The Region 6 Native American Program is guided by the EPA Indian Policy and Strategic Plan. The guiding principles of the Indian Policy are to work directly with tribal governments; recognize tribal governments as the primary parties for setting standards, making environmental policy decisions and managing programs for reservations, consistent with Agency standards and regulations; encourage and assist tribes in assuming regulatory and program management responsibilities for their lands; remove existing legal and procedural impediments to working directly and effectively with tribal governments on reservation programs; ensure that tribal concerns and interest are considered when action and decisions affect them; encourage cooperation between tribal, state, and local governments; work with other federal agencies; strive to assure compliance with environmental statutes and regulations on tribal lands; and incorporate these principles into planning and management activities, budget, operating guidance, legislative initiatives, accountability systems and ongoing policy and regulation development processes. The regional program is continually working to institute procedures and process that will assure the principles are followed. To plan and report efficiently, a strategic planning process has been developed. This process uses the Regional Indian Workgroup to provide a coordinated effort to develop, plan, implement and report on environmental programs in Indian country.