Tribal consultation is a meaningful and timely process through which the University and Tribal Nations seek, discuss, and carefully consider one another’s views. It is grounded in respect for Tribal sovereignty and is distinct from general public participation, community outreach, or informational engagement.
Consultation is not a single meeting or a procedural box to check. Depending on the matter, it may involve a series of communications and meetings intended to promote mutual understanding and, where feasible, reach agreement.
When Consultation May Be Needed
Consultation may be required or appropriate when a University action, proposal, or decision may affect:
- Native American Ancestors or cultural items;
- Tribal cultural resources;
- Sacred sites or culturally sensitive places;
- Archaeological or historic resources;
- University land or land-use activities;
- Research, teaching, exhibitions, or collections involving Native American materials or cultural knowledge;
- University policies or programs with direct Tribal implications; or
- Other matters for which consultation is required by law, CSU policy, or University commitment.
Different legal requirements may apply depending on the nature of the matter. Tribal Relations will help determine the appropriate process and responsible University office.
Who Participates in Formal Consultation
Formal consultation occurs between representatives authorized to speak on behalf of the University and representatives authorized to speak on behalf of a Tribal Nation.
For CSUCI, consultation may include the Tribal Liaison, Presidential Designee, NAGPRA Director, other University officials with relevant authority or expertise, and additional participants requested or approved by the consulting Tribe.
The Chumash Cultural Advisor, President’s Chumash Advisory Council, individual employees, and community partners may provide valuable guidance, but their participation does not replace formal consultation with an authorized Tribal representative.
Requesting Consultation
A Tribal Nation may request consultation by contacting Tribal Relations at tribalrelations@csuci.edu. To help the University route the request promptly, communication may include:
- The name of the Tribal Nation;
- The name, title, and contact information of the authorized representative;
- A brief description of the matter;
- Any relevant timeline or requested response date;
- Preferred dates or methods for meeting; and
- Any initial confidentiality considerations.
A Tribe is not required to disclose culturally sensitive information to initiate consultation. Following receipt of a request, Tribal Relations will acknowledge the communication, identify the appropriate University representatives, and coordinate next steps with the Tribe.
When CSUCI Initiates Consultation
When CSUCI identifies a matter requiring consultation, the University will make reasonable efforts to:
- Identify the Tribal Nations that may be affected or culturally affiliated;
- Contact the appropriate authorized Tribal representatives;
- Provide sufficient information for the Tribe to understand the matter;
- Allow a meaningful opportunity and reasonable time for the Tribe to respond;
- Coordinate an accessible and mutually workable method of consultation;
- Consider Tribal input before a decision is made, whenever feasible; and
- Communicate outcomes and next steps, consistent with applicable confidentiality requirements.
When a law or policy establishes a particular notice period or consultation procedure, CSUCI will follow that requirement.
Consultation Methods
Consultation may occur through one or more mutually agreed-upon methods, including:
- Meetings of Tribal and University leadership;
- Meetings among designated staff or subject-matter experts;
- In-person meetings;
- Virtual meetings or telephone conferences;
- Site visits; or
- Written correspondence.
The appropriate method will depend on the nature, sensitivity, urgency, and legal requirements of the matter, as well as the preferences of the consulting Tribe.
Guidance for CSUCI Employees
Employees should contact Tribal Relations as early as possible if a proposed project, activity, course, research effort, acquisition, land use, communication, or event may involve Tribal interests or Native American cultural resources.
Employees should not independently initiate formal consultation or represent that they are consulting on behalf of the University unless they have been authorized to do so. Early coordination allows the University to identify the correct representatives, meet applicable timelines, and approach the matter respectfully.
Tribal Cultural Resources and CEQA Consultation
CSU Channel Islands coordinates consultation about Tribal Cultural Resources under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) through Tribal Relations and Facilities Services. Under Assembly Bill 52 (AB 52), California Native American Tribes traditionally and culturally affiliated with a project area may request written notice of proposed CSUCI projects for which the University is the lead agency. A Tribe that receives formal notice has 30 days to request consultation in writing.
Consultation provides an opportunity for the Tribe and the University to discuss potential effects on Tribal Cultural Resources and ways to avoid or reduce those effects. Cal State Channel Islands handles information shared by Tribes in accordance with applicable confidentiality requirements. For AB 52 notification requests or questions about CEQA consultation, please contact tribalrelations@csuci.edu.
This process is separate from consultation under NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA.