Sitka Tribe of Alaska and the U.S. Forest Service, Sitka Ranger District, signed a memorandum of understanding last week that identifies common goals and documents cooperation between the parties to maintain regular and meaningful consultation and collaboration.
The agreement explicitly recognizes the Tribe’s sovereignty and right to self-governance, as well as the legal obligations of the federal government to consult with STA on issues of mutual interest or concern, a news release from STA said.
From left are Deputy Forest Supervisor Clint Kolarich, STA Tribal Chairman Lawrence “Woody” Widmark, and U.S. Forest Service District Ranger Eric Garner. (Photo by Lillian Feldpausch)
The agreement is based on earlier memoranda of understanding between STA and USFS that were signed in 2006 and 2012; the 2012 MOU expired in 2017. Compared to the previous agreements, the MOU signed last week has stronger language with respect to inherent Tribal sovereignty and the parties’ intention to engage in a government-to-government relationship.
It includes a commitment to “uphold Tribal sovereignty and Alaska Native rights by following applicable laws, regulations and agency policy, in carrying out the objectives listed in this MOU.” There is a new provision for semi-annual government-to-government meetings, as well as references to the Tribe’s consultation policy.
Tribal Chairman Lawrence “Woody” Widmark expressed appreciation to USFS leadership and Sitka Ranger District staff for their commitment to a respectful, collaborative relationship with STA. “Even in the years when we didn’t have a written agreement, we worked well together,” Widmark said. “We expect that to continue under the new MOU. We have developed trust between the parties, but it’s always good to have our intentions and a structure to implement them officially documented in writing.”
