In order to achieve specified strategic goals regarding Indian tribes, Reclamation has made commitments to develop Government to Government relationships with the Tribes in the 17 western states and to enter into protocol agreements. These agreements will establish a basis for providing assistance to Indian tribes, through partnerships, so that they can develop and manage their water and related resources. A primary focus of the Native American Affairs Program is to meet Reclamation's trust responsibilities by providing technical assistance to tribes using outreach funds.
Reclamation also participates in and supports several water rights negotiation teams.
Negotiations of the Duck Valley Indian Water Rights of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes and of the Nez Perce Tribe continue. Reclamation also works with the Shoshone-bannock Tribes on the erosion program at American Falls Dam and Reservoir. Reclamation is working with the Fish and Wildlife Service, Salish and Kootenai tribes, and the Bonneville Power Administration to assist Montana in protecting resident fish. As part of this effort, a selective withdrawal system was installed at Hungry Horse Dam. The system allows warmer water to be released from the powerplant to the Flathead River during summer and fall, reducing stress on the downstream fishery and aquatic life.