The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service is recognized as a leader among Federal land management agencies in partnering collaboratively with American Indian and Alaska Native governments and indigenous communities. The Forest Service Research and Development (R&D) Deputy Area recognizes that working with tribes and indigenous groups is vital to its mission to develop and deliver knowledge and innovative technology to improve the health and use of the Nation’s forests and grasslands— both public and private.
According to 2010 Census data, the combined American Indian and Alaska Native population is 5.1 million. Within the United States, 566 federally recognized tribal nations currently exist as sovereign governments. In addition, numerous distinct indigenous groups exist, including those of Pacific Islanders in Hawaii, American Samoa, and Guam. These communities are linked to their local natural resources through centuries of locally relevant experiences and knowledge.
The Forest Service Research and Development Tribal Engagement Roadmap (Tribal Engagement Roadmap) encompasses a wide range of the biological, physical, and social sciences. It aims to guide collaboration across communities and tribal nations to help develop ethical and significant research partnerships. Highlighting tribal engagement opportunities will build the Forest Service R&D staff commitment to the USDA’s government-to-government relationship and trust responsibilities to tribes. It will also encourage joint learning with tribes and indigenous groups on issues of common concern.
Attached document published March 2015
To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Making Transportation Planning Applicable in Tribal Communities Research Study: Final Report
posted Dec 20, 2023
The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Office of Tribal Transportation (OTT) planning staff have observed two challenges in Tribal transportation planning: (1) that existing planning analysis tools do not always align with Tribal community context and needs and (2) it is not always clear what benefits planning provides to transportation project selection and delivery in Tribal communities.
posted Dec 20, 2023
This report and its appendices constitute a review of law, policy, and procedures, with recommendations for changes based on Tribal consultation and public comments.
Strengthening Tribal Consultations and Nation-to-Nation Relationships
posted Dec 20, 2023
The Tribal Relations Program strives to enhance relationships between the Forest Service, Tribes, ANCs, non-federally recognized Tribes, and Native Hawaiians, as well as American Indian, Alaska Native, and other Indigenous individuals, communities, inter-Tribal organizations, enterprises, and educational institutions, thereby improving the agency’s ability to foster effective partnerships and respect Tribal sovereignty.
posted Aug 23, 2023
What would it take for all Americans to be able to go out their front doors and within fifteen minutes be on trails that wind through their cities, towns or villages and bring them back without retracing steps?
370 views • posted 12/20/2023
