Tribal Consultation and Effective Processes Collaboration Team
Fostering more effective, respectful, and accountable partnerships between federal agencies, Arctic researchers, and Tribes.
Scope of Activities
The U.S. federal government has a trust responsibility to federally recognized Alaska Native Tribes deriving from the historical relationship between the federal government and Tribes as expressed in certain treaties, statutes, executive orders, and other sources of federal law. Consistent with the federal trust responsibility, each federal agency developed Tribal consultation policies that honor Tribal sovereignty and ensure that Tribal officials have the opportunity to provide meaningful and timely input when federal actions or decisions have Tribal implications. Agencies have also developed consultation policies to meet legal obligations regarding Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act () Corporations and to protect subsistence resources for rural Alaskans under the Alaska National Interest Land Claims Act. To provide consistency in consultation practices implemented in the Arctic for this implementation period, will reframe this Foundational Area as Tribal Consultation and Effective Partnerships (TCEP). While many government actions on which agencies consult with Tribes and corporations are not related to research, agencies do engage in both Tribal consultation as well as partnerships with Alaska Native Villages.
Team Leaders
Cana Uluak Itchuaqiyaq
Virginia Tech
Liam Frink
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Lauren Boldrick
Environmental Protection Agency
Tara Corpuz
Nancy Sung
NSF
Deliverables from the Arctic Research Plan
TCEP 1 Strengthen and streamline Tribal consultation processes related to Arctic research activities by enhancing coordination, transparency, and accessibility across IARPC Agencies and those engaged in Arctic research.
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TCEP 1.1 Identify and engage with IARPC Federal Agencies and associated entities that have the largest volume of Arctic research activities that may affect Alaska Native Villages and ANCSA corporations. Characterize the type of activities that fall into this category, and identify opportunities for coordination and efficiency, as well as good practices and lessons learned.
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TCEP 1.2 Develop a report of Tribal and ANCSA corporation consultations and engagement practices conducted by IARPC Federal Agencies and associated entities as they relate to Arctic research. This will include compiling a report on consultation practices (e.g., federal Tribal and ANCSA corporation consultations ) across IARPC Federal Agencies and associated entities using consistent metrics, highlighting key processes, transparency measures, and community engagement and reporting expectations. The report will include agency-specific consultation practices, links, and a clear outline of how Alaska Native and local community input is collected and used.
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TCEP 1.3 Enhance IARPC’s Tribal Engagement Resources. This will include designing a strategy for leveraging the IARPC website as a centralized hub for Tribal consultation opportunities, reporting mechanisms, and accessible guidance for Tribes and Tribal entities. It will also include developing resources for Arctic researchers, including best practices and engagement guidelines that support long-term partnerships with Alaska Native Villages and ANCSA corporations.