Overview

Federal agencies are required to consult with tribes about policies and programs impacting them. At the state level, these requirements might vary, but consultation with tribes is still a best practice for all public health work. To learn more about consultation procedures, see the Federal/Tribal Consultation section.

State and Local governments can also enter into Memorandums of Understanding or Intergovernmental Agreements to formalize their partnerships with tribal nations. Below are examples of state and local MOUs and/or IGAs:

• Alaska: Powerpoint on MOUs signed between Alaska Native Tribes and Village Councils and the State’s Juvenile Justice
• MOU between Idaho State University and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe
• MOU between Snohomish County, WA Department of Planning and Development and the Sauk-Suiattle Tribe, the Stillaguamish Tribe, and the Tulalip Tribes
• MOU between the Nine Tribes of Oregon and the University of Oregon

Tips for a Successful Collaboration

Tribal leaders and program staff cite common factors that help or take away from successful collaboration.

What Works

• Being willing to show vulnerability
• Making an effort to break down barriers
• Calling, scheduling in-person visits, or sending letters when discussing important matters
• Learning about the priorities, needs, and goals of the tribe
• Respecting the uniqueness of each tribe by not creating a one-size-fits-all tribal program
• Understanding the other government’s capabilities and available resources
• Sending the right person from your organization who is respectful, culturally humble, and has the right level of authority to work with the tribe on the project
• Respecting the tribe’s organizational structure by working with the proper authority within the tribe to make a decision
• Respecting cultural resources and practices as well as practicing cultural humility
• Recognizing treaty trust
• Ensuring the safety and protection of the tribal community
• Approaching work with tribes as an opportunity to collaborate and work together towards a common goal, rather than just checking a required box for your organization
• Slowing the timeline to take the time it needs for authentic collaboration and consultation

What Doesn't Work

• Tribes experiencing frequent turnover at state and local agencies
• Relying entirely on videoconferencing or email, especially when working with tribes in rural areas who may not have strong internet or phone connections
• Making assumptions
• Assuming tribes are only stakeholders instead of recognizing their legal standing as sovereign nations and the authorities that it comes with
• Relying on one-sided or short term solutions to problems instead of more complex solutions
• Short timelines; expecting rapid action or reaction