Tribal Relations

The Tribal Relations Program focuses on improving relations between American Indian Tribal Governments and the Forest Service.

The history of Federal policies, treaties, statutes, court decisions, and Presidential direction (Executive Orders) regarding Indian Tribes and tribal rights and interests is extensive. The relationship between the United States and Tribes extends to all Federal agencies and is unique and distinct from those that apply to other interests and constituencies served by the Forest Service.

The Gila National Forest consults with tribes on a government-to-government basis about proposed Forest projects. Through this consultation, the forest builds productive working relationships with tribal leaders, government officials, and resource managers. The forest consults with federally recognized Apache and Puebloan Tribes that are culturally and historically affiliated with, and have ongoing interest in management of Gila-administered lands.

• Coordinate land and resource management plans, appropriate study plans, and actions with tribal land and resource management plans.
• Assist tribal members in obtaining ceremonial and medicinal plants, animals, and the use of specific geographic places.
• Protect tribal cultural and historical information.
• Provide research, transfer of technology, and technical assistance, where mutually agreed to and authorized by law.
• Seek traditional ecological knowledge that may be relevant to the management of natural and cultural resources.
• Ensure that consultation takes place during the formulation and implementation of policies that may have tribal implications.
• Ensure government-to-government relationships with Tribes are established.