What does by a “Government-to-Government” relationship mean generally to the Department of Energy?
Tribes are sovereign entities as recognized through the Constitution, negotiated in treaties and defined in case law. All interaction with Federally recognized Tribes must be conducted on a government-to-government basis beyond standard public involvment and community outreach efforts through Tribal elected leaders on issues and activities of Tribal interest. The Department is required to respect Tribal sovereignty when undertaking activities affecting American Indian rights and/or resources, as stated in the U.S. Department of Energy American Indian Policy.
