In this course, you will explore the unique histories, cultures, and governance of Pacific Northwest tribes. You will learn about the pre-contact and historic tribal cultures and art traditions, as well as inherent sovereignty and its role in tribal relations. Additionally, the course covers differing approaches to land occupation, natural and social resources, the development of tribal-federal relations during the treaty-making, and how treaties and tribal histories apply to current issues. With this fundamental knowledge of tribal relations, you will be better equipped to successfully interact with tribal governments in Washington state.

This course satisfies the requirements of RCW 43.376.050 regarding tribal liaisons within state agencies.

This course will consist of in-person and online classes, a day-long excursion to a NW Washington tribe, and asynchronous homework readings and assignments.

Performance Objectives: Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate foundational knowledge of indigenous history, culture, and traditions, with a particular emphasis on the northwest tribes of Washington state and tribes with land claims in Washington state.
• Explain the concept of inherent sovereignty and its importance in tribal relations.
• Understand the history of tribal-federal relations during the treaty-making time, their current impacts, and differing approaches to land tenure and natural and social resources.

Prerequisites: Participants must have first taken Government to Government Training.

Intended Audience: The course is designed for positions that interact directly with tribal governments in Washington state.

Professional Certificate in Advanced Tribal Relations: This is the first course in a three-course series that leads to a Professional Certificate in Advanced Tribal Relations from The Evergreen State College. This professional certificate is designed for positions that interact directly with the tribes. You will improve your ability to collaborate with tribal leadership and your understanding of current and historical policies that impact tribal-governmental relations. This certificate includes online group learning with an instructor and guest speakers, along with 3 site visits near the Olympia area, and some assigned readings and assignments to complete outside of class.

To earn the professional certificate, you must complete all three courses:

• Context of Tribal Relations in Washington State: Culture, Sovereignty, and Resilience
• History and Practice of Government-to-Governmental Relations: State, Tribal, Federal
• Case Studies: Policies in Co-Management and Trends in State-Tribal-Federal Relationships