Tribal Affairs

Meaningful engagement with California Native American tribes is central to the mission of the State Water Resource Control Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Collectively, the Water Boards). Collaboration and unput from all Californias help the Water Boards advance policies that protect the environment, safeguard public health, and support beneficial uses of Californias water resources. Engagement with California Native American tribes holds special value because of our shared responsibility to the people we serve and tribes historic knowledge and experience managing water since time immemorial.

Over the past decade, the Water Boards and Tribes have built stronger relationships through government-to-government consultation, collaboration, and dialogue. Together, we have achieved important milestones, including the development of statewide Tribal Beneficial Uses for water quality, which acknowledged the importance of traditional knowledge and tribal priorities in water protection.

The Tribal Affairs Program is dedicated to strengthening these partnerships by providing resources, guidance, and support that honor tribal sovereignty, culture and community priorities. Through this commitment, the Water Boards strive to create meaningful opportunities for collaboration that respect tribal voices and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future for all Californias.