"I welcome the opportunity to represent the DoD in its many interactions with American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Since the establishment of its American Indian and Alaska Native policy in 1998, the Department has aggressively sought to meet its responsibilities to tribal nations and foster stable and enduring government-to-government relations."

David Sanborn
Former Senior Advisor and Liaison for Native American Affairs
October 23, 2007

Senior Advisor and Liaison for Native American Affairs Position:

The Senior Advisor and Liaison for Native American Affairs position is located within the office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisitions, Technology & Logistics), the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Installations & Environment) (DUSD) (I&E), and the Environmental Management Directorate. The DUSD (I&E) has overall responsibility for world-wide DoD environmental policy planning and development, oversight of policy implementation, and oversight of environmental compliance.

Responsibilities to the DoD:

The Senior Advisor and Liaison for Native American Affairs is responsible for advising the DUSD(I&E) on matters concerning DoD's interactions with Native Americans including federally-recognized tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations. Specific duties include administering the Native American Lands Environmental Mitigation Program (NALEMP), the Native American Management System for Environmental Impacts (NAMSEI), several cultural communications training courses pertaining to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Hawaiian Organizations, and conducting Native American outreach activities on behalf of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The Senior Advisor and Liaison for Native American Affairs also serves as the Chairperson of the DoD Native American Integrated Product Team, consisting of representatives of DoD Components who meet regularly to coordinate policy and program issues relative to Native Americans.

Responsibilities to Tribal Leaders:

The key point of contact for tribes with concerns regarding potential DoD activities that may affect tribes, the Senior Advisor and Liaison for Native American Affairs coordinates DoD's response to tribal concerns.