10/24/2026
🔔 # A Call for Respectful Consultation and Authentic Tribal Representation in Indian Country!
We want to take a moment to address an issue that continues to affect Tribal Nations across the country.
The time has come for a greater understanding that Tribal Nations are not historical subjects or cultural exhibits to be tokenized. We are living governments, living communities, and living cultures.
Our voices should not be assumed. They should be sought directly from the Tribal Nations themselves.
We recognize that many colleges, universities, museums, state agencies, researchers, and other cultural institutions are making efforts to build stronger relationships with Indigenous communities. We appreciate those efforts and the desire to build meaningful partnerships.
Too often, organizations seeking information about our history, culture, traditions, ancestors, or contemporary communities speak with an individual and assume that person speaks for the Tribe. While individuals may offer personal perspectives and knowledge, that does not automatically make them a representative of the Nation, nor an expert on the topic at hand.
We are sensitive to the fact that in many cases, misunderstandings are not intentional. However, good intentions do not replace the responsibility to engage with Tribal Nations in a respectful and appropriate way.
Tribal Nations are sovereign governments. If an organization wishes to represent our people, tell our stories, conduct research, develop exhibits, provide cultural education, or pursue partnerships...the first question should be simple: Have we contacted the Tribal Government?
We have also seen situations where individuals are publicly identified with these titles by these individuals who present themselves as official spokespersons, cultural authorities, Knowledge Keepers, Healers, or community leaders. Such titles should not be assigned, assumed, or accepted without the knowledge and support of the community, and it's Council.
Across Indian Country, individuals who speak on behalf of a Tribe are typically recognized through community trust, professional responsibility, cultural teachings, and for their undying service to the people. Most Tribal Nations also maintain designated points of contact and recognized representatives to help ensure that consultation, collaboration, and partnerships are conducted appropriately and respectfully.
While we understand institutions may not always be aware of these circumstances, such situations can misrepresent Tribal Nations, create harm, conflict, confusion, and diminish/disrespect the contributions of those who have truly earned the trust and recognition of their communities through years of service, responsibility, and cultural knowledge.
We encourage all institutions to PAUSE and ask a few simple questions before moving forward:
• Have we first spoken directly with the Tribal Government?
• Have we verified that the individual we are working with is a respected Tribal citizen, knowledge keeper, healer, medicine person or other delegated speaker?
• Are they authorized, in good standing and recognized by the Nation on whose behalf they are speaking?
• Are we building a relationship with the Tribal Nation itself, or only with a self identifying individual?
These simple steps can prevent harm, misunderstandings, strengthen relationships, and help ensure that Indigenous peoples stories are represented in ways that are accurate, respectful, and accountable to the communities.
Respect begins with real consultation. Authentic representation begins with accountability. Meaningful partnerships begin by recognizing Tribal sovereignty and honoring the right of Tribal Nations to determine who speaks on their behalf.
This statement is not intended to exclude or silence anyone. It is intended to encourage accountability, accuracy, transparency, and respect.
Nothing about us without us!
