
Tribal consultation
Tribal consultation is a formal process where government agencies consult with Native American tribes to seek their input and make decisions that may impact their lands, resources, or cultural heritage. It ensures that tribes' rights, traditions, and interests are considered and respected throughout planning and project development. The goal is to foster open communication, collaboration, and mutual understanding, addressing tribal concerns before moving forward with federal actions or programs. This process helps protect tribal sovereignty and promotes respectful, inclusive decision-making involving indigenous communities.