Tribal Consultation Policy

In an effort to strengthen the involvement of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) in federal program and policy decisions, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its sister agency, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), have adopted a policy that requires all agency programs to consult with Tribal governments when developing programs and activities that will affect Native populations. As sovereign nations, AI/AN tribes exercise inherent sovereign powers over their members, territory, and lands. As a federal agency, CDC/ATSDR recognizes its special obligations to, and unique relationship with, the AI/AN population, and is committed to fulfilling its critical role in assuring that AI/AN communities are safer and healthier.

AI/AN governments, organizations, and communities share with the federal government the goals of eliminating the health disparities faced by AI/AN people, ensuring that their access to critical healthcare and public health services is maximized, and achieving health equity for all AI/AN people and communities. To achieve these shared goals, it is essential that AI/AN representatives and federal agencies engage in open, continuous, and meaningful consultation.

CDC’s Tribal Consultation Policy » [PDF - 254KB]