NIGC Establishes
Government-to Government
Tribal Consultation
Policy
"The
Tribal Consultation Policy is an indication of our recognition of the
sovereignty of the tribes and their right and authority to conduct and regulate
gaming on Indian lands in accordance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory
Act," stated Hogen. "The
Policy establishes a clear and comprehensive framework for timely and
meaningful consultation between the NIGC and tribes regarding the formulation
and implementation of NIGC policies and regulations that may affect tribal
gaming operations. The Policy is also a testament to our strong commitment to
respect and enhance our nation's government-to-government relationship with
Indian tribes."
Soon
after taking office in December of 2002, the Commission began talking with
tribal leaders and intertribal organizations regarding the need for, and the
format and content of, a formal NIGC consultation policy. Formal written comments were received during
a four-month comment period between October 2003 and February 2004. The majority of commentors commended the
Commission for its efforts to establish this policy as an important step to
foster productive government-to-government relations.
"Tribes
provide the first line of defense in the regulation of Indian gaming, and we
certainly appreciate all the feedback and input we received from tribes and
individuals," added Hogen.
"Several tribal comments and suggestions were particularly helpful
in drafting the final published policy."
Throughout
development of the Policy, the NIGC looked for guidance in Executive Order
13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian
Tribal Governments, which sets forth certain criteria and fundamental
principals that federal agencies should follow when formulating and
implementing policies that affect Indian tribes. Although previous Commissions have consulted
with tribes, this is the first formal consultation policy developed and adopted
by the NIGC.
The
National Indian Gaming Commission is an independent regulatory agency
established within the Department of the Interior pursuant to the Indian Gaming
Regulatory Act of 1988.
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Final Consultation Policy and Comments