Greetings!
Welcome to the home of the Minnesota Tribal State Relations Exploration Project (TSREP). The TSREP envisions embedding Native voices within state government, as well as total realization of government-to-government relations with each of the separate 11 Tribal Nations sharing land with Minnesota. With direction and feedback from Native Communities, both within the state and across the country, Minnesota aims to institute structural change through the implementation of a permanent Tribal-State Relations Office.
Get Involved with the Tribal State Relations Project!
While interviews are being held with the 11 sovereign Tribal Nations, urban Native leaders, Native organizations, state agencies, including Commissioners and Tribal liaisons, and other stakeholders from Native communities, roundtable meetings may be held in the future. Check back in the coming weeks for more information or contact us.
If you are unable to attend an open meeting but still want your voice to be included in the project, please fill out this survey.
Join our mailing list for updates about Tribal State Relations and the Exploration Project
If you are a community member and would like your voice to be part of the project, please fill out this survey.
FAQ
What is the Tribal State Relations Exploration Project?
The TSREP is focused on the creation of a permanent office for Tribal State Relations in Minnesota’s state government using nationwide and local engagement and direction from Native input and comparative models. The TSREP is a commitment to building a system response with Native communities rather than for them.
Why does Minnesota need a Tribal State Relations Office?
Cementing a Tribal State Relations office within state government grants Tribal Nations systemic recognition, support, and affirmation that has long been ignored. Tribal Nations are sovereign, self-determined, and self-governed, and their rights must be guaranteed and respected. Ignorance and invisibility have no place in Minnesota.
What role would a permanent Tribal State Relations Office have?
Honoring and facilitating the codified Government-to-Government relationship would be at the forefront of the permanent TSR office’s work. Ensuring that the needs of the Native community – urban, rural, and across the state – are understood and met. Partner and stakeholder input will direct the eventual placement, infrastructure, vision, purpose, goals, and objectives of the proposed permanent Minnesota Tribal State Relations Office.
Engagement
Over the past few months, interviews have been conducted with:
17Tribal Liaisons (61%) |
18Tribal Leaders |
15State Agency Commissioners |
5/11Tribal Nations Leadership Interviewed |
68Interviews Conducted |
|
18Urban Native Organizations (45%) |
22Urban Native Organizations remaining |
Interviews are still happening. Numbers will be updated in the future.