Tribal Consultation Taskforce

The Task Force on Tribal Consultation was established in 2023 to address the ambiguities in existing laws concerning the consultation process between the State of Oregon and its federally recognized sovereign Tribes. The task force emerged from the need to define clear guidelines and procedures for meaningful and respectful consultation. By fostering stronger government-to-government relationships, the task force aims to achieve better outcomes across Oregon, ensuring that state agencies act in the best interests of all Oregonians while respecting and integrating the unique perspectives of its tribal nations.  

The creation of this task force is a result of House Bill 3173, sponsored by Representative Tawna Sanchez and signed into law in 2023. Historically, Oregon has engaged with tribes more extensively than many other states, but this task force seeks to further improve the effectiveness of these interactions by providing clearer guidelines.

Membership

The task force consists of 15 members, including representatives from each of Oregon's nine federally recognized tribes, three state lawmakers, a member of the Governor's Office, and two members representing state agencies. The current members are:

1. Tracy Kennedy: Chairperson, Burns Paiute Tribe 
   
2. Natalie Ball: Tribal Council Representative, Klamath Tribes
3. Corinne Sams: Board of Trustees Member, Confederated Tribes of Umatilla
4. Bobby Brunoe: Secretary-Treasurer, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
5. Anna Richter-Taylor: Representative, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians
6. Brenda Meade: Chairperson, Coquille Indian Tribe
7. Dee Pigsley: Chairperson, Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians
8. Doug Barrett: Chief and Tribal Council Representative, Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians
9. Jon George: Tribal Council Representative, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
10. Julie Johnson: Tribal Affairs Director, Oregon Health Authority
11. State Agency Representative: One governor-appointed agency representative seat
12. Tawna Sanchez: State Representative
13. Open Seat: State Senator
    
14. Patrick Flanagan: Executive Director, Legislative Commission on Indian Services
15. Shana McConville Radford: Tribal Affairs Director, Office of Governor Tina Kotek

The task force is charged with submitting a report, which may include legislative recommendations, to a Legislative Assembly interim committee no later than September 15