Office of Tribal Relations (OTR)

Federally recognized tribes are sovereign nations and Washington Executive Order 21-02 requires that we consult with affected tribes, as appropriate, and with the Department of Archeological and Historic Preservation (DAHP), for state-funded construction or acquisition projects. 

If you have been awarded grant or other funding that will be applied to the purchase of land or construction of building(s), this page is here to inform and assist you.

As an awardee, you must engage in consultation with affected tribes under the requirements of Executive Order 21-02 Archaeological and Cultural Resources, or under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (when federal permits or funds are included). 

If at any point in the project review process you need support with tribal consultation, please email the Department of Commerce Tribal Relations Office: Tribal.Relations@commerce.wa.gov and we will help you.  

EO 21-02 guidance documents in Arabic

EO 21-02 guidance documents in Chinese

EO 21-02 guidance documents in English

EO 21-02 guidance documents in Russian

EO 21-02 guidance documents in Somali

EO 21-02 guidance documents in Spanish

Does your project include federal funds or permits?

• If Yes: Your project may require a Section 106 review. Reach out to the federal funder or permitting agency. They may delegate authority to consult to the state agency. Visit the Department of Archaeology and Historical Preservation Section 106 page for more information on the Section 106 review process.
• If No: Proceed to next question.

Is the project a state-funded land purchase or building construction?

• If Yes: The project will require an Executive Order 21-02 Archaeological and Cultural Resource Review. 
• You will want to utilize our 21-02 Instructions (link), review checklist (link) and communication templates: Tribal Notification Letter (link), Tribal Consultation email template (link) and Tribal Consultation 2nd notification email template (link)
• For more information visit the Department of Archaeology and Historical Preservation page on Project Review.
• If No: There is no need for project review.

Behavioral Health

• Community Behavioral Health Rental Assistance: The Community Behavioral Health Rental Assistance (CBRA) program provides a long-term rental subsidy for high-risk individuals and households with behavioral health conditions.

Housing

• HOME Investments Partnership Program – Rental Development: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HOME Rental Development program is a housing block grant program used to preserve and create affordable housing for low-income households. This program is tribal entity eligible.
• Consolidated Homeless Grant: The Consolidated Homeless Grant (CHG) provides resources to fund homeless crisis response systems to support communities in ending homelessness. Grants are made to local governments and nonprofits but sub grantees can be tribes.

Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) Homeowner Assistance Program

If you are a homeowner struggling to pay your mortgage or other home costs, help is available through the state Homeownership Hotline at 877-894-4663. You’ll be connected with one-on-one support to sort out your options. You also may be eligible for a new source of federal assistance, the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). Don’t wait— call today and get help!

Spark NW

Spark Northwest is dedicated to affordable, equitable, clean energy and works to accelerate the shift to clean energy one community at a time. They have a proven track record with capacity building within Tribal communities. Reach out to Spark Northwest for more information.

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a locally based, regionally driven economic development planning process and document that successfully engages a range of partners from across your region. If you need help in developing a comprehensive community planning document CEDS might be a good match for you. It also opens you up to support from federal agencies. For local contact information, please reach out to the Commerce Tribal Relations team.

CERB Planning Program

The Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) provides loans and grant funding for federally recognized Tribes in Washington state. Funding is available for planning, prospective development, and committed private partner construction projects. No funding is available for broadband at this time. Please see the CERB website for further information and contact CERB staff to discuss your project needs.