Tribal Relations
American Indians have lived in what is now Ohio for over 12,000 years. The Indigenous history of this region is complex. Over the millennia, the land that is now Ohio has been home to many American Indian cultures, societies, and Tribes. Each of these Tribes and their members have their own unique history, culture, traditions, and heritage. Today there are over 45 Federally recognized American Indian Tribes with ancestral ties to Ohio.
We work with Federally recognized American Indian Tribes on issues of shared importance. Tribes are sovereign governments, and this means that the Forest Service has a unique government-to-government relationship and special trust relationship with them.
Connect with our Tribal Relations Specialist at sm.fs.WNF_Tribal@usda.gov.
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Working With Tribes Today
Tribes with ancestral ties to southeast Ohio are actively engaged with the current stewardship of this national forest. Our engagement with Tribes is guided by Federal law, regulations, and policies, as well as relevant treaties.
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Federally Recognized Indian Tribes with Ancestral Ties to Ohio
Present day Federally recognized American Indian Tribes with known or possible ancestral ties to Ohio. This is not a comprehensive list, as there have been other peoples who have lived here whose current-day cultural affiliations or ties have been lost to history.