Establishing the White House Council on Native American Affairs

Jul 1, 2013

Summary

Creates a new White House group to help the government work better with Native American tribes and support their communities.

What problem does this solve?

The U.S. government has a history of poor relations with Native American tribes, and federal programs to help them are often not well-coordinated. This order creates a council of leaders from many government departments to work together and improve support for tribal well-being and self-government.

What does this order do?

Establishes the White House Council on Native American Affairs

Creates a new council to improve how federal programs work together and use resources available to tribal communities.

Defines council membership and leadership

Makes the Secretary of the Interior the Chair of the Council. Includes the heads of most major federal departments and agencies as members.

Outlines the council's mission

Directs the council to make policy recommendations, coordinate federal work with tribes, improve the government's consultation process, and help organize the yearly White House Tribal Nations Conference.

Sets a national policy for tribal relations

Establishes a national policy to ensure the Federal Government engages in a true government-to-government relationship with tribes in a more coordinated way.

Identifies key areas for community development

Promotes policies for economic growth, better healthcare and nutrition, stronger tribal justice systems, improved education, and protection of tribal lands and cultures.

Who does this affect?

Federally recognized Native American tribes
American Indians
Alaska Natives

What is the real world impact?

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Improves government-to-government relations

Creates a formal body to ensure that the many different parts of the federal government work together in their relationship with tribal nations. This is meant to honor tribal sovereignty and heal relations after a history of destructive policies.

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Centralizes policy coordination

Gives tribal nations a central point of contact and coordination within the White House. This helps make sure that policies affecting tribes are developed with their input and are more effective.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately as of June 26, 2013.