SECRETARY FOR NATURAL RESOURCES DIRECTS AGENCY DEPARTMENTS TO INCREASE COLLABORATION WITH NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES
Urges Using Creative Approaches and Solutions Based on Science, and Respect for all Communities and Interests Involved
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Secretary for Natural Resources John Laird today issued a draft policy directing the resources agency and it's departments to increase communication and collaboration with California's Native American tribes. This will help further the mission of the California Natural Resources Agency and provide meaningful input into the development of regulations, rules and policies that may affect tribal communities.

"Native American tribes have a unique relationship with the state's natural resources," said Secretary for Natural Resources John Laird. "It is only by engaging in open, inclusive and regular communication that the interests of California's tribes will be recognized and understood."

On Sept. 19, 2011, Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. issued Executive Order B-10-11, which states that it is the policy of the administration that every state agency and department subject to executive control is to encourage communication and consultation with California Native American tribes.

All California native tribes have distinct cultural, environmental, economic, and public health interests. The Natural Resources Agency and its departments interact frequently with tribal communities and are already working closely with them in many of these areas. The secretary's direction is intended to build on those existing relationships, and encourage further outreach and collaboration.

"Historically, state government and California's tribes have experienced conflict," Laird said. "I intend to improve the relationships between the agency responsible for the state's wild places and the communities that have watched over them for centuries."

Secretary Laird's direction aims to create informed decision making where all parties involved share a goal and can reach decisions together. All parties involved should encourage respect, shared responsibility, and an open and free exchange of information.

The policy is intended as guidance for employees of the Natural Resources Agency and its departments only, and does not extend to other government entities. The policy will be circulated for comment, with a comment deadline of July 15, 2012. A public meeting will be held on June 26 at 1:30 pm, at Thunder Valley Resort, 1200 Athens Avenue, Lincoln, California 95648.