Minnesota is home to 11 reservations and 12 federally recognized sovereign tribal nations.
Minnesota tribes are amongst the top 20 largest employers in the state.
Minnesota is home to approximately 120,000 American Indians.
Tribal jurisdiction impacts thousands of acres of land within and well beyond reservation boundaries.
Employees of state agencies are mandated to consult with the tribes on matters of mutual interest, yet they have not been equipped with the knowledge or tools they need to implement such consultation. Expectations vary from one department to another, executive orders change with each administration, and loose definitions of consultation can lead to state-tribal disagreements.
The efficiency and effectiveness of employees within state government continually remain at stake.
Solution
Our hope was that cabinet-level leaders of multiple state agencies would support an enduring solution that transcends time, people and circumstances.
The Tribal-State Advisory Group on American Indian Training and Consultation respectfully requested executive endorsement to require ongoing specialized training of state employees in American Indian topics that are relevant to their jobs and departments. This action will provide consistency in expectations and processes that will foster a nurturing, productive environment for state employees.
Support for the training
The Tribal-State Advisory Group on American Indian Training and Consultation is committed to leading the development and implementation of this plan.
The advisory group consists of representatives from the following agencies:
Minnesota Department of Transportation
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Minnesota Historical Society
Minnesota Indian Affairs Council
University of Minnesota Duluth – American Indian Studies Department
To provide training and education for Minnesota state employees about American Indian tribal governments, histories, cultures and traditions, in order to empower state employees to work effectively with American Indians and promote authentic and respectful relationships between state agencies and American Indian tribes.
Vision Statement
A community that values and promotes knowledge, understanding and respect for American Indian governance and way of life.
Goals
Educate state employees about Indian people and governments.
Create partnerships.
Build respectful relationships between the State and Tribe.
Create an enduring commitment by the state to learn about tribal governments.
Intended outcomes
More effective state employees: Employees will be empowered with the knowledge and processes needed to do their jobs. Complex questions will be answered through training.
Greater efficiencies in state government: Improved consultation processes will save time and money.
Lasting solution to a long-standing problem: State officials have long grappled with how to properly communicate and interact with tribes. Now they will have a long-term solution and access to reliable answers.
Benefits to state projects: Joint powers partnerships with individual tribes on projects related to roads, natural resources, and a wide variety of other projects can bring additional funding to important state priorities and quicken the pace of completion.
Better relationships with tribes: Delayed or poorly executed consultation has led to misunderstandings and frustration between tribes and the state. Well-handled, well-informed consultation will only improve the state’s relationship with the tribes.
Continuing education opportunities for state employees: Participation in the training could become an opportunity for employees to attain a specific certification or meet continuing education requirements.