What You'll Learn
Gain the confidence and skills needed to collaborate with tribal leadership. This three-quarter professional certificate is designed for positions that interact directly with Washington State tribes, including current and aspiring Tribal Liaisons.
You will learn:
- Treaties, tribal histories, sovereignty and co-management
- Roles and responsibilities in government-to-government relations
- Culturally competent practices for sustainable relationships
- Case studies, current issues and legal precedents
- Tribal enterprises, agencies and economic development
Government, non-profit, or tribal entities employees should register through the Department of Enterprise Services, and DES will charge your organization directly. However, if you want to self-pay, please contact Jamie Pittman at pittmanm@evergreen.edu
Certificate Prerequisite
Before taking the first course in this certificate, students must take a one-day course: Government to Government Training
This course is sponsored by the Governor's Office of Indian Affairs (GOIA). Learners will need to register for each course in the certificate through the Department of Enterprise Services. Learners are not required to enroll through Evergreen.
Certificate Coursework
This certificate consists of both in-person and online classes and a day-long, in-person excursion to a NW Washington tribe each quarter.
Context of Tribal Relations in Washington State: Culture, Sovereignty, and Resilience
Fall Quarter
In this course, you will explore the unique histories, cultures, and governance of Pacific Northwest tribes. You will learn about the pre-contact and historic tribal cultures and art traditions, as well as inherent sovereignty and its role in tribal relations. Additionally, the course covers differing approaches to land occupation, natural and social resources, the development of tribal-federal relations during the treaty-making, and how treaties and tribal histories apply to current issues. With this fundamental knowledge of tribal relations, you will be better equipped to successfully interact with tribal governments in Washington state.
DES Course and Registration link
Schedule
Fall Quarter 2026
- September 30, Wednesday, 9am -12pm (In-Person)
- October 14, Wednesday, 9am - 12pm (Remote)
- October 28, Wednesday, 9:30am - 4:30pm (In-Person Field Trip)
- November 10, Tuesday, 9am - 12pm (Remote)
- December 2, Wednesday, 9am - 12pm (Remote)
History and Practice of Government-to-Government Relations: State, Tribal, Federal
Winter Quarter
This course delves into the complex relationships between tribal, state, and federal governments. You will explore the current processes used to establish and sustain intergovernmental agreements, as well as the legal implications of such agreements. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, and interactive discussions, you will gain an understanding of the history and current practices of government-to-government relations.
DES Course and Registration link
Schedule
Winter Quarter 2027
- January 6, Wednesday, 9am - 12pm (In-Person)
- January 20, Wednesday, 9am - 12pm (Remote)
- February 3, Wednesday, 9:30am - 4:30pm (Tribal Site Visit)
- February 17, Wednesday, 9am - 12pm (Remote)
- March 3, Wednesday, 9am - 12pm (Remote)
Case Studies: Policies in Co-Management and Trends in State-Tribal-Federal Relationships
Spring Quarter
This course focuses on the study of successful state-tribal relationships. You will learn about the legal and historical basis of these relationships and gain insight on factors that support positive interactions. You will look at current trends in state-tribal relationships, with co-management highlighted as the signature policy of Washington state-tribal relations. You will also delve into issues affecting different state government agencies and discuss best practices and solutions.
DES Course and Registration link
Schedule
Spring Quarter 2027
- March 31, Wednesday, 9am - 12pm (In-Person)
- April 14, Wednesday, 9am - 12pm (Remote)
- April 28, Wednesday, 9:30am - 4:30pm (Tribal Site Visit)
- May 12, Wednesday, 9am - 12pm (Remote)
- May 26, Wednesday, 9am - 12pm (In-Person)