Oregon has been a national leader in tribal-state relations for nearly five decades. In 1975, the State of Oregon recognized the need for permanent dialogue with tribal governments and created the Legislative Commission on Indian Services (LCIS), an advisory body of 13 tribal leaders and legislators that serves as an ongoing forum for tribal-state issues.
Building on this foundation and Executive Order 96-30, Oregon became the first state in the nation to pass comprehensive tribal-state government-to-government relations law in 2001 with SB 770 (codified as ORS 182.162-.168). This groundbreaking legislation emphasizes the critical importance of establishing and maintaining ongoing communication between state agencies and Oregon's nine federally recognized sovereign tribal nations to inform decision-makers and provide opportunities for collaboration on shared interests.
The Annual Governor's Summit embodies Oregon's pioneering approach to government-to-government consultation, bringing together the Governor, Tribal Nations, and state agency and legislative leaders to address critical issues including housing, economic development, and natural and cultural resources. This essential gathering continues Oregon's national reputation for cooperation with Tribal Governments and while fostering and promoting positive partnerships that benefit all Oregonians.
The summit represents Oregon's commitment that tribal consultation goes beyond obligation to become meaningful collaboration, recognizing that Tribal Governments—as the oldest sovereigns in Oregon by thousands of years—bring invaluable expertise, knowledge, and resources to addressing shared challenges and promoting prosperity for all Oregonians.
2024 Government-to-Government Summit Information