MDE Indigenous Education Initiative Tribal Consultation Guidebook - Manual / Resource - Page 8
What Does It Mean to Consult with Tribes?
Put simply, tribal consultation is a relationship with a shared goal. Consultation must begin with the
formation of a relationship between the parties participating. Forming and maintaining an effective
consultative relationship requires several commitments by each party.
A Commitment to the Relationship
Consultation is not a checklist, a signature on a form, or an event. It is rooted in relationships. As such,
consultation will look different in every seing and, like all relationships, will require continuous and ongoing
investment by all parties.
A primary outcome of successful consultation will be the strengthening and deepening of the relationship
between parties. It is also essential to keep in mind that the consultative relationship, like other relationships,
will have times of intense activity as well as times where very lile appears to be happening. This reality
should not be read as disinterest in the relationship by a party. Instead, it will reflect the changing dynamics
and priorities of those engaged in the evolving consultative relationship.
A Commitment to Co-Learning
As parties come together, it is critical to remain in a learner stance. Every LEA and every tribe has its unique
structures, unique processes, and unique procedures that are oen subject to change over time. Parties must
be willing to set aside any assumptions they may bring to the table and remain open to new learning as they
get to know each other.
As co-learners, both parties are likely to make mistakes and missteps. Rather than dwelling on these mistakes
and missteps and allowing them to sour the relationship, they should be viewed as learning and growth
opportunities.
A Commitment to the Shared Goal
While tribes will be interested in the success of their citizens aending the LEA, and LEAs will be interested
in the success of all students aending their schools, what success looks like and how best to measure it may
vary from tribe to tribe and from LEA to LEA. Early in the consultative relationship, it is important to discuss
how each party defines success and to reach consensus around success indicators.
This definition of success should be regularly revisited as part of the consultation conversation to ensure
that it still accurately reflects what the various parties have identified as a priority for their communities.
By maintaining focus on a clearly defined and shared goal throughout the consultation process, the parties
will be beer positioned to avoid misunderstandings and ensure forward momentum for the continued
development of the consultative relationship.
