Tribal Consultation

Key points

  • CDC/ATSDR and Indian tribes value clear policies to further the government-to-government relationship between the federal government and Indian tribes.
  • Tribal consultation sessions provide a forum for tribes and tribal leaders to provide recommendations to CDC leadership and tribal leaders.
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CDC/ATSDR Tribal Consultation

Policy

Indian tribes defined in the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, Public Law 93-638, have an inalienable, inherent right to self-governance. Government-to-government consultation is conducted with elected tribal officials or authorized representatives before taking actions or making decisions.

CDC’s Tribal Consultation Policy and procedures provide tribal leaders, or their designees, with opportunities to interact with CDC leaders and staff. As federal agencies, CDC/ATSDR recognize their special commitment and unique relationship with Indian tribes. They are committed to fulfilling their critical role in promoting the health and safety of Indian tribes.

CDC/ATSDR's Tribal Consultation Policy requires all agency programs consult with tribal governments. It's important when developing programs, policies, and activities that affect native populations.

Goals

The goal of the Tribal Consultation Policy includes, but is not limited to:

  • Eliminating the health disparities faced by Indian tribes.
  • Accessing critical public health and human services.
  • Advancing or enhancing Indians social, physical, and economic status.
  • Ensuring health equity for all Indian people and communities.

CDC and Indian tribes value clear policies for government-to-government relationships between the U.S. Federal Government and Indian tribes. True and effective consultation shall result in:

  • Information exchange
  • Mutual understanding
  • Informed decision-making

Consulting with Indian tribes was affirmed through Presidential Memoranda in 1994, 2004 and 2009, and Executive Order (EO) 13175 in 2000."

CDC/ATSDR Tribal Consultation Policy (Updated 2/28/2020) [PDF – 100 KB]

CDC/ATSDR Consultation Sessions

Tribal consultation sessions provide a forum for consultation between CDC leadership and elected or appointed tribal leaders (or their designated representatives).

Government-to-government consultation is conducted with elected tribal officials or their designated representatives before taking action or making decisions. CDC's Tribal Consultation Policy and Procedures for elected tribal leaders, or their designated representatives, provides opportunities to interact with CDC staff/leadership. Each opportunity complements, not supplants, the others.

These sessions are held in accordance to CDC/ASTDR's Consultation Policy and attended by elected tribal leaders, or their authorized representatives. Meetings may be held in person or virtually.

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Content Source:
Public Health Infrastructure Center