Every day decisions are made in parks, regions, and in the Washington, D.C. office, that impact American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians.

These decisions range from the content in interpretive programs and museum exhibits to the content and images used in park brochures and orientation films to signage to fee collection to resource management to visitor management to concessions sold in park gift shops to hiring to law enforcement and maintenance to many more aspects of living and working in the National Park Service.

The American Indian Liaison Office  provides advice on Indian Self-Governance and Self Determination, environmental review, environmental justice, land restoration, free exercise of religion, sacred sites, and traditional cultural properties.  The office assists in reconciling programs, policies, and regulations, with traditional uses of Service lands by American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.

The office collaborates with other bureaus to develop Department-wide guidance on issues involving tribal governments, and also participates in international efforts to join with indigenous peoples to achieve common natural resource and cultural heritage preservation goals.