To support its State and Federal partners, the West Coast Ocean Alliance has developed a strategic plan for a training program focused on respectful and meaningful engagement with Tribal governments.

This initiative addresses a long-standing need expressed by the West Coast Ocean Tribal Caucus. While many government agencies have consultation policies, Tribal Nations consistently experience engagement that falls short, perpetuating harm and overlooking sovereign rights. In a 2024 poll, 73% of Tribal Caucus members reported "often" experiencing challenges in consultation processes.

Developed in close collaboration with the Tribal Caucus and Strategic Earth Consulting, the training program strategy is grounded in Indigenous-centered practices. Its vision is a future where government-to-government consultations are rooted in reverence, uphold Tribal sovereignty, respect cultural protocols, and honor consent-based decision-making.

The program provides a flexible, "choose your own adventure" approach that WCOA and the Tribal Caucus can tailor to current priorities and needs. It moves beyond technical instruction to emphasize the relational work required for effective collaboration. Core strategies include centering Tribal perspectives through storytelling, creating opportunities for healing from past harm, and strengthening government-to-government relationships through shared experiences. The ultimate goal is to place the responsibility for learning and improvement on State and Federal governments, ensuring they have the tools and understanding to honor their commitments to Tribal partners.

This strategic plan is a foundational step toward a future where the WCOA Tribal Caucus experiences respectful consultation and benefits from ongoing, transparent communication with its government counterparts.