The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has a government-to-government relationship with Indian Tribes. This special relationship is affirmed in treaties, Supreme Court decisions, and Executive Orders, and provides that FHWA and other Federal agencies consult with Tribes regarding policy and regulatory matters. Section 106 of the NHPA also requires that FHWA (this responsibility has not been delegated to the State of Alaska) consult with Tribes for undertakings that may affect properties considered to have traditional religious and cultural significance. www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/histpres/tribal.htm#consult
This policy reinforces government-to-government relationships between the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (department) and the tribes in Alaska through consultation on significant matters of mutual concern.
This policy provides guidance to all employees of the department involved in any departmental action(s) that significantly or uniquely affect a tribe in Alaska, and pertaining to any tribal action that significantly or uniquely affects this department. It also reinforces the foundation for establishing and maintaining effective government-to-government communications between the department and the tribes in Alaska, and promotes consultation and coordination with these tribes, with the goal of ensuring that the department conducts consultation in a culturally sensitive manner. Policy and Procedure 01.03.010 Government-to-Government Relations with the Federally-Recognized Tribes of Alaska
