Developing Effective Tribal Relationships

Target Audience:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees whose duties may affect tribal interests, as well as other employees who are interested in understanding the Service's Native American Policy and facilitating its implementation.

Summary and Objectives:

This course provides an overview of the key provisions of the Service's Native American Policy, emphasizing the roles and responsibilities of Service employees. Participants will gain an understanding of the legal foundations underlying the Service's responsibility to tribes, including tribal sovereignty and the federal trust responsibility. During classroom discussions and exercises, participants will explore how the Service can work with tribes to collaboratively manage natural resources.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Articulate key provisions of the Service's Native American Policy.
• Describe the responsibilities of Service officials under the Policy.
• Explain the basis of the federal trust relationship and responsibility to tribes.
• Outline the process to follow when consulting with tribes.
• Understand how to use the Service's Tribal Consultation Reporting System.
• Eliminate barriers and build trust and respect with tribes by developing an awareness of different cultures and communication styles.
• Understand the limits of keeping shared information with tribes privileged.
• Identify ways the Service can work with tribes to collaboratively manage natural resources.