What have the challenges been in working with multiple, disparate organizations and Native American nations?
People know as much as they have been exposed to or are told. It’s really hard to envision innovative interpretation if you really haven’t been exposed to it or you’ve been told, “We don’t do things that way.” Also, it’s been a challenge to overcome the preconceived opinions that both sides—the federal agencies and the tribes—have of each other. The best way or tool is through building rapport. The way we explain it is through “Big C” and “Little c.” Big C is federally mandated consultation in an understood and acceptable government-to-government manner. So, if you are doing something that involves ground-breaking activities and you need to rely on some government regulation, that is considered a “Big C.” Conversely, “Little c” is actually having relationships with the individuals and having existing rapport built over time. We argue that you must have mutually agreed upon goals in order for projects to work. You can’t just follow protocol and/or give the appearance of checking the box
