traditional Indian religious beliefs and practices.
Provide research, transfer of technology, and technical assistance to tribal governments.

This can be accomplished in three primary areas:

Education and Training: Developing and presenting training on Forest Service responsiblity in the Federal and tribal relationship such as treaty workshops and protocol/consultation with tribal governments.
Research: Assistance can be provided to research tribal claims/positions; historical Indian claims or request regarding National Forest Lands; to better understand current issues and policies.
Technical Support and Advice: Tribal relations program managers can help line and staff officers better understand current events and emerging issues. They can also provide advice regarding offical correspondence with tribal, political relationships between tribal governements, drafing planning documents, and when creating MOU's or MOA's with tribes.

Tribal Relations: Requirements, Obligations, and Opportunities

Requirements

American Indians and Alaska Natives have a unique legal and political relationship with the government of the United States. The history of federal policies, treaties, statutes, court decisions, and Presidential direction regarding Indian Tribes and tribal rights and interests is extensive.

Obligations

USFS Tribal Relations Authorities
Occupancy & Use of Forest Lands: Exclusive use of Forest Service lands by Tribe for traditional and cultural purposes. FSM 1563.7-Voluntary Closures. Forest Service units shall respond in a timely manner to tribal requests for voluntary closures of specific areas for tribal traditional cultural uses. When considering such requests, the FS line officers should consult with appropriate tribal officials and traditional leaders regarding the need for appropriate signing, education material, alternative locations, and scheduling. See FSH 1509.13 for guidelines on voluntary closures.