American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

DOE

When disputes or tensions arise among American Indians or Alaska Natives and surrounding communities, CRS works with and brings together parties – including federal, state and local officials; tribal leaders; law enforcement; civil rights groups; and others – to facilitate common understanding and strengthen community relations. CRS also helps parties identify underlying issues to develop mutually agreeable solutions and build local capacity to prevent and resolve future conflicts. Some ways CRS assists American Indian and Alaska Native communities are:

• Mediating disputes surrounding the use of tribal lands, including environmental encroachment or development on or around sacred indigenous sites
• Facilitating dialogue between tribal leaders and local law enforcement to address alleged hate crimes
• Training demonstration organizers on how to plan safe public events 
• Facilitating dialogue between tribal leaders and federal and state agencies to improve communication and services in Indian Country