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Working Effectively With American Indians Training Opportunity
May 11-15, 2026
Toppenish, WA
In this week-long course, participants will enjoy learning from local tribal representatives and NRCS employees from across the country who have many years of experience working with tribal nations. Discover a working knowledge of:
• Traditional tribal ways, the role of tribal elders, and cultural dos and don’ts;
• The history of American Indian Tribes, treaties between tribes and the US government,
executive order, laws, acts, policy, and tribal land status;
• What is federal trust responsibility, consultation, and protocols when working with
federally recognized tribes as a government representative;
• What it means to work nation to nation and/or government to government with
sovereign nations, how to build partnerships with tribes, and an understanding of tribal
law and tribal governments;
• How to identify and navigate around obstacles/barriers to working with tribes by using
tools such as the Nine Steps of Conservation Planning, the guiding principles of federal
employees’ roles and responsibilities, the Indigenous Stewardship Guide, and agency
general manual.
Course Information:
Date: May 11-15, 2026
Location: Yakama Nation, Legends Casino Hotel 580 Fort Road, Toppenish, WA 98948
Who: Training is open to NRCS employees, Washington Conservation Districts and tribes. Others may be considered if room permits.
Cost: No registration fee. Participants are responsible for food and lodging costs. A block of rooms will be reserved.
Registration: Contact Josh Madison, NRCS WA Training officer to secure a seat. Space is limited: joshua.m.madison@usda.gov.
Questions about the course: Contact Laura Starr, WA State Tribal Liaison, Laura.Starr@usda.gov.
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