Collaboration for Tribal Consultations for PIPE | NPS NOIP20AC00282

Opportunity Information: Apply for NPS NOIP20AC00282

The Collaboration for Tribal Consultations for PIPE grant opportunity is a National Park Service (NPS) cooperative agreement designed to strengthen government-to-government relationships with Native nations connected to Pipestone National Monument. The project centers on hosting tribal consultations and related gatherings in a way that actively supports cultural traditions and creates a respectful setting for dialogue. At its core, the effort is meant to ensure that tribal perspectives and priorities are meaningfully included in how the Monument is interpreted, managed, and protected, especially given the enduring cultural and spiritual importance of the pipestone quarries.

Under this opportunity, the NPS will work in partnership with the Pipestone Indian Shrine Association to plan and host a series of tribal visits. These visits are intended to bring culturally affiliated tribes and tribal stakeholders to the Monument for consultations and relationship-building conversations focused on the unique resources preserved there. The emphasis is on conducting these engagements in a culturally appropriate environment that recognizes tribal customs and traditions, rather than treating consultation as a purely administrative requirement. The grant description highlights that ongoing dialogue with tribes and American Indian communities is critical because the Monument was established specifically due to the lasting cultural significance of the pipestone quarries, and effective stewardship depends on strong, sustained relationships.

A key reason the Pipestone Indian Shrine Association is positioned as a core collaborator is its long-standing role at the site and its deep connections to Native American communities. The Shrine is a nonprofit cooperating association founded in 1955 with a mission to preserve the art of pipemaking and to support the Monument through scientific, educational, and interpretive programming. Since the 1970s, it has employed American Indian cultural demonstrators, including multi-generation pipestone carvers, which has helped build trust, continuity, and cultural knowledge within its programming and community relationships. Through its staff and membership, the Shrine brings both practical experience in hosting cultural programming and an understanding of traditions that can make consultations more productive and respectful.

The planned scope of work described in the opportunity includes organizing approximately five tribal visits that may serve as formal government-to-government consultations and/or broader relationship-building gatherings. The Shrine is expected to support the events by providing appropriate meeting space and culturally appropriate necessities, including meals, speakers, and materials. Overall, the project is framed as a collaborative effort to create the conditions for better intercultural and intergovernmental dialogue, which in turn supports the Monument in meeting its stewardship responsibilities and honoring its enabling purpose.

Administratively, this is a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, offered as a cooperative agreement under CFDA 15.954. The opportunity number is NPS NOIP20AC00282. The expected award count is one, with an award ceiling of $25,000. Eligible applicants are listed as Native American tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments. The opportunity was created on March 3, 2020, with an original closing date of March 13, 2020.

• The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the community development, education, environment, humanities (see cultural affairs in cfda), regional development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Collaboration for Tribal Consultations for PIPE" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.954.
• This funding opportunity was created on Mar 03, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 13, 2020. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $25,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments).

Apply for NPS NOIP20AC00282

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