The Northwestern Division has established a full-time Tribal Liaison to oversee the USACE interface with Tribes, ensure adherence to Tribal Policy Principles, and facilitate effective and meaningful government-to-government interaction. The Division Tribal Liaison provides guidance and support to Tribal Liaisons in each of the Division's five District offices.
The United States Government has a unique legal relationship with Tribal Nations. The relationship is defined by treaties, statutes, Executive Orders, court decisions, and the U.S. Constitution. Within this legal framework, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers interacts with Tribes on a government-to-government level.
The Northwestern Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers includes more than 100 federally-recognized Tribal Nations.
We coordinate, consult, and work with Tribes on a multitude of projects and issues. Cultural resources management and protection, fish and wildlife conservation and restoration, access to sacred sites, water resource development, flood damage reduction, permitting actions, and environmental restoration are just some of the areas in which the Corps has an obligation to consult, or works directly in partnership with tribes.
In undertaking any action which may impact tribal rights or interests, the Corps is guided by the following six principles:
- Recognition of Tribal Sovereignty
- Fulfillment of Federal Trust Responsibilities to Tribes
- Interaction on a Government-to-Government Basis
- Pre-Decisional, Open, and Honest Consultation
- Support for Tribal Self Reliance, Capacity Building, and Growth
- Preservation and Protection of Natural and Cultural Resources