Abstract

A tribal council is a complex organization that encompasses many aspects of leadership and they are major participants in national, regional, and local politics. This effective practice addresses some of the capacities of a tribal council and offers suggestions on how to work more effectively with a tribal council. This effective practice was based on materials written by Claire Miller, Council Member, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and provided by American Indian Professional Services (ACKCO, Inc.) at the Training and Technical Assistance National Provider Meeting in Arlington, Virginia, February 2002.

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Issue

Because a tribal council is a complex organization, encompassing many aspects of leadership, working effectively with a tribal council necessitates an awareness of its functions and methods, as well as recognition of cultural differences.

 

 

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Action

Claire Miller, Council Member, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community recommends these steps when working with a tribal council:

• Learn about the particular tribe you are working with.
  
  
• Make an effort to learn about the community and its characteristics.
  
  
• Learn who the elected officials are and know them by name.
  
  
• Tour the community with someone who knows the land and some of the history of the tribe.
  
  
• Know the tribal structure and how the government is set up to operate.
  
  
• Attend a council meeting to learn the method of interaction between the departments and the council.
  
  
• Introduce yourself to council members when the opportunity presents itself.
  
  
• Direct all questions regarding protocol to the community manager.

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Context

Tribal councils are the policy-making body for the tribe and they are major participants in national, regional, and local politics to protect their tribal sovereignty, tribal assets, and the future of their tribes. The role of the council member is complex and encompasses many aspects of leadership. The members of each tribal council are elected from the membership of their own communities and are individuals committed to improving the lives of the people in the tribe. Functions include:

• Identifying the needs of the tribe and its members.
  
  
• Approving programs to meet the identified needs.
  
  
• Allocating the required resources to provide needed services to tribal members.
  
  
• Responding to their communities and the needs of their membership.
  
  
• Maintaining ongoing intergovernmental functions with surrounding municipalities, as well as the state and federal government.

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Outcome

Through an understanding of the role of tribal councils, and an awareness of cultural issues, volunteers in service can expect more effective interaction with tribal councils and their members.

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Posted On

June 26, 2002

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For More Information

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Related Practices

• Making a presentation to a tribal council

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Related sites

American Indian Professional Services

Topic Areas

• Tribal services
• Communication skills
• Diversity
• Rural
• Training
• Capacity building
• Community partnerships
• Partnerships
• Sustainability
• Volunteer
• Member
• Community-Based Organizations
• Staff
• Tribal Programs
• ACKCO
• Cross-Stream
• Program management

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