The federal government has a unique relationship with Indian Tribes derived from the Constitution of the United States, treaties, Supreme Court doctrine, and federal statutes. It is deeply rooted in American history, dating back to the earliest contact in which colonial governments addressed Indian Tribes as sovereign nations. The ACHP, as a federal agency, fully recognizes the nation-to-nation relationship between the United States and federally recognized Indian Tribes and acknowledges Indian Tribes as sovereign nations with inherent powers of self-governance.
The following resources inform the ACHP in its ongoing efforts to meet its trust responsibility and advance government-to-government consultation with Indian Tribes:
In addition to agency specific policy, procedures, and memos, the ACHP is guided by Executive Orders and Presidential Memorandum including:
The ACHP has designated its Chairman as the Official responsible for Government-to-Government consultation with Indian Tribes. ACHP’s Director of the Office of External Engagement serves as the primary point of contact for Tribal consultation matters, is responsible for advising agency staff on all matters pertaining to Tribal consultation, and serves as the primary point of contact for Tribal officials seeking to consult with the ACHP.