Tribal Relations

Government-to-Government: Working with Federally Recognized Tribes in Oregon

Effective government communication with tribes, called government-to-government coordination, increases the state’s understanding of tribal and agency structures, policies, programs, and history. These state and tribal relations inform decision makers in both governments and provide an opportunity to work together on shared interests. Oregon is home to nine federally recognized Tribes.

DLCD actively participates in government-to-government work groups to discuss land use planning and tribal related activities. DLCD notifies tribal governments of land use grant opportunities and regional land use projects that may be of interest. The agency also invites tribes to participate in the development of the agency’s policy agenda and in rulemaking activities.

DLCD’s Tribal Liaison program is anchored in federal law, the agency’s policy on government-to-government relations, and our Local and Tribal Government Communication Policy.

Oregon was the first state to pass a state-tribal government-to-government relations law. In 2001, Senate Bill 770 (SB 770) established a framework for communication between state agencies and tribes.

SB 770 created  Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 182.162-168.This law followed a 1996 Executive Order, which defined a process to assist in resolving potential conflicts, maximize key inter-governmental relations, and enhance an exchange of ideas and resources for the greater good of all Oregonians.

For more specific information about DLCD government-to-government activities, please see the agency’s most recent annual report.

Goal 5 Cultural Areas Rule Technical Implementation Webinars

To support local governments and federally recognized tribes in Oregon with implementation of new Statewide Land Use Planning Goal 5 rules for cultural areas, the DLCD hosted a webinar. The webinar presentation is available.

The adopted rules go into effect January 1, 2027.

Resources:

Beginning in May 2026, local governments are welcome to join the monthly drop in series which will occur 10 to 11 a.m. on the last Tuesday of every month. Registration is required.

Goal 10: Housing Rule Implementation

Housing Planning – Contextualized Housing Needs and Housing Production Strategies

As of January 1, 2026, local governments are required to invite and participate in any subsequent coordination and consultation with federally recognized Tribal governments in Oregon regarding the development of their respective Contextualized Housing Needs and Housing Production Strategies.

How do I determine which Tribes I need to contact?

Please reach out to Dr. Elissa Bullion (elissa.bullion@oregonlegislature.gov). When emailing the Tribe(s), please cc the LCIS general email (lcis@oregonlegislature.gov). Include the following information:

The name of the city or county that is pursuing a Contextualized Housing Need or Housing Production Strategy
The county the city is in, if applicable
Whether there has been any previous outreach to or contact with any Tribal governments regarding the Contextualized Housing Need or Housing Production Strategy, and with which Tribal staff the outreach occurred

Who do I need to contact at each Tribe?

Dr. Bullion will provide a list of appropriate staff contacts at each Tribe.

Goal 14: Urbanization for Housing Rule Implementation

Urban Growth Boundary Preliminary Study Area

As of January 1, 2026, local governments are required to invite and participate in any subsequent coordination and consultation with federally-recognized Tribal governments in Oregon regarding the establishment of preliminary study areas for urban growth boundary amendments.

How do I determine which Tribes I need to contact?

Please reach out to Dr. Elissa Bullion (elissa.bullion@oregonlegislature.gov) for a list of Tribes you need to contact. When you email the Tribe(s), please cc the LCIS general email (lcis@oregonlegislature.gov). Include the following information:

A map showing the location and area of the urban growth boundary that may be amended
The county(ies) that the urban growth boundary is in or would be in for any area under consideration for amendment
Whether there has been any previous outreach to or contact with any Tribal governments regarding the establishment and locations of preliminary study areas for urban growth boundary amendments, and with which Tribal staff the outreach occurred

Who do I need to contact at each Tribe?

Dr. Bullion will provide a list of appropriate staff contacts at each Tribe.

Archaeological Sites

The State of Oregon considers archaeological sites and their contents to be irreplaceable, finite, and non-renewable resources that are part of Oregon’s heritage.  Native American archaeological and burial sites are not simply elements of a tribe’s cultural past — they are considered sacred and represent a continuing connection with their ancestors. The people of Oregon, and state agencies acting on their behalf, are responsible for stewarding these sites and their contents.  

Local developers and individuals proposing any ground disturbing work should become familiar with state laws on the protection of archaeological sites:   

The excavation, destruction or alteration of any known archaeological site or collection of archaeological objects located on public or private land without the issuance of a state archaeological permit is prohibited (ORS 358.920 and ORS 390.235). 
Destruction or damage to any human burial site, human remains, or Native American sacred or special objects associated with those burial sites is also prohibited (ORS 97.745).
Note that there may be criminal penalties for violating these laws.

If you inadvertently discover potential Native American artifacts or remains, see the Legislative Commission on Indian Services website for archaeological information and instructions. 

For information on the issuance of and requirements for archaeological permits, please contact the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).