Tribal Government Relationships

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides conservation programs and technical services to American Indians, Alaska Natives and Tribal governments.  This is done through 45 full-time and 30 part-time field offices on Indian lands and through numerous other field offices located off of Indian lands.  Working with the Intertribal Agricultural Council (IAC) and Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) NRCS has assisted with the establishment of 29 Tribal Conservation Districts. 

These documents are available in Adobe Acrobat format or Microsoft Word Document.

Fact Sheet:

Policy:

General Manual Title 410 Rural Development Part 405 - Tribal Government Policy

Commodity Credit Corporation Final Rule

Agreements:

MOU Between the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the National Agricultural Statistics Service Relative to the Interchange of Data and Statistical Information and Coordination of Outreach Strategies

MOU Among the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs,  United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and United States Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency

 Mutual Agreement template

Directories:

Tribal Leaders Directory provides a directory of Tribal Leaders for the 561 federally recognized tribes.  The directory includes mailing address, phone numbers and fax numbers

Federally Recognized Tribes

Tribal Colleges

Community Development Resources

Guides:

RC&D Workbook for Understanding and Improving Partnerships with Native Americans and Alaska Natives

American Indians and Alaska Natives - A Guide to USDA Programs

Tribal Conservation District Handbook -- How to set up a Tribal Conservation District.  (upcoming site)

Key Tribal Policies, Procedures, and Partnerships --  A Guide for NRCS employees for use in understanding and working effectively with tribes.

National Tribal Organizations:

American Indian/ Alaska Native Employees Association has some vital information and links for NRCS employees and tribes....MORE

Native American Working Group advises about ways to enhance program delivery and accessibility to tribes, intertribal committees, and related organizations, such as the Intertribal Agriculture Council. The group also facilitates the coordination of active partnerships with tribal governments by providing assistance and advice to the agency's units....MORE

Indian Nations Conservation Alliance is a non-profit organization and available to provide assistance to NRCS employees and tribes interested in conservation effort....MORE

Intertribal Agriculture Council link is another organization for conservation, development and use of agricultural resources for the betterment of the land....MORE

United South and Eastern Tribes Inc is a inter-tribal organization link to United South and Eastern Tribes from Maine to Texas, that promotes Indian Leadership and a voice in tribal government....MORE

National Congress of American Indians is a link to national tribal organization established in 1944 to secure tribal rights, enlighten the public toward better understanding of Indian people and preserve rights.  Also, promotes an understanding of Indian treaties or agreements with the United States....MORE

American Indian Science & Engineering Society is an American Indian and Alaska Native site that supports students in Engineering, Science and other related technology disciplines....MORE

Success Stories:

  Tribes and NRCS worked together to develop a conservation plan, cultural resource tribal agreement, and receive grants....MORE