[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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