Tribal Relations
In Colorado, more than 50 American Indian tribes are federally recognized, with deep historical, cultural, spiritual and legal connections to the land. The Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands are making focused efforts to consult, connect and improve relationships with these tribes.
The heritage management, tribal liaison and public affairs staff work closely with American Indian Tribes to ensure tribal interests are taken into account during the planning process common to the diverse range of forest management projects. Tribes are also consulted regarding their concerns as part of the process when the forests and grasslands are in plan revision. The forest provides access to traditional places and allows plant harvesting necessary in tribal ceremony. Among the tribes expressing interest in the lands managed by the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands are the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Northern Cheyenne Nation, Northern Arapaho Tribe, Comanche Nation, Kiowa Tribe, Pawnee Nation, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation, and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Jicarilla Apache Nation, Navajo Nation, Osage Nation, and Wichita and Affiliated Tribes.
National Forest System lands are the ancestral homelands for many Indian tribes and are important sources of subsistence, foods, supplies, and medicines. These lands sustain the health, life, safety, and cultures of Native peoples. The Forest Service recognizes that the harvest and use of natural resources spiritually, physically, and culturally supports indigenous ceremonies such as songs and dances since time immemorial.
This relationship exists to assist Forest Service officials to:
- Fulfill the unique relationship and obligation the USFS has with Federally recognized Indian tribes.
- Assist in the development/implementation of Forest Service interests in establishing a mutual and beneficial partnership with tribes.
- Provide opportunities for partnership building with tribes to facilitate economic development.
The goals of this relationship are to:
- Maintain a governmental relationship with Federally acknowledged tribal governments.
- Implement programs honorably and fulfill legally mandated trust responsibilities.
- Administer programs to address and be sensitive to traditional Indian religious beliefs and practices.
- Provide research, transfer of technology, and technical assistance to tribal governments.
This can be accomplished in three primary areas:
- Education and Training: Developing and presenting training on Forest Service responsiblity in the Federal and tribal relationship such as treaty workshops and protocol/consultation with tribal governments.
- Research: Assistance can be provided to research tribal claims/positions; historical Indian claims or request regarding National Forest Lands; to better understand current issues and policies.
- Technical Support and Advice: Tribal relations program managers can help line and staff officers better understand current events and emerging issues. They can also provide advice regarding offical correspondence with tribal, political relationships between tribal governements, drafing planning documents, and when creating MOU's or MOA's with tribes.
Requirements
American Indians and Alaska Natives have a unique legal and political relationship with the government of the United States. The history of federal policies, treaties, statutes, court decisions, and Presidential direction regarding Indian Tribes and tribal rights and interests is extensive.
- USDA OTR FS Sacred Sites Review
- 2018 Farm Bill
- Sections 8101 to 8107 (Subtitle B - Cultural and Heritage Cooperation Authority) (PDF)
- Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1500 External Relations
- Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1509.13 American Indian & Alaskan Native Relations
- Native American Graves and Repatriation Act
Obligations
- USFS Tribal Relations Authorities
- Occupancy & Use of Forest Lands: Exclusive use of Forest Service lands by Tribe for traditional and cultural purposes. FSM 1563.7-Voluntary Closures. Forest Service units shall respond in a timely manner to tribal requests for voluntary closures of specific areas for tribal traditional cultural uses. When considering such requests, the FS line officers should consult with appropriate tribal officials and traditional leaders regarding the need for appropriate signing, education material, alternative locations, and scheduling. See FSH 1509.13 for guidelines on voluntary closures.
Opportunities
Meet our Tribal Liason
Another big step for the PSICC in strengthening tribal ties was hiring Tribal Relations Specialist Dr. Jason Herbert. Herbert recently graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Ph.D. in American history, with a focus on Indigenous and environmental history. Prior to joining the Forest Service, he served both the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Hired in the summer of 2023, Herbert recognizes the responsibility he holds in this new position.
Jason Herbert, Ph.D., recently joined the Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands as a tribal liaison.
Photo courtesy of Jason Herbert“What I discovered in serving with the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Eastern Band of Cherokees, and the experiences I had under their leadership and mentorship, was I really love working with tribes,” said Herbert. “I had the opportunity to teach at a university, but I made the difficult decision to move over 2,000 miles from home to work here. And I did that because I wanted to be in a position of service. Not only for the American taxpayers and citizens but, more importantly, to the tribes that call Colorado home.
“The work of improving relationships between tribes and the Forest Service is an ongoing process. The Forest Service publication of ‘Strengthening Tribal Consultations and Nation-to-Nation Relationships’ (also known as the “Tribal Action Plan”) is an important first step,” he continued.
“However, the dedication and implementation of the programs and practices within that document are what the Forest Service must continue its commitment to achieving,” said Herbert. “What we are trying to do is create a more inclusive nature to all of our forests and grasslands.”
PSICC employees respect and learn from Indigenous people's wisdom and knowledge. They work hard to be better partners in caring for the beautiful natural lands they manage together.
For more information on the Forest Service’s “Tribal Action Plan,” visit the Forest Service Office of Tribal Relations website.