Photo Tami A. Heilemann-Office of Communications/US Department of the Interior.

The Interior Department released its new tribal consultation policy today.

The effort began after President Barack Obama signed an executive order in 2009 that directed all federal agencies to develop a tribal consultation policy. The new document was designed in close talks with tribal leaders.

“This comprehensive initiative reflects President Obama’s commitment to strengthening the government-to-government relationship between the United States and tribal nations and recognizing their fundamental right to self-governance,” Secretary Ken Salazar said in a press release. “The new framework institutionalizes meaningful consultation so that tribal leaders are at the table and engaged when it comes to the matters that affect them.”

All Interior bureaus and offices are required to designate a one or more Tribal Liaison Officers. Each entity will examine existing policies within 180 days to make sure they comply with the department's new policy.

All Interior bureaus and offices also will provide annual reports to Salazar about their consultation efforts. The team of tribal and federal officials will regularly review the reports to make recommendations.

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Secretary Salazar, Assistant Secretary Echo Hawk Launch Comprehensive Tribal Consultation Policy (DOI 12/1)

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