The Office of External Engagement (OEE) oversees the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s (ACHP’s) Indigenous initiatives. 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 others working within Indigenous historic preservation efforts.

The program's primary responsibilities are the following:

• Advise the ACHP chairman, members, executive director, and staff on policy matters and historic preservation issues affecting Indian Tribes and NHOs

• OEE is responsible for ensuring 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

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

• 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 a historic property with Tribal or Native Hawaiian significance
• Representing the ACHP, OEE works with outside organizations and inter-agency work groups on Administration policy initiatives
• In order to facilitate consultation with Indian Tribes and NHOs, 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 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: 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.