Technologie i telekomunikacja · 06/07/2000

Establishing a Government-to-Government Relationship With Indian Tribes

This document reaffirms the Commission's respect for and commitment to the principles of tribal sovereignty and the federal trust responsibility, and establishes a government-to-government relationship between the Commission and federally-recognized Indian tribes. In an effort to embrace this unique relationship with and responsibility to Indian tribes, the Commission will endeavor to work with Indian tribes on a government-to-government basis to ensure that Indian tribes have adequate access to communications services, and will to the extent practicable consult with tribal governments prior to implementing any regulatory action or policy that will significantly or uniquely affect Indian tribes. Furthermore, this document calls for the FCC to endeavor to identify innovative mechanisms to facilitate tribal consultation and streamline its administrative processes and procedures to remove undue burdens on Indian tribes. In addition, the FCC will also assist Indian tribes in complying with Federal communications statutes and regulations, and educate Commission staff about the fundamental principles governing the relationship between Indian tribes and the federal government.