What is the government-to-government relationship?

The government-to-government relationship between the State of Washington and Native American Tribes is a unique one that is based on the Federal Government’s trust responsibility to the Tribes. This relationship is established through treaties, statues, court rulings, and executive orders by the President of the United States that recognize and protect the inherent sovereignty of the Tribes. This relationship allows for Tribes to have a special legal status and to engage in negotiations and agreements with the State of Washington and other states. The government-to-government relationship between Washington and Native American Tribes guarantees that the Tribes have a say in the decisions that affect their governments, lands, resources, and people. These negotiations and agreements allow the state and the Tribes to develop laws, regulations, and policies that respect Tribal sovereignty. Additionally, these agreements allow Tribes to receive services, funding, and other accommodations from the State of Washington for the betterment of the Tribal community. Tribal governments expect the state to recognize and honor this government-to-government relationship. The State of Washington is obligated to honor the government-to-government relationship by respecting Tribal sovereignty and self-governance. This includes upholding Tribal rights, respecting the governments of the Tribes, and engaging with Tribes on a government-to-government basis before implementing or enacting policies or laws that might affect Tribal interests.

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What is the government-to-government relationship?

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