In December 2023, the Department of the Interior (Department) issued a new Departmental Manual (DM) chapter entitled, "Departmental Responsibilities for Consideration and Inclusion of lndigenous Knowledge in Departmental Actions and Scientific Research, 301 DM 7." This Chapter establishes the Department's policies, responsibilities, and procedures to respect, and equitably promote the inclusion of lndigenous Knowledge in the Department's decision making, resource management, program implementation, policy development, scientific research, and other actions. In developing this Chapter, the Department conducted consultation with Tribal Leaders, Alaska Native Corporations, and Native Hawaiian leaders in February 2023, and held a listening session with Indigenous leaders from the U.S. Territories in March 2023.
The Department is now developing an implementation Handbook to guide employees as they work with Tribes and Indigenous communities to implement the policies of 301 DM 7. The Department seeks your input on the content of this Handbook.
Specifically, we are seeking input on the following:
- Does the draft Handbook describe appropriate methods for working with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities on Indigenous Knowledge issues? (see draft Handbook section 4 (B), Engaging).
- Does the draft Handbook describe appropriate methods for receiving Indigenous Knowledge from Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities? (see draft Handbook section 4 (D), Receiving Indigenous Knowledge).
- Does the draft Handbook describe appropriate methods for applying Indigenous Knowledge to Departmental actions and scientific research? (see draft Handbook section 4(E), Applying Indigenous Knowledge).
The Department will conduct three virtual consultation sessions and will accept oral and written comments. Please register in advance for any consultation you plan on attending. After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Please note that these Tribal consultations will be closed to the press and to the public to protect confidential information that may be discussed during the session.
Invitation
Consultation Materials
Sessions
Comment Deadline
You may provide written comments to consultation@bia.gov by 11 :59 pm Eastern Time on January 8, 2025.
