Tribal Policy

California Native American tribal governments and tribal communities have sovereign authority over their members and territory and a unique relationship with California’s resources. California tribes and tribal communities, whether federally recognized or not, have distinct cultural, spiritual, environmental, economic, and public health interests and valuable traditional cultural knowledge about California resources.
DWR is committed to open, inclusive, and regular communication with tribal governments and communities to recognize and understand their needs and interests. We ensure effective communication and government-to-government consultation, creating a channel for tribal governments to provide input at all levels into the development of regulations, rules, policies, programs, projects, plans, property decisions, and activities that may impact tribal communities.
The inclusion of tribes and tribal communities throughout the decision-making process promotes positive, achievable, and durable outcomes. We work with tribal governments and communities to identify areas of mutual concern, develop partnerships, and consensus in water management. We’ve created numerous forums to ensure tribal perspectives on land, water, and cultures are considered.
DWR's Office of the Tribal Policy Advisor is the central point of coordinated communication and consultation with California Native American tribes to ensure proactive and meaningful consultation. This includes dedicated communication and outreach such as meetings, workshops, and advisory committees. We strive to continue effective collaboration and informed decision-making where all parties share a goal of reaching a decision together with common values such as:
- Working to restore, protect, and manage the State’s natural resources for current and future generations
- Use creative approaches and solutions based on science and tribal ecological knowledge
- Develop strategies for preserving California Native American tribes’ water rights and providing for the sustainable management of California’s sacred waters
- Demonstrate a respect for all communities, resources, and interests and an open and free exchange of information
Note: You may request documents listed below but not currently on this page by contacting us at tribalpolicyadvisor@water.ca.gov.
Tribal Regional Water Management Webinar Agendas & Presentations
Day 1: Agenda | Presentation [Coming Soon]
Day 2: Agenda | Presentation [Coming Soon]
Day 3: Agenda | Presentation [Coming Soon]
IRWM Funding Area Information
- Central Coast Funding Area Information
- Colorado River Funding Area Information
- Los Angeles Funding Area Information
- Mountain Counties Funding Area Information
- North Coast Funding Area Information
- Sacramento River Funding Area Information
- San Diego Funding Area Information
- San Joaquin River Funding Area Information
- Santa Ana Funding Area Information
- Tulare Kern Funding Area Information
Supplemental Materials
- How Tribes Can Engage in Integrated Regional Water Management
- Example IRWM Funded Tribal Projects (Prop. 84) [Coming Soon]
- Example Tribal Projects (Prop. 1 Implementation) [Coming Soon]
Guidance Document for the Sustainable Management of Groundwater: Engagement with Tribal Governments
Discussion Questions Relating to Tribal Governments Engagement with Groundwater Sustainability Agencies
- California Indian Tribal Homelands and Trust Land Map
- Native California Tribes and Languages
- Integrated Regional Water Management Regions and Tribal Lands
- Governor's Tribal Advisor Office
- California Native American Heritage Commission
- A Guide to Build Cultural Awareness
- Executive Order B-10-11
- CalEPA: State Water Resource Control Board Water Rights
- California Natural Resources Agency: Final Tribal Consultation Policy
- Indian Health Services California Area
- Bureau of Land Management Tribal Relations Handbook
- Natural Resources Agency, AB 52 Regulator Update
- U.S. Department of the Interior Indian Affairs
Contact Us
Events
Events
Updates

With over 30 years of advocacy experience on behalf of California’s Native American tribes, DWR Tribal Policy Advisor Anecita Agustinez was recently honored with a resolution from the California State Assembly.

DWR sponsored the 2018 statewide Tribal Water Summit in Sacramento on April 4-5 as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure that California water planning incorporates the concerns, needs, and issues of California Native American Tribes.