Tribal Review of the US Fish and Wildlife Service Native American Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this anonymous survey is to gain perspective from Tribal Nations, Tribal citizens, and employees on the effectiveness of the US Fish and Wildlife Service Native American Policy (510 FW 1 The Service's Native American Policy | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov). Your participation will help improve the policy and its purpose of a framework for government-to-government relationships.

Abbreviations:

US Fish and Wildlife Service (Service)

Native American Policy (NAP)

Native American Liaison (NAL)

Thank you for your time. If you have any questions please contact Julie Thorstenson, PhD - NAFWS Executive Director at JThor@nafws.org

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100% of survey complete.

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* 1. Which best describes your role?

Other (please specify)

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* 2. What US Fish and Wildlife Service Region are you in?

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* 3. Do you know who your Service Regional Native American Liaison (NAL) is?

Yes

If Yes, please list them

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* 4. How often do you interact with your NAL in an average year?

0 times

1-5 times

6-10 times

11-15 times

More than 15 times

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* 5. Which method of communication best describes your interactions with NAL?

Phone Calls

Virtual meetings

In person meetings

Other (please specify)

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* 6. Does your NAL understand your Fish and Wildlife challenges and needs?

Yes

Please explain your answer.

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* 7. Are you familiar with the Service Native American Policy? (NAP)

Yes

If yes, please describe in your own words what it is.

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* 8. Have you discussed the NAP with Service staff?

Yes

If yes, please describe how.

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* 9. The following topics are considered key components of the Service NAP related to Tribal Sovereignty and Government to Government Relationships. Please indicate your agreement with the following statements.

	Disagree	Neither Agree or Disagree	Agree
The Service works to enhance the relationship between and value to Tribal governments through communication and cooperation, providing technical expertise and sharing training and assistance.	The Service works to enhance the relationship between and value to Tribal governments through communication and cooperation, providing technical expertise and sharing training and assistance. Disagree	The Service works to enhance the relationship between and value to Tribal governments through communication and cooperation, providing technical expertise and sharing training and assistance. Neither Agree or Disagree	The Service works to enhance the relationship between and value to Tribal governments through communication and cooperation, providing technical expertise and sharing training and assistance. Agree
The Service consults and collaborates with my Tribe	The Service consults and collaborates with my Tribe Disagree	The Service consults and collaborates with my Tribe Neither Agree or Disagree	The Service consults and collaborates with my Tribe Agree
The Service works with my Tribe to resolve disagreements regarding implementation of this policy on a government-to-government basis at the appropriate level.	The Service works with my Tribe to resolve disagreements regarding implementation of this policy on a government-to-government basis at the appropriate level. Disagree	The Service works with my Tribe to resolve disagreements regarding implementation of this policy on a government-to-government basis at the appropriate level. Neither Agree or Disagree	The Service works with my Tribe to resolve disagreements regarding implementation of this policy on a government-to-government basis at the appropriate level. Agree

Comments

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* 10. The following topics are considered key components of the Service NAP related to Communications and Relationships. Please rate the Service's implementation of each.

	Disagree	Neither Agree nor Disagree	Agree
The Service listens to and considers Traditional knowledge, experience, and perspectives of Native American people to manage fish, wildlife and cultural resources.	The Service listens to and considers Traditional knowledge, experience, and perspectives of Native American people to manage fish, wildlife and cultural resources. Disagree	The Service listens to and considers Traditional knowledge, experience, and perspectives of Native American people to manage fish, wildlife and cultural resources. Neither Agree nor Disagree	The Service listens to and considers Traditional knowledge, experience, and perspectives of Native American people to manage fish, wildlife and cultural resources. Agree
The Service holds regular, periodic meetings with my Tribe	The Service holds regular, periodic meetings with my Tribe Disagree	The Service holds regular, periodic meetings with my Tribe Neither Agree nor Disagree	The Service holds regular, periodic meetings with my Tribe Agree
The Service will not share or release information they obtain from Tribes without the explicit consent of that Tribe.	The Service will not share or release information they obtain from Tribes without the explicit consent of that Tribe. Disagree	The Service will not share or release information they obtain from Tribes without the explicit consent of that Tribe. Neither Agree nor Disagree	The Service will not share or release information they obtain from Tribes without the explicit consent of that Tribe. Agree
The Service communicates on matters affecting the rights and interests of my Tribe.	The Service communicates on matters affecting the rights and interests of my Tribe. Disagree	The Service communicates on matters affecting the rights and interests of my Tribe. Neither Agree nor Disagree	The Service communicates on matters affecting the rights and interests of my Tribe. Agree

Comments

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* 11. The following topics are considered key components of the Service NAP related to Resource Management. Please rate the Service's implementation of each.

	Disagree	Neither Disagree or Agree	Agree
The Service works in a timely manner with Tribe when revising or developing policies, programs, or actions that may affect a Tribe or its legally recognized rights or resources.	The Service works in a timely manner with Tribe when revising or developing policies, programs, or actions that may affect a Tribe or its legally recognized rights or resources. Disagree	The Service works in a timely manner with Tribe when revising or developing policies, programs, or actions that may affect a Tribe or its legally recognized rights or resources. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service works in a timely manner with Tribe when revising or developing policies, programs, or actions that may affect a Tribe or its legally recognized rights or resources. Agree
The Service uses the best available scientific and commercial data and solicits and considers information, traditional knowledge, and expertise of affected Tribes in policies, agency actions, and determinations that have Tribal implications.	The Service uses the best available scientific and commercial data and solicits and considers information, traditional knowledge, and expertise of affected Tribes in policies, agency actions, and determinations that have Tribal implications. Disagree	The Service uses the best available scientific and commercial data and solicits and considers information, traditional knowledge, and expertise of affected Tribes in policies, agency actions, and determinations that have Tribal implications. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service uses the best available scientific and commercial data and solicits and considers information, traditional knowledge, and expertise of affected Tribes in policies, agency actions, and determinations that have Tribal implications. Agree
The Service always considers exclusions of Tribal lands under section 4(b)2 of the ESA before finalizing a designation of critical habitat.	The Service always considers exclusions of Tribal lands under section 4(b)2 of the ESA before finalizing a designation of critical habitat. Disagree	The Service always considers exclusions of Tribal lands under section 4(b)2 of the ESA before finalizing a designation of critical habitat. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service always considers exclusions of Tribal lands under section 4(b)2 of the ESA before finalizing a designation of critical habitat. Agree
The Service works with Tribes when managing eagles and other migratory birds, fish, endangered and threatened species, and other public resources where Federal laws apply.	The Service works with Tribes when managing eagles and other migratory birds, fish, endangered and threatened species, and other public resources where Federal laws apply. Disagree	The Service works with Tribes when managing eagles and other migratory birds, fish, endangered and threatened species, and other public resources where Federal laws apply. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service works with Tribes when managing eagles and other migratory birds, fish, endangered and threatened species, and other public resources where Federal laws apply. Agree
The Service consults and collaborates with affected Tribes to solicit meaningful Tribal input on resource use and management when managing Service lands.	The Service consults and collaborates with affected Tribes to solicit meaningful Tribal input on resource use and management when managing Service lands. Disagree	The Service consults and collaborates with affected Tribes to solicit meaningful Tribal input on resource use and management when managing Service lands. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service consults and collaborates with affected Tribes to solicit meaningful Tribal input on resource use and management when managing Service lands. Agree
The Service considers the full range of operating protocols that are consistent with the Service’s obligations under the Department’s rules and regulations implementing ISDEAA (Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act).	The Service considers the full range of operating protocols that are consistent with the Service’s obligations under the Department’s rules and regulations implementing ISDEAA (Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act). Disagree	The Service considers the full range of operating protocols that are consistent with the Service’s obligations under the Department’s rules and regulations implementing ISDEAA (Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act). Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service considers the full range of operating protocols that are consistent with the Service’s obligations under the Department’s rules and regulations implementing ISDEAA (Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act). Agree
The Service encourages and supports joint training with Tribes to promote common understanding about implementing this policy within the context of circumstances specific to a Region.	The Service encourages and supports joint training with Tribes to promote common understanding about implementing this policy within the context of circumstances specific to a Region. Disagree	The Service encourages and supports joint training with Tribes to promote common understanding about implementing this policy within the context of circumstances specific to a Region. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service encourages and supports joint training with Tribes to promote common understanding about implementing this policy within the context of circumstances specific to a Region. Agree

Comments

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* 12. The following topics are considered key components of the Service NAP related to Culture and Religion. Please rate the Service's implementation of each.

	Disagree	Neither Disagree or Agree	Agree
The Service meaningfully involves Tribal governments in their actions when they or the Tribal government determines the actions may affect their cultural or religions interests, including archaeological resources, cultural resources and sacred sites.	The Service meaningfully involves Tribal governments in their actions when they or the Tribal government determines the actions may affect their cultural or religions interests, including archaeological resources, cultural resources and sacred sites. Disagree	The Service meaningfully involves Tribal governments in their actions when they or the Tribal government determines the actions may affect their cultural or religions interests, including archaeological resources, cultural resources and sacred sites. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service meaningfully involves Tribal governments in their actions when they or the Tribal government determines the actions may affect their cultural or religions interests, including archaeological resources, cultural resources and sacred sites. Agree
The Service works collaboratively with Tribes to protect confidential or sensitive information, including location, ownership, character, and use of cultural resources and sacred sites where disclosure may cause a significant invasion of privacy; risk harm to the historic resource; or impede the use of traditional religious site by practitioners.	The Service works collaboratively with Tribes to protect confidential or sensitive information, including location, ownership, character, and use of cultural resources and sacred sites where disclosure may cause a significant invasion of privacy; risk harm to the historic resource; or impede the use of traditional religious site by practitioners. Disagree	The Service works collaboratively with Tribes to protect confidential or sensitive information, including location, ownership, character, and use of cultural resources and sacred sites where disclosure may cause a significant invasion of privacy; risk harm to the historic resource; or impede the use of traditional religious site by practitioners. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service works collaboratively with Tribes to protect confidential or sensitive information, including location, ownership, character, and use of cultural resources and sacred sites where disclosure may cause a significant invasion of privacy; risk harm to the historic resource; or impede the use of traditional religious site by practitioners. Agree
The Service works in collaboration with my Tribe to protect tradition, customary, ceremonial, medicinal, spiritual and religious uses of plants and animals for Tribal members.	The Service works in collaboration with my Tribe to protect tradition, customary, ceremonial, medicinal, spiritual and religious uses of plants and animals for Tribal members. Disagree	The Service works in collaboration with my Tribe to protect tradition, customary, ceremonial, medicinal, spiritual and religious uses of plants and animals for Tribal members. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service works in collaboration with my Tribe to protect tradition, customary, ceremonial, medicinal, spiritual and religious uses of plants and animals for Tribal members. Agree
The Service through the National Eagle Repository, collects, processes, and distributes, as expeditiously as possible, eagle feathers and remains to federally-recognized Tribal members for religious, ceremonial, and cultural purposes in accordance with Federal law.	The Service through the National Eagle Repository, collects, processes, and distributes, as expeditiously as possible, eagle feathers and remains to federally-recognized Tribal members for religious, ceremonial, and cultural purposes in accordance with Federal law. Disagree	The Service through the National Eagle Repository, collects, processes, and distributes, as expeditiously as possible, eagle feathers and remains to federally-recognized Tribal members for religious, ceremonial, and cultural purposes in accordance with Federal law. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service through the National Eagle Repository, collects, processes, and distributes, as expeditiously as possible, eagle feathers and remains to federally-recognized Tribal members for religious, ceremonial, and cultural purposes in accordance with Federal law. Agree
The Service through the non-eagle repositories, permits the collection, processing, and distribution of migratory bird feathers and remains as expeditiously as possible for recognized religious, ceremonial, and cultural purposes in accordance with Federal law.	The Service through the non-eagle repositories, permits the collection, processing, and distribution of migratory bird feathers and remains as expeditiously as possible for recognized religious, ceremonial, and cultural purposes in accordance with Federal law. Disagree	The Service through the non-eagle repositories, permits the collection, processing, and distribution of migratory bird feathers and remains as expeditiously as possible for recognized religious, ceremonial, and cultural purposes in accordance with Federal law. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service through the non-eagle repositories, permits the collection, processing, and distribution of migratory bird feathers and remains as expeditiously as possible for recognized religious, ceremonial, and cultural purposes in accordance with Federal law. Agree

Comments

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* 13. The following topics are considered key components of the Service NAP related to Law Enforcement. Please rate the Service's implementation of each.

	Disagree	Neither Disagree or Agree	Agree
The Service provides training to promote Tribal cultural competency awareness within Service law enforcement and to help officers communicate in ways that improve Tribes’ understanding regarding the Service’s Federal mandates and mission.	The Service provides training to promote Tribal cultural competency awareness within Service law enforcement and to help officers communicate in ways that improve Tribes’ understanding regarding the Service’s Federal mandates and mission. Disagree	The Service provides training to promote Tribal cultural competency awareness within Service law enforcement and to help officers communicate in ways that improve Tribes’ understanding regarding the Service’s Federal mandates and mission. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service provides training to promote Tribal cultural competency awareness within Service law enforcement and to help officers communicate in ways that improve Tribes’ understanding regarding the Service’s Federal mandates and mission. Agree
The Service coordinates with Tribal law enforcement officers about our law enforcement operations on or adjacent to Indian lands when it is feasible and appropriate.	The Service coordinates with Tribal law enforcement officers about our law enforcement operations on or adjacent to Indian lands when it is feasible and appropriate. Disagree	The Service coordinates with Tribal law enforcement officers about our law enforcement operations on or adjacent to Indian lands when it is feasible and appropriate. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service coordinates with Tribal law enforcement officers about our law enforcement operations on or adjacent to Indian lands when it is feasible and appropriate. Agree
The Service helps Tribes when it is feasible and appropriate to coordinate fish and wildlife law enforcement investigations that require the use of the Federal court system.	The Service helps Tribes when it is feasible and appropriate to coordinate fish and wildlife law enforcement investigations that require the use of the Federal court system. Disagree	The Service helps Tribes when it is feasible and appropriate to coordinate fish and wildlife law enforcement investigations that require the use of the Federal court system. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service helps Tribes when it is feasible and appropriate to coordinate fish and wildlife law enforcement investigations that require the use of the Federal court system. Agree
The Service reviews, at the Tribe’s request, their law enforcement capabilities and if warranted, recommends ways to improve them.	The Service reviews, at the Tribe’s request, their law enforcement capabilities and if warranted, recommends ways to improve them. Disagree	The Service reviews, at the Tribe’s request, their law enforcement capabilities and if warranted, recommends ways to improve them. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service reviews, at the Tribe’s request, their law enforcement capabilities and if warranted, recommends ways to improve them. Agree
The Service provides expertise, guidance and assistance in developing, maintaining, or improving Tribal fish and wildlife law enforcement programs.	The Service provides expertise, guidance and assistance in developing, maintaining, or improving Tribal fish and wildlife law enforcement programs. Disagree	The Service provides expertise, guidance and assistance in developing, maintaining, or improving Tribal fish and wildlife law enforcement programs. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service provides expertise, guidance and assistance in developing, maintaining, or improving Tribal fish and wildlife law enforcement programs. Agree
The Service collaborates with Tribes to recruit Native Americans for Service law enforcement officer positions, especially where Service-managed public lands are within traditional Tribal territories.	The Service collaborates with Tribes to recruit Native Americans for Service law enforcement officer positions, especially where Service-managed public lands are within traditional Tribal territories. Disagree	The Service collaborates with Tribes to recruit Native Americans for Service law enforcement officer positions, especially where Service-managed public lands are within traditional Tribal territories. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service collaborates with Tribes to recruit Native Americans for Service law enforcement officer positions, especially where Service-managed public lands are within traditional Tribal territories. Agree

Comments

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* 14. The following topics are considered key components of the Service NAP related to Tribal Capacity Building, Assistance. Please rate the Service's implementation of each.

	Disagree	Neither Disagree or Agree	Agree
The Service makes their technical experts available to help the Tribes develop their own technical expertise in fish and wildlife resources conservation and management.	The Service makes their technical experts available to help the Tribes develop their own technical expertise in fish and wildlife resources conservation and management. Disagree	The Service makes their technical experts available to help the Tribes develop their own technical expertise in fish and wildlife resources conservation and management. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service makes their technical experts available to help the Tribes develop their own technical expertise in fish and wildlife resources conservation and management. Agree
The Service facilitates and assists in the education and development of Native Americans by providing educational programs and on-the-job training opportunities.	The Service facilitates and assists in the education and development of Native Americans by providing educational programs and on-the-job training opportunities. Disagree	The Service facilitates and assists in the education and development of Native Americans by providing educational programs and on-the-job training opportunities. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service facilitates and assists in the education and development of Native Americans by providing educational programs and on-the-job training opportunities. Agree
The Service provides Tribal governments and their staff access to Service fish and wildlife resource training programs in the same manner that they provide access to other government agencies.	The Service provides Tribal governments and their staff access to Service fish and wildlife resource training programs in the same manner that they provide access to other government agencies. Disagree	The Service provides Tribal governments and their staff access to Service fish and wildlife resource training programs in the same manner that they provide access to other government agencies. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service provides Tribal governments and their staff access to Service fish and wildlife resource training programs in the same manner that they provide access to other government agencies. Agree

Comments

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* 15. The following topics are considered key components of the Service NAP related to Implementation and Monitoring. Please rate the Service's implementation of each.

	Disagree	Neither Disagree or Agree	Agree
The Service continually monitors Service programs and projects that affect Tribal interest to determine if they support this policy.	The Service continually monitors Service programs and projects that affect Tribal interest to determine if they support this policy. Disagree	The Service continually monitors Service programs and projects that affect Tribal interest to determine if they support this policy. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service continually monitors Service programs and projects that affect Tribal interest to determine if they support this policy. Agree
The Service develops a national implementation plan, and as necessary, develops Regional plans.	The Service develops a national implementation plan, and as necessary, develops Regional plans. Disagree	The Service develops a national implementation plan, and as necessary, develops Regional plans. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service develops a national implementation plan, and as necessary, develops Regional plans. Agree
The Service forms national and regional teams comprised of both Service and Tribal representatives to carry out these plans.	The Service forms national and regional teams comprised of both Service and Tribal representatives to carry out these plans. Disagree	The Service forms national and regional teams comprised of both Service and Tribal representatives to carry out these plans. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service forms national and regional teams comprised of both Service and Tribal representatives to carry out these plans. Agree
The Service, with the assistance from Tribal governments, evaluates the national implementation and effectiveness of the policy across Service regions and programs every 3 to 5 years.	The Service, with the assistance from Tribal governments, evaluates the national implementation and effectiveness of the policy across Service regions and programs every 3 to 5 years. Disagree	The Service, with the assistance from Tribal governments, evaluates the national implementation and effectiveness of the policy across Service regions and programs every 3 to 5 years. Neither Disagree or Agree	The Service, with the assistance from Tribal governments, evaluates the national implementation and effectiveness of the policy across Service regions and programs every 3 to 5 years. Agree

Comments

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* 16. Have you been involved in the NAP implementation plan?

Yes

If yes, please describe your experience with the process.

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* 17. Does your Tribe have any of the following with the Service?

Co-Stewardship Agreement

Co-Management Agreement

Self-Determination Contract/Grant

Tribal Wildlife Grants

Other (please specify)

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* 18. Overall, how would you rank the Service Native American Policy?

Very satisfied

Satisfied

Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied

Dissatisfied

Very dissatisfied

Other (please specify)

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* 19. Overall, how would you rank the Service NAP Implementation?

Extremely valuable

Very valuable

Somewhat valuable

Not so valuable

Not at all valuable

Other (please specify)

Tribal Review of the US Fish and Wildlife Service Native American Policy

Purpose

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* 1. Which best describes your role?

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* 2. What US Fish and Wildlife Service Region are you in?

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* 3. Do you know who your Service Regional Native American Liaison (NAL) is?

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* 4. How often do you interact with your NAL in an average year?

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* 5. Which method of communication best describes your interactions with NAL?

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* 6. Does your NAL understand your Fish and Wildlife challenges and needs?

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* 7. Are you familiar with the Service Native American Policy? (NAP)

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* 8. Have you discussed the NAP with Service staff?

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* 9. The following topics are considered key components of the Service NAP related to Tribal Sovereignty and Government to Government Relationships. Please indicate your agreement with the following statements.

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* 10. The following topics are considered key components of the Service NAP related to Communications and Relationships. Please rate the Service's implementation of each.

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* 11. The following topics are considered key components of the Service NAP related to Resource Management. Please rate the Service's implementation of each.

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* 12. The following topics are considered key components of the Service NAP related to Culture and Religion. Please rate the Service's implementation of each.

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* 13. The following topics are considered key components of the Service NAP related to Law Enforcement. Please rate the Service's implementation of each.

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* 14. The following topics are considered key components of the Service NAP related to Tribal Capacity Building, Assistance. Please rate the Service's implementation of each.

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* 15. The following topics are considered key components of the Service NAP related to Implementation and Monitoring. Please rate the Service's implementation of each.

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* 16. Have you been involved in the NAP implementation plan?

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* 17. Does your Tribe have any of the following with the Service?

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* 18. Overall, how would you rank the Service Native American Policy?

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* 19. Overall, how would you rank the Service NAP Implementation?

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* 20. Other Comments?