As a Colorado state agency, ECMC interacts with Tribes on a government-to-government basis, coordinates with the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, and works to engage the American Indian/Alaska Native population throughout the state on issues of oil and gas regulation, deep geothermal resources, the capture and sequestration of carbon, and the underground storage of natural gas. The Community Relations Unit at ECMC promotes sovereignty-affirming practices and builds partnerships with Tribes and Native communities to improve community engagement in Colorado.
ECMC's single point of contact for Tribal Governments is Steve Arauza, Environmental Justice Community Liaison. Contact Steve at 720-498-5298 or steven.arauza@state.co.us.
ECMC approaches work with Tribal partners according to these values:
- Respecting and honoring Tribal sovereignty rights
- Practicing and encouraging cultural humility
- Actionable and ethical movement to promote community engagement among Indigenous populations in Colorado
- Empowering Indigenous Voices and perspectives in ECMC devision-making
- Ongoing partnership and collaboration with Tribes and Native communities
Tribal Governments in Colorado
Additional Resources
- Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs
- Southern Ute Indian Tribe Department of Natural Resources
- Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Other Federal Services Site