The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) formed its first tribal advisory committee Nov. 16 to improve the relationship between the federal government and Native American tribes.

The Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC), will provide a forum for Tribal leaders and U.S. secretaries to share ideas, give advice and exchange views on current issues, according to a DOI news release.

“Tribes need a seat at the decision making table before policies are made that impact their communities," Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said in a statement. “The creation of this new Tribal Advisory Committee is a timely and much-needed development that will ensure Tribal leaders can engage at the highest levels of the Department on the issues that matter most to their people. I look forward to continued engagement with Indigenous communities and ensuring that we honor and strengthen our nation-to-nation relationships with Tribal leaders.”

The specific duties of STAC include “a: Identify evolving issues and barriers to access, coverage, and delivery of services to American Indians and Alaska Natives related to DOI programs. b. Identify evolving issues relating to trust assets; lands, waters, and treaty/subsistence resources; cultural resources; and governmental interests of federally recognized Indian Tribes. c. Propose clarifications and other recommendations and solutions to address issues raised at Tribal, regional, and national levels. d. Serve as a forum for Tribes and DOI to discuss these issues and proposals for changes to DOI regulations, policies, and procedures. e. Identify priorities and provide advice on appropriate strategies for Tribal consultation on issues at the Tribal, regional, and/or national levels. f. Ensure that pertinent concerns are brought to the attention of Tribes in a timely manner, so that timely Tribal feedback can be obtained,” as stated by the charter.

The DOI is also developing a policy to “encourage early, robust, interactive, pre-decisional, informative and transparent consultation” with tribes on policy changes, the news release said.

“The establishment of a STAC and planned consultation process improvements at Interior are welcome additions to the ways we connect  and communicate with Tribal leaders and address their priorities,” Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Bryan Newland said in a statement.  “Their input is vital to improving how we respond to the needs of their  communities through the many programs Interior administers.”

Haaland revealed the plans for the committee during a ‘listening session’ at the Biden-Harris administration’s first Tribal Nations Summit, the release said. It was the first summit to be held since 2016, the White House said.

The DOI will continue consulting with Indian tribal governments on changes to consultation policies and procedures, the release said.