Tribal consultation
Archeology and history
Tribal history
Texas’ long and rich cultural history is rooted in the first people who inhabited this land: Native Americans.
Native American tribes continue to have an inherent interest in the state’s natural and cultural resources. The federal government recognizes tribes’ inherent sovereign status, a unique relationship that is embodied in the U.S. Constitution, treaties, court decisions, federal statutes and executive orders.
Thus, its interaction with tribes takes place on a “government-to-government” basis. TxDOT, on behalf of the Federal Highway Administration, consults with tribes on transportation planning and projects to listen to and address their concerns.
Tribal Partners can log in to the Early Tribal Coordination Tool.
Archeology
When considering cultural resources, the tribal consultation process is guided by the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
This process allows TxDOT to work with tribes to identify and determine any potential effect the project will have on places of cultural significance to the tribes, including prehistoric archeological sites and cemeteries.
TxDOT works with 25 federally recognized Native American nations with an interest in preserving Texas history.
Consultation principles
TxDOT:
- Recognizes the inherent sovereign status and reserved rights of tribes.
- Practices and promotes cultural sensitivity when working with tribes.
- Honors the spirit of the NHPA consultation process.
- Commits to providing meaningful and substantive consultation with tribes on transportation projects.
- Promotes collaborative consultation opportunities during planning and review processes within TXDOT.
Tribes
For detailed project information on archeological resources information under Sec. 106, contact us at 512-230-8485 or email.