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Draft tribal coordination policy leans toward consultation; council asks staff to consult tribes on preferred language
Summary
Councilors reviewed a draft tribal coordination policy and urged staff to favor the term 'consultation' over 'collaboration', to recognize tribal sovereignty where appropriate, and to identify council and staff owners and training requirements; staff will seek tribal feedback.
Staff introduced a draft tribal coordination policy intended as a framework to guide staff awareness and council engagement with tribal neighbors. The staff presentation emphasized respect for sovereignty and an approach that is intentionally not prescriptive.
Councilor Davis urged different wording: "My preference is toward engagement and consultation," saying the policy should present tribes as sovereign entities rather than as ordinary organizations. Davis also recommended naming a council liaison and a designated staff member accountable for implementing consultation steps and training.
Staff said they had intentionally used inclusive language but agreed to reach out to tribal partners to learn how they prefer to be referred and how consultation should be structured. Councilors discussed an annual meeting or other regular touchpoints with tribal elders and tribal staff to build an ongoing relationship.
Next steps: staff will incorporate the council’s terminology concerns, add language on ownership and training, and circulate the draft to local tribal partners for feedback before returning to council.
