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OCR Page 1 of 53Natire American - general
REPORT ON EXECUTIVE BRANCH GOVERNMENT-TO-GOVERNMENT
RELATIONS WITH NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS
I.
Executive Summary -- The Status of Government-to-Government Relations
between the United States and Tribal Governments
On April 24, 1994, President Clinton issued the Executive Memorandum on
Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal Governments, which
recognized the unique status of Indian tribes as governments reflected in the United States
Constitution, treaties, statutes, executive orders, and judicial decisions. 1 The Executive
Memorandum directs all departments and agencies, to the greatest extent practicable and
permitted by law, to work with tribal governments within a framework of government-to-
government relations concerning tribal government, treaty rights and trust resources.
The Executive Memorandum has fostered improved working relationships,
coordination and communication between agencies and tribal governments. Several agencies
have established offices, or designated staff within existing offices, to ensure that work on
Native American issues proceeds within a government-to-government framework. Agency
personnel receive training on the unique governmental status and rights of Indian tribes and
frequently meet with tribal leaders, both in Washington and in tribal communities. Also,
Cabinet officers now appear at national meetings of tribal governments to consult face-to-face
with tribal leaders.
The Administration also has secured important legislation supporting Indian tribes and
has successfully opposed legislative proposals that would undercut tribal self-government. For
example, the White House Offices of Intergovernmental Affairs successfully coordinated
Administration opposition to a recent effort to eliminate tribal sovereign immunity, and last
year the President signed the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act
into law. Under the President's government-to-government relations policy, the Federal
Government works with tribal governments on a basis of mutual respect.
On May 23, 1997, the White House Chief of Staff requested agency reports on the
implementation of the Executive Memorandum. This report summarizes agency responses
and includes recommendations to improve government-to-government relations and enhance
tribal self-government.
II.
Background of U.S. Relations with Indian Tribes
Before Europeans landed on America's shores, Indian nations were self-governing
societies with remarkable scientific, artistic, and cultural achievements. In order the acquire
land and establish peace, European nations entered into treaties with Indian nations, thereby
1
Executive Memorandum on Government-to-Government Relations with Native
American Tribal Governments, 59 Fed. Reg. 22951 (1994).
Relations
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