Introduction

The Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA), established in 1998, oversees the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s (ACHP’s) Native American initiatives. ONAA staff also works closely with the ACHP’s Tribal/Native Hawaiian member to address critical issues brought to the ACHP by Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations (NHOs), and inter-Tribal organizations.

The program's primary responsibilities are:

  • Advise the ACHP Chairman, members, executive director, and staff on policy matters and historic preservation issues affecting Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations (NHO's)
  • ONAA is responsible for ensuring that the ACHP meets its government-to-government and trust obligations to Indian Tribes
  • Provide technical assistance and outreach regarding Tribal and NHO consultation in the Section 106 process
  • Participate in inter-agency initiatives focused on Native American issues

What does ONAA do?

ONAA’s staff supports the ACHP in a number of ways, from policy development and project review to training and education. This may include:

  • Availability via telephone or email to provide assistance to Indian Tribes and NHOs regarding Section 106 consultation
  • Participating in the Section 106 review process when there are issues or concerns about an historic property with Tribal or Native Hawaiian significance
  • Representing the ACHP, ONAA works with outside organizations and inter-agency work groups on administration policy initiatives
  • In order to facilitate consultation with Indian Tribes and NHOs, ONAA staff regularly develops guidance materials to assist federal agencies and Section 106 participants
  • Availability to answer basic questions about Section 106 consultation with Indian Tribes and NHOs and to work with the ACHP's Office of Federal Agency Programs (OFAP) on reviews of projects with Tribal or Native Hawaiian interest
  • Regularly developing general guidance regarding consultation with Indian Tribes or NHOs as well as targeted, issue specific guidance

Guidance information is available at Office of Native American Affairs Training and Guidance for Tribes, Native Hawaiian Organizations, and Federal Agencies. Key guidance includes "Guidance for Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations: What to Ask the Federal Agency in the Section 106 Process," "Consultation with Native Hawaiian Organizations in the Section 106 Review Process: A Handbook," and "Recommendations for Improving Tribal-Federal Consultation." These guides are intended to assist federal agencies in consulting with Indian Tribes and NHOs but are useful to all Section 106 participants.