The 2001 Oregon Legislature enacted SB 770 (ORS 182.162-.168) formalizing the government-to-government relationship that exists between Oregon´s Indian tribes and the State of Oregon.
The bill requires state agencies to develop and implement policies on tribal relations. Agency managers and others who communicate with the tribes are to be trained in tribal matters, participate in annual meetings and prepare annual reports.
The bill institutionalized the May 22, 1996 Executive Order EO-96-30. The executive order established a process to "assist in resolving potential conflicts, maximize key inter-governmental relations, and enhance an exchange of ideas and resources for the greater good of all of Oregon´s citizens."
Provisions of the statute also include annual meetings, require ´key contact´ designation, and encourage inter-governmental agreements.
DLCD has prepared annual reports (see below) for each annual meeting. These reports explain the department´s government-to-government activities and issues, and DLCD´s SB 770 policy.
On September 23, 1997, DLCD presented its interest statement at the first annual meetings between state and tribal governments under EO 96-30.
