Why Fund Tribal Consultation and Collaboration

USDA’s Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) convenes on May 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

We occasionally hear a version of the question: “Wait—tribal consultants are paid to share what they already know?”

To some, that can sound unnecessary, or even questionable. But in the field of repatriation, compensating tribal experts is not only standard practice, it’s essential. At High Desert Heritage and Research, it’s also a core commitment.

Expertise Deserves Recognition

When we work with tribal councils to identify the right individuals to guide decisions about culturally sensitive items, we are seeking true expertise. That expertise may not come with formal credentials, resumes, or titles that fit conventional expectations.

Instead, it comes as lived experience, cultural knowledge, and community trust—forms of expertise that are rarely displayed publicly, but are deeply important. We rely on tribal communities themselves to identify the right voices. When those individuals share their knowledge, they are providing a professional service every bit as valuable as any consultant, researcher, or advisor. Compensation is not an extra—it’s an acknowledgment of that value.

Partnership Requires Investment

Consider what participation actually requires. Many consultations involve travel, scheduling around work and family obligations, and hours of focused discussion. For most people, that’s not something they can sustainably offer for free.

By compensating tribal consultants, we make it possible for them to participate fully. More importantly, we signal that we are not merely asking for help—we are building partnerships. Payment reflects respect. It tells our partners that we value their time, their knowledge, and their role in this process beyond a single transaction.

Building Capacity for the Future

Consistent, funded consultation does more than support individual conversations—it helps build long-term capacity within tribal communities.

With reliable funding, tribal administrations can dedicate staff time to repatriation work, respond more quickly to inquiries, and maintain ongoing communication. The result is a more efficient, collaborative process that leads to more items being returned, and returned correctly.

A Commitment to Respect

At its core, funding tribal consultation is about recognizing people as experts and treating them with the respect they deserve. It’s about ensuring that repatriation is guided by those to whom these cultural items matter most.

If you believe in that approach, we invite you to support this work. Your donation directly enables the partnerships that make meaningful, responsible repatriation possible.

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