Self Governance
Tribal sovereignty in the United States is the conceptof the inherent authority of Indigenous tribes to govern themselves withinthe borders of the United States. It is for this reason that the Tribe has established the Office of Self-Governance. This office is responsible for government to government relations. The purpose of the Self-Governance Office is to operate under the guidance of Public Law 93-638, the Indian Self Determination and Education Act of 1975 and its subsequent amendments.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Karuk Tribe’s Office of Self-Governance is to uphold the Tribe’s sovereignty by exercising government-to-government relations, managing federal resources with accountability to our people, and protecting our natural and cultural resources. Through self-governance, we strengthen partnerships, expand services, and ensure that decisions affecting our future are made by the Karuk people, for the Karuk people.
Purpose
Government Relations & Advocacy
We monitor local, state, and federal legislation while advocating for the interests of the Karuk Tribe. Our efforts ensure Tribal concerns are heard and reflected in policies that impact our people.
Consultation & Negotiation
The Tribe engages in direct consultation and negotiation with government agencies at all levels. These partnerships strengthen government-to-government relationships and ensure Tribal voices shape programs and legislation.
Financial Oversight & Compliance
We safeguard program funds by maintaining strict compliance and accountability. This ensures resources are used responsibly and in ways that directly benefit the Tribal community.
Tribal Empowerment & Self-Sufficiency
Through these services, we promote Tribal self-sufficiency, encourage Tribal-led decision-making, and support the daily management of services once controlled by outside governments.
About
As a formal government the Karuk tribe has government-to-government relations with local, state and federal entities. The Tribe protects its natural resources through the Tribe’s fundamental right to self-governance and inherent sovereignty. Self governance is a fundamental right that the Tribe practices as a result of legislation passed on October 25, 1994. This legislation provides the Tribe with control and decision making authority over federal financial resources. More importantly, self-governance fosters the shaping of a new partnership between the Karuk people and the United States in its government to government relationship. This opportunity of self-governance provides administratively the opportunity for the Tribe to exercise its sovereignty with minimal federal intrusion and involvement.
It is through this self-governance decision making authority that has allowed management responsibilities to return to the Tribe. In this fashion, self-governance is about decision making by the Tribe over its own destiny through this transfer of federal funding to the Tribe, where decision making can be made without outside interference. Of course, the tribe is accountable to its own people for resource management, service delivery and development. Because of the ability to control its decision making process, the Karuk Tribe has expanded the level of services that it provides and has brought economic benefits to the members of the Tribe.
Pursuant to the mandates of self-governance legislation, the Karuk Tribe is currently involved in developing its housing stock, its medical facilities, its economic base and of course the protection of its natural resources. The office of Self-Governance will continue to advance the interests of the Karuk people by advocating on their behalf in Washington and Sacramento. Members of the Tribe are encouraged to vocalize their concerns to self-governance so that their feelings can be transmitted and ideas can be galvanized into action.
Events
Consultation Policy
As a commitment to Tribal sovereignty and a meaningful government-to-government relationship, many federal, state, and local agencies are being directed or required to consult with the Karuk Tribe when developing regulations and policies or engaging in other activities that may affect Tribal resources. There is often some confusion on the part of the agency or government as to what actually constitutes meaningful consultation. Many agencies and departments have their own unique consultation policies creating a confusing policy landscape for the Tribe as well as for agencies and governments.
Department Leadership
Self Governance FAQs
Answers to common questions about our program.
Self-governance allows the Karuk Tribe to make decisions for ourselves, rather than having them made by outside agencies. It restores our authority to manage resources, services, and programs in ways that reflect Karuk values, priorities, and cultural responsibilities.
Through self-governance, the Tribe can design and deliver programs—such as housing, healthcare, and economic development—that meet the specific needs of our people. This means better services, more opportunities, and stronger accountability directly to the Tribal community.
Instead of being controlled by one-size-fits-all federal systems, self-governance puts the power of decision-making back into Karuk hands. This ensures our sovereignty is respected, our natural resources are protected, and our future is shaped by the Karuk people themselves.