Bridging two worlds: Government-to-government between the Department of Defense and federally recognized tribes in Athabascan Country, Alaska
Dates
Year
2005
Citation
Shearer, Amanda M., 2005, Bridging two worlds: Government-to-government between the Department of Defense and federally recognized tribes in Athabascan Country, Alaska: University of Alaska Anchorage.
Summary
Although tribes are recognized as "domestic dependent nations" with inherent sovereignty over their own affairs, the U.S. government has accepted various trust responsibilities such as protecting tribal rights and resources. Based on this "trust" relationship, the Department of Defense (DoD) has been working to conduct meaningful government-to-government consultation on projects/policies that may have implications for tribes. This study addresses the question "Have government-to-government relations changed since the publishing of DoD's American Indian/Alaska Native Policy?" and documents the experiences of those involved in the process. Methodology used is solely qualitative in nature consisting of analyzing policy text, observations, [...]
Summary
Although tribes are recognized as "domestic dependent nations" with inherent sovereignty over their own affairs, the U.S. government has accepted various trust responsibilities such as protecting tribal rights and resources. Based on this "trust" relationship, the Department of Defense (DoD) has been working to conduct meaningful government-to-government consultation on projects/policies that may have implications for tribes. This study addresses the question "Have government-to-government relations changed since the publishing of DoD's American Indian/Alaska Native Policy?" and documents the experiences of those involved in the process. Methodology used is solely qualitative in nature consisting of analyzing policy text, observations, and interview transcripts. Research results show that change has occurred since DoD policy was signed, but the primary reason for that change is due to the fact that government-to-government consultation did not occur in any systematic fashion before policy implementation. Implementation is challenging, and often involves conflict. Recommendations for enhancing implementation are included.
