This Handbook for Consultation With Federally-Recognized Indian Tribes establishes the framework by which the Census Bureau integrates the concepts of tribal sovereignty, government-to-government relations, trust responsibilities, and respect for cultural values. This handbook incorporates all nine Policy Principles listed in the Census Bureau’s AIAN Policy, but in particular addresses Policy Principle #3:

3. The Census Bureau will consult and work with AIAN tribal governments before making decisions and throughout the planning and implementation of policy, rules, or programs that may affect tribes to ensure that tribal rights and concerns are addressed. Consultation will provide, but is not limited to, mutually agreed-upon protocols for timely communication, coordination, cooperation, and collaboration.

The ultimate purpose of this consultation handbook is to enhance how the Census Bureau implements its AIAN policy.