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The cover reflects a FEMA people-first approach

and is a composite of federal- and open-source imagery.

FEMA recognizes the cover design does not depict all Tribal Nations,

and acknowledges it does illustrate and celebrate rich, unique tribal cultures

and tribal emergency management community.
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MESSAGE FROM THE 

FEMA ADMINISTRATOR

I am proud to share the “2022-2026 FEMA National Tribal Strategy” (National Tribal Strategy), which 

is a culmination of tribal perspective shared with FEMA over many years. The National Tribal Strategy 

specifically reflects voices of 135 representatives (of 78 Tribal Nations) who contributed critical 

feedback during tribal consultation in 2022 to help us become the FEMA that Tribal Nations need 

and deserve.

We must never forget Tribal Nations continue to face indescribable hardships in this country. As 

President Biden said, American Indian and Alaska Native peoples represent unyielding perseverance 

“despite a painful history marked by unjust Federal policies of assimilation and termination.”

That is why, as emergency managers, we must be proactive and deliberate in our support to Tribal 

Nations as they build climate-resilient and prepared communities. We will only be successful when 

our programs are fully accessible to tribal communities. We must strive toward delivery of assistance 

that meets their unique needs.

This inaugural National Tribal Strategy is just one step in that process. FEMA, now, has a roadmap 

which refines and elaborates on major strategic goals and objectives – a roadmap representative of 

the voices we must better serve. 

From aggressive expansion of our tribal affairs footprint 

across our regional and headquarters offices, to 

developing tribal-specific technical assistance programs, 

we are committed to better supporting and honoring our 

federal trust responsibility and nation-to-nationrelationship.

In my first year as the FEMA Administrator, I had the 

great privilege to meet with many Tribal Leaders and 

hear, first-hand, the unique experiences and challenges 

they face before, during, and after disasters. I deeply 

value these conversations as they inform our way 

forward in developing equitable and accessible policies 

and programs. At FEMA, it is our belief that if we do not 

have people at the center of our efforts, we simply are 

not doing our jobs. 

The work ahead will not be easy and there is much to do. I am confident we will seize the

unprecedented opportunity, together, to enact generational-level change. 
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NATIONAL TRIBAL STRATEGY

FEMA developed this comprehensive “2022-2026 FEMA National Tribal Strategy” (National Tribal 

Strategy) to address its responsibilities to federally recognized Tribal Nations and to identify unified 

agency actions to build, enhance, and sustain its relationships with tribes.

A priority of the Biden-Harris Administration is for federal departments and agencies to work more 

inclusively with “Tribal Nations” (federally recognized Indian tribe), as demonstrated by Presidential 

memoranda, executive orders, and placement of tribal members at the highest levels of the Federal 

Government. This National Tribal Strategy represents a strategic roadmap to better support Tribal 

Nations. It incorporates tribal comments and recommendations of federally recognized Indian tribes 

(“Tribal Nations”) provided to FEMA in recent years and after review of this document by leaders and 

representatives of Tribal Nations and of organizations representing the interests of Tribal Nations. 

Background

The FEMA core values of compassion, fairness, integrity, and respect are at the heart of what FEMA 

and its employees stand for and represent. These values form the solid foundation of who FEMA is, 

what the agency believes, and how it serves States, local governments, territories, and Tribal 

Nations. These core values apply to FEMA interactions with survivors, colleagues, and stakeholders 

every single day.

Tribal Policy and Consultation

In 2019, FEMA updated its “Tribal Consultation Policy” (FEMA Policy #101-002-02), providing 

specific guidance on how the agency engages with Tribal Nations in regular and meaningful 

consultation and collaboration on actions that have tribal implications.

In December 2020, FEMA updated its “FEMA Tribal Policy (Rev.2)” (FEMA Policy #305-111-1), 

reaffirming its commitment to enhance its nation-to-nation relationships with Tribal Nations, and in 

full recognition of tribal sovereignty, self-governance, and its trust responsibility. This specific tribal 

policy ensures FEMA works with Tribal Nations to build, sustain, and improve capacity to prevent, 

protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from all hazards. 

The FEMA relationship with Tribal Nations evolved significantly following enactment of the Sandy 

Recovery Improvement Act (SRIA) in 2013, while building on existing relationships and coordination. 

As a result of this act, Tribal Nations now have explicit opportunity to make direct requests for 

presidential emergency and disaster declarations. Prior to that date, federal statute required Tribal 

Nations to apply through states as subrecipients for disaster assistance.
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“The inclusion of all Tribes since the beginning stages of this draft National Tribal Strategy and 

its ongoing development is sincerely appreciated.” 

Julie Siestreem, Vice-Chair, Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians 

Headquarters and Regional Tribal Capabilities

The FEMA Tribal Affairs program is led by the Office of External Affairs’ Intergovernmental Affairs 

Division located within FEMA headquarters. The Tribal Affairs Team is led by the National Tribal 

Affairs Advisor, who is responsible for advising FEMA leadership on issues related to Tribal Nations 

and tribal communities. This team fulfills agency commitment to consult with Tribal Nations, in 

collaboration with FEMA Regional Tribal Liaisons and/or FEMA Integration Team members located in 

the ten (10) FEMA regional offices. The Regional tribal teams prioritize regular outreach and 

collaboration with the individual tribal communities located within their respective regions and help 

inform the National Tribal Affairs Advisor of on-the-ground feedback. The Regional Tribal Liaisons 

and/or FIT members serve as primary contacts for Tribal governments and play important 

interagency roles before, during, and after disasters.

2022-2026 FEMA Strategic Plan

Released in December 2021, the “2022-2026 FEMA Strategic Plan” (FEMA Strategic Plan) positions

the agency to respond to a changing landscape in which the emergency management community 

must embrace its expanding role. The National Tribal Strategy follows the main constructs of the 

FEMA Strategic Plan to ensure alignment to the agency’s strategic priorities.

STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The FEMA Strategic Plan outlines a bold vision and three ambitious goals designed to address key 

challenges the agency faces during a pivotal moment in time for the field of emergency 

management:

 Goal1: Instill Equity as a Foundation of Emergency Management

 Goal 2: Lead the Whole of Community in Climate Resilience

 Goal 3: Promote and Sustain a Ready FEMA and Prepared Nation
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Figure 1: FEMA Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives
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These three goals position FEMA to address increased frequency and complexity of disasters, 

support the diversity of communities we serve, and complement the nation’s growing expectations of 

the emergency management community. Wide-ranging and long-term, these goals respond to the 

changing landscape in which we find ourselves. While some activities in this plan can be quickly 

realized, some will require sustained efforts to and through 2026.

Emergency Management Landscape

To ensure the FEMA Strategic Plan postures FEMA to meet immediate and future needs of the 

Nation, it is critical to understand the challenges and opportunities the emergency management 

community may face in the decade to come. October 2022 will mark one decade since Hurricane 

Sandy, which resulted in legislative reforms that spurred FEMA to drastically improve the efficiency 

and quality of disaster assistance. As the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and changing 

climate reshape society, FEMA looks beyond disasters for lessons learned to assess future risks as 

catalysts for change.

National Tribal Strategy Goals and Objectives

The following section outlines critical agency activities in support of Tribal Nations, and associated 

intended outcomes, consistent with the goals and objectives presented in the “2022-2026 FEMA 

Strategic Plan.” 

Goal 1: Instill Equity as a Foundation of Emergency Management

Evaluate and identify methodologies and strategies to increase 

regular engagement with Tribal Nations at FEMA regional and 

headquarters levels in a manner that acknowledges tribal 

sovereignty and ensures accessibility to FEMA resources. This 

goal addresses diverse methods of engagement, such as 

program-specific webinars, regional in-person meetings, tribal 

consultation meetings, program briefings, and regular meetings 

with FEMA regional and headquarters leadership and staff.

“We understand the value in working with FEMA. Several objectives in this strategy will provide 

tribal-specific technical assistance that will help tribes collaborate with FEMA more effectively.” 

Will Micklin, CEO, Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay Indians 

1. Develop Tribal-Specific Technical Assistance Resources

 Develop tribal case studies to share tribal-specific experiences working with FEMA. 

o Outcome: Tribal Nations see how other Tribal Nations work with FEMA to achieve outcomes 

related to preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. 
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 Develop and offer proactive, in-person technical assistance, webinars, and virtual opportunities 

on topics, such as a FEMA overview for tribal leaders and for new tribal emergency managers. 

o Outcome: Tribal Nations are aware of FEMA programs that support Tribal mitigation, 

readiness, response, and recovery.

 Develop and distribute a comprehensive FEMA resource guide that describes the program, tribal 

eligibility, points of contact, and available auxiliary materials. 

o Outcome: Tribal Nations have a better understanding of the variety of pre- and post-disaster 

programs available resulting in enhanced engagement with FEMA.

2. Routine Meeting of Regional Tribal Liaisons 

 Convene an annual meeting of the National Tribal Affairs Advisor, Regional Tribal Liaisons, and 

tribal FEMA Integration Team (FIT) staff and other subject matter experts to discuss program 

work underway and develop recommendations on how FEMA (directed to regions and HQ) could 

better serve Tribal Nations. 

o Outcome: Sharing firsthand knowledge of tribal issues and success stories will lead to better 

FEMA policies and resources that may benefit Tribal Nations.

 Create an annual report summarizing tribal liaison experiences and observations that will be 

shared with FEMA leadership in the regions and at headquarters. 

o Outcome: FEMA leadership will be prepared to allocate resources based on tribal 

preparedness, mitigation, and disaster response and recovery. 

3. Connect Tribal and FEMA Leaderships 

 The FEMA Administrator provides Tribal Nation leadership with an annual update on priorities 

and status updates on policies, initiatives, and programmatic changes impacting Tribal Nations.

o Outcome: Tribal Nations are aware of the FEMA Administrator’s priorities and the status of 

policy and programmatic changes.

 FEMA Administrator engages Tribal Nations in person during national and regional tribal events 

and other scheduled travel, and visits small, rural tribal communities when possible. 

o Outcome: FEMA builds and strengthens relationships with individual Tribal Nations and 

provides further opportunities to receive feedback. 

 FEMA Leadership, led by the FEMA Administrator, meets with the leadership of the national and 

regional tribal associations on a quarterly basis. 
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o Outcome: Tribal Nations engage with FEMA leadership to share tribal perspectives on FEMA 

policies and actions.

 Organize an internal lecture series highlighting current issues, opportunities, and best practices 

in Indian country that includes tribal representatives. 

o Outcome: FEMA workforce is more aware of the living history that contemporary Tribal 

Nations and tribal citizens bring to their work.

4. Support Equitable Opportunities for Tribes to Access FEMA Programs and Resources

 Include Tribal Nations in national and regional external meetings and briefings, as well as 

standing meetings with emergency management associations, and webinars on new or modified 

programs. 

o Outcome: Tribal Nations know FEMA programs and can more easily access FEMA resources 

for disaster readiness, hazard mitigation, response, and recovery.

 Prioritize inclusion of FEMA Regional Tribal Liaisons in internal and external national meetings 

and briefings. FEMA Regional Tribal Liaisons, responsible for establishing and maintaining 

primary relationships with Tribal Nations, provide updates on tribal issues and situations with 

FEMA leadership for agency awareness and action.

o Outcomes: 

‒ Create a reporting system for the Regional Tribal Liaisons to work with the National Tribal 

Affairs Advisor to prepare regular updates on their work to be shared within the agency.

‒ Regional Tribal Liaisons provide visibility on local, tribal issues at the regional and 

national levels.

 Conduct an internal review of programs and policies that may inhibit equitable Tribal Nation 

access to FEMA programs and resources and commit to affecting legislative, regulatory, and 

policy changes that will enhance tribal access. 

o Outcome: When combined with other initiatives stated above to support equitable access for 

Tribal Nations to FEMA programs and resources, FEMA will develop, approve, and/or revise 

tribal-specific legislative, regulatory, and policy priorities designed to enhance equitable 

access. 

 Hire more tribal FEMA Integration Team staff to better support Tribal Nations, consistent with 

staffing models for states and territories.

o Outcome: FEMA provides improved technical assistance, programmatic support, and training 

capabilities to Tribal Nations across all regions.
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 Translate FEMA products into Native American languages.

o Outcome: Translated products provide valuable information and guidance to a unique and 

underserved population.

Goal 2: Lead the Whole of Community in Climate Resilience

“We are all a part of the solution for the future of our planet’s climate - through whole 

community collaboration and hazard mitigation planning – a shared goal of resiliency can be 

achieved for a sustainable future seven generations ahead.” 

Nelson Andrews, Jr., Tribal Councilman, Emergency Management Director, Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe/ 

Co-Chairman, United South & Eastern Tribes Homeland Security & Emergency Services Committee 

1. Build Tribal Capacities and Capabilities to Improve Readiness and Resilience 

FEMA will seek input from Tribal Nations on their needs and 

emergency management challenges. As a result, FEMA will identify 

actions and resources to meet documented needs. These actions and 

resources may fall into the areas of legislative proposals, rulemaking, 

policy changes, technical assistance, training, and grants. FEMA shortterm and long-term goals will be determined following feedback from 

Tribal Nations on their capacity and capability needs. 

 Conduct needs analysis through tribal consultation with Tribal Nations to identify gaps in 

capabilities. Develop a report of current tribal needs and capabilities in the field of emergency 

management so that FEMA can better tailor training and technical assistance. This task should 

include tribal consultation and include tribal histories of disasters, as appropriate. As part of the 

tribal outreach for this task, the FEMA Administrator and National Tribal Affairs Advisor will visit 

FEMA regions to meet with regional staff. These regional meetings will also extend to Tribal 

Nations in that region with an emphasis on interacting with those tribes FEMA has not worked 

with in the past. Visits will be coordinated between the National Tribal Affairs Advisor and

Regional Tribal Liaisons.

o Outcomes: 

‒ Tribal Nations meet with FEMA representatives, in person or virtually, to inform FEMA of 

any unmet needs and challenges.

‒ A baseline study of where Tribal Nations are today in the field of emergency management 

allows for better training, programming, and resource allocation.

‒ Analysis and recommended steps to overcome barriers and challenges to tribal 

participation in emergency management, mitigation, and preparedness.
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 Draft a report of recommended FEMA legislative, regulatory, and policy changes for issues that 

Tribal Nations identify and further the FEMA nation-to-nation relationship with Tribal Nations. This 

would not be part of a specific consultation meeting.

o Outcome: Tribal Nations identify topics for FEMA consideration that are in addition to topics 

covered by a specific tribal consultation and are not related to a state or territorial issue, and 

which may enhance the government-to-government relationship.

 Create a FEMA program to build on tribal mitigation planning for all hazards. This program assists

tribal communities to respond to and address climate resilience, including support to adapt to 

changing sea levels and other atmospheric impacts, as well as geologic hazards such as 

earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis.

o Outcome: Tribal Nations have direct federal access to resources in preparing for and 

responding to natural disasters.

 Participate in regular meetings and conferences coordinated by the White House Council on 

Native American Affairs (WHCNAA) and serve on at least one working committee, with priority on 

the WHCNAA committee, “Climate Change, Tribal Homelands, Treaties.” 

o Outcome: FEMA informs the White House and Tribal Nations on its efforts and resources to 

mitigate against the changing climate and other issues that may be discussed during the 

Council meetings.

2. Offer Training for the FEMA Workforce on Unique Status of Tribal Nations 

 Develop a standardized training course guided by the FEMA Tribal Policy. The course provides

historic and legal overview of Tribal Nations, describes Tribal Nations today, and explains

concepts including inherent tribal sovereignty, tribal self-governance, and the Federal 

Government’s and FEMA trust responsibility. 

o Outcome: FEMA workforce is knowledgeable on special status and governance structures of 

Tribal Nations and how these affect FEMA engagement with Tribal Nations.

 Develop standardized tribal consultation training to provide an overview of FEMA process guided 

by FEMA Tribal Consultation Policy and Instruction.

o Outcome: FEMA programs have a working knowledge of, and adhere to, the FEMA tribal 

consultation process and will plan and schedule tribal consultation, as required, for new or 

revised policies and programs.

3. Offer Training Opportunities to Tribal Nations

 Review and revise FEMA training opportunities for Tribal Nations and develop and/or update 

resources to address the specific tribal training needs identified in the needs analysis conducted 

with Tribal Nations.
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o Outcome: FEMA offers current and comprehensive training opportunities to Tribal Nations.

 Integrate Tribal Nations and tribal associations into the National Exercise Program.

o Outcome: FEMA and exercise practitioners have regular opportunities to examine and 

validate capabilities and explore any need for further engagement and preparedness in a 

low-risk exercise environment.

 Provide technical assistance to Tribal Nations on competitive FEMA grant programs and 

opportunities.

o Outcome: Tribal Nations are aware of all FEMA grant programs for which they are eligible 

recipients or sub-recipients, increasing application rates for those programs.

 Provide avenues, including partnerships, for training and technical assistance on mitigation 

planning in conjunction with FEMA assistance programs.

o Outcome: Tribal Nations engage in planning to identify hazards, risks, community needs and 

are aware of grant programs.

Goal 3: Promote and Sustain a Ready FEMA and Prepared Nation

1. Increase FEMA Cultural Competency

 Enhance FEMA capacity to work with Tribal Nations more 

effectively to ensure tribal equities are addressed by a 

trained and culturally sensitive workforce at all levels of the 

agency, to include headquarters, regions, and contractors, 

prior to on-site deployments.

o Outcome: FEMA employees provide culturally competent services to Tribal Nations.

 Collaborate with Tribal Nations before, during, and after disasters to provide financial assistance 

based on 1) their identified needs and 2) in accordance with laws and regulations governing 

FEMA mitigation, response, and recovery programs to improve disaster preparedness including

coordination with interagency partners where and when applicable.

o Outcome: Effective coordination, communication, and information sharing between Tribal 

Nations and FEMA personnel in the field, regional, and headquarters levels. This goal 

recognizes need to review and update FEMA systems, policies, and procedures to meet the 

unique and diverse nature of disaster operations for Tribal Nations. 
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2. Enhance Federal Incident Support Capability

 The National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) Tribal Desk will collaborate with Regional 

Response Coordination Centers (RRCC), the FEMA Office of Response and Recovery, and 

relevant interagency partners to ensure there are no unmet Tribal Nation needs or challenges.

o Outcome: FEMA leadership, the FEMA workforce, and federal interagency partners are aware 

of Tribal Nation needs and challenges in case of a disaster, specifically in the NRCC. 

 Coordinate briefings between FEMA leadership and Tribal leaders to discuss challenges and 

progress in the response and recovery process. 

o Outcome: FEMA creates opportunities for tribal leaders to voice concerns to FEMA leadership 

that support its understanding of ongoing needs and concerns of affected Tribal Nations.

3. Seek Agency-wide Input on Working with Tribal Nations

 Create and convene a Tribal Affairs Work Group, within FEMA, composed of a cross-section of 

representatives from FEMA programs at the headquarters and regional levels. The Work Group

will meet and discuss recommendations on how FEMA could better serve Tribal Nations and 

leverage tribal feedback to ensure equitable outcomes.

o Outcome: Internal awareness of tribal issues across the agency allows for better program 

planning, as well as ensuring unique tribal issues are considered across agency components 

in the delivery of programs and services. FEMA recognizes tribal sovereignty, selfgovernance, and other unique considerations when supporting Tribal Nations that must be 

considered beyond those of other non-tribal, underserved communities.

4. Improve Tribal Awareness of Federal Resource Availability

 FEMA leadership will meet with leaders of other federal departments and agencies that serve 

Tribal Nations to share information on what resources are available, review legal authorities, and 

develop products to clarify available assistance. 

o Outcome: Tribal Nations benefit from FEMA collaboration with other federal agencies in

increasing tribal resilience through a whole-of-government effort.

 Collaborate with the White House and interagency partners to ensure tribal issues are prioritized 

and relevant federal programs are readily accessible to Tribal Nations.

o Outcome: FEMA coordinates federal interagency collaboration on tribal resilience and 

ensures the agency’s priorities are in line with the Biden-Harris Administration’s climate and 

tribal affairs goals. 

 Organize monthly FEMA Tribal Affairs meetings with tribal emergency managers and evaluate 

communication platforms for effectiveness in communicating with Tribal Nations.
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o Outcome: Maintaining regular communication with FEMA headquarters enhances its 

government-to-government relationship with Tribal Nations.

 Collaborate with Tribal Nations to offer tribal-specific national and regional engagements to 

provide a forum to hear from tribes directly to empower tribal readiness and support tribal 

objectives (grant writing, managing FEMA funds and documentation, creating Tribal Emergency 

Preparedness Programs). 

o Outcome: Tribal Nations’ awareness of federal resources is broadened, and tribal 

perspectives and priorities are shared with each other and the agency.

FEMA recognizes that this National Tribal Strategy affords the agency tremendous opportunities to 

enhance its relationships with and services to Tribal Nations. In close collaboration with tribal 

leadership, and expertise at both the regional and headquarters level, FEMA will continue to leverage 

experience, best practices, and tribal feedback to acknowledge and plan for change that benefits 

tribal communities and enhances our collective emergency management responsibilities.

“In our work with FEMA, we have been treated not just as a stakeholder, but also as a valued 

partner, with a shared commitment to emergency preparation and disaster response. The 

National Tribal Strategy reflects our experience with FEMA and sets forth a powerful 

collaborative framework for FEMA and Tribal Nations to work together as we face a host of 

challenges in emergency management and climate resilience.” 

J. Michael Chavarria, Governor, Santa Clara Pueblo 

Tribal Nation Engagement

In support of FEMA commitment to engage in consultation and collaboration with Tribal governments 

(Executive Order 13175), FEMA Tribal Affairs conducted 14 virtual feedback sessions with Tribal 

Nations across all ten FEMA regions to seek input and recommendations on the proposed draft 

“2022-2026 National Tribal Strategy.” Tribal feedback helped facilitate the identification of the most 

critical challenges facing Tribal Nations, FEMA, and the broader emergency management community.

For More Information

For more information or to submit feedback concerning this National Tribal Strategy, please contact 

FEMA Office of External Affairs Intergovernmental Affairs Division and the National Tribal Affairs 

Advisor at FEMA-Tribal@fema.dhs.gov. 
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Additional Resources 

Authorities

Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended (6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.). Signed into law in November 

2002, the Homeland Security Act of 2002 created the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 

consolidating 22 diverse agencies and bureaus, to include FEMA, with a mandate of preventing and 

responding to natural and man-made disasters.

Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 5121 et 

seq.). The Stafford Act constitutes the statutory authority for most federal disaster response activities 

especially as they pertain to FEMA and FEMA programs.

Sandy Recovery Improvement Act. On January 29, 2013, President Barack Obama signed into law 

the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act (SRIA) of 2013 and the accompanying Disaster Relief 

Appropriations Act (2013). In many ways, the passage of SRIA represents the most significant 

legislative change to substantive FEMA authorities since the enactment of the Robert T. Stafford 

Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The law authorizes several significant changes to the 

way FEMA may deliver federal disaster assistance to survivors. SRIA amended the Stafford Act to 

provide Tribal Nations authority to directly request emergency and presidential disaster declarations. 

FEMA implements this authority through our Tribal Declarations Pilot Guidance.

Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (2000)

establishes regular and meaningful consultation and collaboration with tribal officials in the 

development of federal policies that have tribal implications, to strengthen the United States 

government-to-government relationships with Indian tribes, and to reduce the imposition of 

unfunded mandates upon Indian tribes.

Executive Order 13647, Establishing the White House Council on Native American Affairs (WHCNAA) 

(2013). President Obama established the WHCNAA to improve the coordination of federal programs 

and use of available federal resources for the benefit of Tribes and Tribal communities.

FEMA Policy 101-002-02, FEMA Tribal Consultation Policy, updated in July 2019 with input from 

Tribal Nations, outlines the process that FEMA uses to conduct consultation with tribal governments. 

FEMA Tribal Consultation Policy Instruction provides guidance and direction for FEMA 

implementation of the Tribal Consultation Policy

FEMA Policy 305-111-1 (Rev. 2), FEMA Tribal Policy (December 2020) outlines a commitment by the 

agency to enhance its nation-to-nation relationship with Tribal Nations and to ensure FEMA works 

with Tribal Nations to build, sustain, and improve their capacity to prevent, protect against, mitigate, 

respond to, and recover from all hazards.
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References

Presidential Memoranda: “Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation 

Relationships,” January 26, 2021.Declares a priority of the Biden Administration to respect Tribal 

sovereignty and self-governance, commit to fulfilling federal trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal 

Nations, and make regular, meaningful, and robust consultation with Tribal Nations cornerstones of 

federal Indian policy.

Presidential Memoranda: “Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal 

Governments,” April 29, 1994; “Government-to-Government Relationship with Tribal Governments,” 

September 23, 2004. Issued to reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment with federally 

recognized Native American Tribes that respects their rights of self-governance. Among other 

requirements, it directs each executive department and agency to consult, to the greatest extent 

possible, with tribal governments prior to taking actions that affect federally recognized tribal 

governments.

Presidential Memorandum of November 5, 2009, on Tribal Consultation, in support of Executive 

Order 13175 and directed each agency to develop a detailed plan to implement the guidance of 

Executive Order 13175.
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Definitions

Federally Recognized Indian Tribe: Any American Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, 

village, or community that is recognized in the most recent list of “Indian Entities Recognized and 

Eligible to Receive Services from the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs.” See Federally 

Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994, Public Law 103-454, codified at 25 U.S.C. 5130-5131.

Government-to-Government: The relationship between the United States and each Tribal Nation is 

one between sovereign nations. Also known as “nation-to-nation.” See also the definition for “Tribal 

Sovereignty” below.

Indian Tribal Government (Tribal Nation): The governing body of any Indian or Alaska Native tribe, 

band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges to exist 

as an Indian tribe under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (see Federally 

Recognized Indian Tribe definition above). See also Stafford Act § 102(6) [42 U.S.C. 5122(6)]. For 

the purposes of tribal consultation, the term “Indian tribal government” includes Alaska Native 

Corporations.

Tribal Sovereignty: The concept that each Tribal Nation possesses inherent sovereignty including the 

powers of self-government.1 

Trust Responsibility: A legal obligation of the United States to protect tribal treaty rights, lands, 

assets, and resources, as well as a duty to carry out the mandates of federal law with respect to 

Tribal Nations, described as “domestic dependent nations.”2

1 See U.S. Const. Art. I § 8 (“Congress shall have the right to regulate Commerce with foreign nations and among the 

several states, and with the Indian tribes.”); Worcester v. Georgia, 31 U.S. (6 Pet.) 515, 8 L. Ed. 483 (1832).

2 Cherokee Nation, supra n. See also Bureau of Indian Affairs, Frequently Asked Questions, https://www.bia.gov/frequentlyasked-questions (citing Cherokee Nation and Seminole Nation v. United States, 316 U.S. 286, 62 S. Ct. 1049, 86 L. Ed. 

1480 (1942)).
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