NOAA Updates Tribal Consultation Handbook and Indigenous Knowledge Guidance

In response to Executive Order 13175 and the Presidential Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships, NOAA updated its Tribal Consultation Handbook and Indigenous Knowledge Guidance in consultation with federally- recognized tribes. Collectively, these documents will serve as a reference and the vital foundation of NOAA’s work to build and strengthen our relationships with Indian tribes, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders.

NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and the National Ocean Service (NOS), along with NOAA’s General Counsel’s Office (GC), have created a Indigenous Knowledge Guidance for regional and field staff. This guidance, developed as a continuation of NOAA’s commitment to engage meaningfully with Federally recognized tribes. This guidance was built upon NMFS, NOS, and GC in the regions to build upon the NOAA Tribal Consultation Handbook in providing guidance on how to incorporate Indigenous Knowledge (IK) into decision making.