Required Consultation Policies
ABOR 1-118 Tribal Consultation Policy
ABOR 1-118 Tribal Consultation Policy functions as the highest level of authority, outlining ABOR's expectations and requirements when engaging with Native Nations, by recognizing fundamental principles of tribal sovereignty, consultation, and respect. ABOR 1-118 B(2)(b) requires that all human and non-human research projects, including both unfunded and funded sponsored projects, UArizona Foundation initiatives, contracts, intra-university agreements, and other instruments related to tribal engagement must be supported by documented evidence of consultation and approval.
UArizona Tribal Consultation Policy
Adopted in September 2023, this policy applies to the university community when engaging in research or activities that have a foreseeable impact on sovereign Native Nations and/or their members.
National Science Foundation Consultation Policy
The National Science Foundation adopted new tribal consultation requirements, effective May 20, 2024.
Please see: UAccess Research Guidance for NSF Proposals that may Impact Tribal Resources or Interests
For a letter template of tribal approval/acknowledgement, see:
For an alphabetical list of 574 federally recognized tribes, see:
Click here to find the most current NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PPAG).
Activities Where Documentation of Consultation is Required
- The research or institutional engagement intentionally involves participation by members of a sovereign Tribe or Indigenous community and may foreseeably result in research results with implications specific to a Tribe, Indigenous community, or to individuals as members of the Tribe or community. Note: Such engagement may occur with Native or Indigenous peoples outside the U.S.
- The research or institutional engagement takes place in Indian Country, or Alaska Native
homelands, and/or on land under the control or jurisdiction of a sovereign Tribe. Note: Such engagement may occur with Native or Indigenous peoples outside the U.S. - Human research is conducted in Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities or involving IHS staff or
resources. Note: Additional engagement with the IHS, Tribal Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), or other entities may be required. - The research involves human subjects, including genetic testing or testing of blood, tissue, or other
biological materials if the individual's membership in or affiliation with a Tribe is identified, and that
is intended to or may foreseeably result in conclusions or generalizations about a Tribe or
individuals as members of the Tribe. - Any research or institutional engagement involving human remains, funerary objects, sacred
objects, or objects of cultural patrimony that are subject to the Native American Graves Protection
and Repatriation Act.