National Native American Programs

Conserving this nation’s fish, wildfire, plants and the habitats are enhanced when successful partnership with Tribes are established. Indian Tribal governments manage, and their Tribal members influence some of the most important habitats on reservations, off reservations, Tribal owned lands and treaty reserved areas. The Service plays an important role supporting Tribes as they exercise their sovereignty in the management of their fish and wildlife resources on 55 million acres. Consultation and collaborative planning, we support Tribes through biological data collection, uphold the right for religious and cultural use of protected species such as eagle feathers and natural resource data assessments. 

Here are ways the Native American Liaisons support staff in carrying out the Service’s mission with  Indian Tribes and the general public.

• Serve as the liaison between the Service and federally recognized Tribes, ensuring the federal trust responsibility is center to the coordination efforts.
• Build opportunities for positive working relationships with federally recognized Tribes.
• Educate Service staff on Tribal cultural sensitivity and raise awareness regarding the Service's fiduciary obligations as they relate to Tribes.
• Inform Tribes regarding the Service's federal mandates and mission.
• Participate in Tribal (or Service) annual conferences, meetings or forums relating to mutual natural resource or fish and wildlife topics.
• Coordinate the Service’s Native American partnerships with other federal agencies to benefit Tribal activities and work cooperatively on mutual interests.
• Help Service staff identify Tribal leaders, natural resource experts from Indian Country and Tribal conservation partners.
• Ensure the Service is fulfilling its federal Indian trust responsibility to federally-recognized Tribes.
• Ensure effective communication with Tribal governments includes acknowledgment, open and transparent dialogue, and interpersonal interactions that depend on mutual respect and understanding. Communications with Tribal governments will be proactive, begin early in the planning process, and occur throughout various levels of our organization. Implement the Service's Native American Policy.
• Promote training opportunities at the National Conservation Training Center for Tribes and their staff.
• At the request of an elected Tribal official, assist in developing and preparing agreements relating to co-stewardship, funding, or mutual activities involving natural resources of interest.
• Notify Tribes regarding changes in Service policy, regulation, initiatives and Inform Tribes of new laws enacted by congress that may affect Tribal governments or resources.
• Encourage day-to-day staff level discourse. With Tribal fish and wildlife professionals.