Tribal Relations

In Colorado, more than 50 American Indian tribes are federally recognized, with deep historical, cultural, spiritual and legal connections to the land. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland consults and connects with these tribes.

The heritage staff works closely with American Indian Tribes to ensure tribal interests are taken into account during the planning process common to the diverse range of forest management projects. The forest provides access to traditional places and allows plant harvesting necessary in tribal ceremony. The Forests and Grassland consults with nine different tribes: 

• Ute of Utah
• Ute Mountain Ute
• Southern Ute
• Cheyenne and Arapaho
• Northern Arapaho
• Northern Cheyenne 
• Pawnee Nation 
• Oglala 
• Sicangu

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.