Government-to-Government: Working with Oregon's Tribes
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. Effective government-to-government communication increases our understanding of tribal and agency structures, policies, programs, and history. These state and tribe relations inform decision makers in both governments and provide an opportunity to work together on shared interests.
The state statute created from SB 770 is
ORS 182.162-168, which followed Executive Order
EO-96-30. This Executive Order, established in 1996, 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 of Oregon's citizens." Agencies responded to the executive order by presenting interest statements to the Governor and tribal government. In 1997, DLCD presented its
interest statement at the first annual meeting between state and tribal governments.
DLCD’s Tribal Liaison program is anchored by our agency policies
06-01 (Local and Tribal Government Communication Policy) and
07-02 (Policy on Government to Government Relations with Oregon Tribes).
Today, the department 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 relevant rulemaking activities.
For more specific information about DLCD tribal activities, please see the annual reports provided below.
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 Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) held two webinars. The rules go into effect January 1, 2027.
20260223_Draft_Guidance_Tools.pdf
20251119_Rule_Clean_Adoption.pdf
If you could not join for the webinars, here is the Wednesday, February 25 webinar for viewing. Please also see the powerpoint presentation reviewed during each othe webinars.
Goal 14 Urbanization for Housing Rule Implementation
Urban Growth Boundary Preliminary Study Area
About
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.
Additional Guidance:
Coming soon
Future established contact list:
DLCD and LCIS are working with the nine federally-recognized Tribal governments of Oregon to create a Tribal contact list by county and/or city for Oregon. Once completed, this list will be used to identify every Tribal government who needs to be notified for your urban growth boundary and urban growth boundary preliminary study area work. Each of these Tribal governments should be contacted and notified in an individual email of the establishment and locations of preliminary study areas for urban growth boundary amendments with the invitation to coordinate and consult.
DLCD's list will include a link to the appropriate Tribal representative staff. Please refrain from sending the request to others unless on “cc".
Goal 10 Housing Rule Implementation
Housing Planning – Contextualized Housing Needs and Housing Production Strategies
About
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 to deeply understand localized housing needs and Housing Production Strategies to select actions in an action plan to meet those housing needs.
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.
Additional Guidance:
Coming soon
Future established contact list:
DLCD and LCIS are working with the nine federally-recognized Tribal governments of Oregon to create a Tribal contact list by county and/or city for Oregon. Once completed, this list will be used to identify every Tribal government who needs to be notified of your housing planning work. Each of these Tribal governments should be contacted and notified in an individual email of the development of your Contextualized Housing Need and/or Housing Production Strategy with the invitation to coordinate and consult.
DLCD's list will include a link to the appropriate Tribal representative staff. Please refrain from sending the request to others unless on “cc".
Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon
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 pieces of the 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 stewards with a public trust responsibility towards 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.
Resources to learn more: