Lonora Graves, Caltrans Native American Liaison Branch December 2, 2015
California is home to the largest Native American Population in the Country 110 federally recognized tribes in California Approximately 89 non-federally recognized tribes/bands A large urban Native American population
Sovereignty is the right of self-governance It is the right of an entity to make its own laws and be governed by them Tribal sovereignty was initially recognized by the US as a result of having entered into treaties with tribes
A tribe that is recognized as having a government- to-government relationship with the US Possesses certain inherent rights of self- government (i.e., tribal sovereignty) Is entitled to receive certain federal benefits, services, and protections because of a special relationship with the United States
States are required to, at a minimum, “consider the concerns of Indian tribal governments... that have jurisdiction over land within the boundaries of the state” “... The long-range transportation plan shall be developed in consultation with tribal governments.. “ For areas under the jurisdiction of a tribal government, the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) “shall be developed in consultation with the tribal government and the Secretary of the Interior” The RTP process shall meet the federal and state requirement to consult with and consider the interests of Indian tribal governments in the development of transportation plans and programs (CTC Guidelines)
Cultural Resources and Section CFR 800 Senate Bill 18 (Local Governments), Government Code Section consultation.php Assembly Bill 52 (All California Lead Agencies), Public Resources Code Section OPR Website:
Governor Brown’s Executive Order B State Agencies and departments must communicate and consult with Tribes and allow for meaningful input on matters that may affect Tribal communities CalSTA Tribal Consultation Policy Five guiding principles to be executed by CalSTA and its constituent agencies to promote cooperation and consultation collaboration, communication, education, process, and timely notice
Act respectfully, consistently, and sensitively when working with Native American Communities Seek to eliminate procedural or statutory impediments limiting the ability to work with Native Americans Establish and adhere to government-to- government relationships when interacting with Federally Recognized Tribes
The NAAC is an elected group of tribal leaders who work in partnership with Caltrans to improve government-to- government relationships. Key NAAC activities include: Hearing updates on Caltrans activities or policies that may be of importance to Native American Communities Raising issues that are of concern to the tribes and their constituents and helping to facilitate resolutions Providing recommendations to Caltrans leadership Sharing information with Tribes in their areas
Builds collaborative partnerships Facilitates compliance with Federal statutes and regulations Identifies planning and other solutions that lead to meaningful involvement of the Tribes in the planning process Provides technical assistance/ resources for CT, the DNALs, and the NAAC to address policy-level issues 13
Are the primary point of contact for general questions from the tribal community Assist District and Headquarters staff in their efforts to establish good working relationships with the Native American community Are responsible for Government to Government consultation and Memorandums of Understanding (MOU’s) Are key players in negotiation of TERO MOUs
Ensure Native American consultation regarding cultural resources occurs Point of contact during Project Delivery Assures, on all projects/undertakings that consultation is done, beginning at inception and continuing through construction and mitigation The DNAC coordinates consultation required under NEPA and CEQA. The focus is primarily on cultural consultation. However, other environmental concerns and government to government consultation will, at times, be included
Liaison District Telephone Fax Headquarters Native American Liaison Branch (NALB) Lonora Graves, ChiefHQ(916) (916) Bennie LeeHQ(916) (916) Chad RidingHQ(916) (916) District Native American Liaisons Jaime HostlerD-1(707) (707) Kendee VanceD-2(530) (530) Gary ArnoldD-3(530) (530) Blesilda GebreyesusD-4(510) (510) Larry NewlandD-5(805) (805) Marta FraustoD-6(559) (559) Lorna FosterD-8(909) (909) Brandon FittD-9(760) (760) Maria RodriguezD-10(209) (209) Chi VargasD-11(619) (619)
Lonora Graves, Native American Liaison Branch Phone: (916) Web: