The purpose of Tribal Consultation is to ensure that Tribal governments or representatives and state or federal education agencies have meaningful opportunities to provide input, feedback, and recommendations on education policies, programs, and services that impact the success of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) students. This includes but is not limited to, curriculum development, teacher training, student assessment, special education, language, and cultural preservation.

Tribal consultation is a crucial component of ensuring that AI/AN students receive a high-quality education that is responsive to their cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and that respects their sovereignty and self-determination as Indigenous peoples. During Tribal Consultation, state and federal education agencies must engage in a government-to-government relationship with Tribal governments. This means that education agencies must respect and consider the unique cultural, linguistic, and educational needs of AI/AN students, families, and communities.

Tribal Consultation is a legal obligation imposed on state and federal agencies under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).