    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book II)]
    [September 23, 2004]
    [Pages 2177-2178]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Memorandum on Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribal
    Governments
    September 23, 2004

    Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies

    Subject: Government-to-Government Relationship with Tribal Governments

        The United States has a unique legal and political relationship with
    Indian tribes and a special relationship with Alaska Native entities as
    provided in the Constitution of the United States, treaties, and Federal
    statutes. Presidents for decades have recognized this relationship.
    President Nixon announced a national policy of self-determination for
    Indian tribes in 1970. More recently, Executive Order 13175, entitled
    Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, was issued
    in 2000. I reiterated my Administration's adherence to a government-to-
    government relationship and support for tribal sovereignty and self-
    determination earlier this year in Executive Order 13336, entitled
    American Indian and Alaska Native Education.
        My Administration is committed to continuing to work with federally
    recognized tribal governments on a government-to-government basis and
    strongly supports and respects tribal sovereignty and self-determination
    for tribal governments in the United States. I take pride in
    acknowledging and reaffirming the existence and durability of our unique
    government-to-government relationship and these abiding principles.
        This commitment begins at the White House, where my Director of
    Intergovernmental Affairs serves as my White House liaison with all
    Indian nations and works with federally recognized tribal governments on
    an intergovernmental basis. Moreover, it is critical that all
    departments and agencies adhere to these principles and work with tribal
    governments in a manner that cultivates mutual respect and fosters
    greater understanding to reinforce these principles.
        Accordingly, the head of each executive department and agency
    (agency) shall continue to ensure to the greatest extent practicable and
    as permitted by United States law that the agency's working relationship
    with federally recognized tribal governments fully respects the rights
    of self-government and self-determination due tribal governments.
    Department or agency inquiries regarding this memorandum, specifically
    those related to regulatory, legislative, or budgetary issues, should be
    directed to the Office of Management and Budget.
        This memorandum is intended only to improve the internal management
    of the executive branch and is not intended to, and does not, create any
    right, benefit, or trust responsibility, substantive or procedural,
    enforceable at law or in equity, by a party against the United States,
    its agencies, entities, or instrumentalities, its officers or employees,
    or any other person.

                                                              George W. Bush

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