For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 23, 2004
Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies
Government-to-Government Relationship with Tribal Governments
The United States has a unique legal and political relationship
with Indian tribes and a special relationship with Alaska Native
entities as provided in the Constitution of the United States,
treaties, and Federal statutes. Presidents for decades have recognized
this relationship. President Nixon announced a national policy of
self-determination for Indian tribes in 1970. More recently, Executive
Order 13175, entitled Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal
Governments, was issued in 2000. I reiterated my Administration's
adherence to a government-to-government relationship and support for
tribal sovereignty and self-determination earlier this year in
Executive Order 13336, entitled American Indian and Alaska Native
Education.
My Administration is committed to continuing to work with federally
recognized tribal governments on a government-to-government basis and
strongly supports and respects tribal sovereignty and
self-determination for tribal governments in the United States. I take
pride in acknowledging and reaffirming the existence and durability of
our unique government-to-government relationship and these abiding
principles.
This commitment begins at the White House, where my Director of
Intergovernmental Affairs serves as my White House liaison with all
Indian nations and works with federally recognized tribal governments
on an intergovernmental basis. Moreover, it is critical that all
departments and agencies adhere to these principles and work with
tribal governments in a manner that cultivates mutual respect and
fosters greater understanding to reinforce these principles.
Accordingly, the head of each executive department and agency
(agency) shall continue to ensure to the greatest extent practicable
and as permitted by United States law that the agency's working
relationship with federally recognized tribal governments fully
respects the rights of self-government and self-determination due
tribal governments. Department or agency inquiries regarding this
memorandum, specifically those related to regulatory, legislative, or
budgetary issues, should be directed to the Office of Management and
Budget.
This memorandum is intended only to improve the internal management
of the executive branch and is not intended to, and does not, create
any right, benefit, or trust responsibility, substantive or procedural,
enforceable at law or in equity, by a party against the United States,
its agencies, entities, or instrumentalities, its officers or
employees, or any other person.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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