Working with Tribes

IEN has significant experience in working with Tribes and in training others in effective consultation and partnering with Tribes. Specifically, we are able to create a training for your needs. Examples of trainings include:

Working with Tribes 101: IEN developed this training to address a need in the Commonwealth for local governments to learn how to work and partner with the seven Tribes in Virginia, which gained federal recognition in the 21st century. 

American Indian Effective Communications and Consultation: IEN was contracted by the University of Chicago Argonne National Laboratory to develop and deliver a training on American Indian Effective Communications and Consultation to the United States Air Force for eight years. Air Force policy requires personnel at installations to engage in “meaningful consultation” and “effective cross-cultural communication” with tribal representatives. IEN trainers Tanya Denckla Cobb and Kristina Weaver partnered with Chris Howell, Tribal Relations Consultant. A member of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma and experienced mediator, Howell previously served as Tribal Liaison for two Kansas Governors, and Director of Tribal Relations for BNSF Railway. 

IEN’s training centers on “principled tribal consultation,” integrating best practices in interest-based negotiation with guidance for outreach, consultation, and relationship cultivation with representatives of sovereign nations.