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NASA is committed to recognizing and respecting the sovereignty of Indian nations, their rights to self-determination and self-governance, and to fulfilling federal trust responsibilities through environmental stewardship, consideration of the communities surrounding NASA facilities, and the protection and preservation of tribal rights, lands, and resources. 

News

Nicole Aunapu Mann was selected as one of the eight members of the NASA Astronaut Group 21 in June 2013. She launched to the International Space Station as commander of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-5 mission aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft on October 5, 2022.

The California native is a member of the Wailacki of the Round Valley Indian Tribes. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Mann is a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps and served as a test pilot in the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet. She deployed twice aboard aircraft carriers in support of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Find Col. Mann’s full biography here.

NASA Plan of Action for the Implementation of Executive Order 13175

NASA has developed a Plan of Action to implement Executive Order (EO) 13175, dated November 6, 2000, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, and the Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships, dated January 26, 2021, to ensure meaningful and timely input by Tribal officials in the development of regulatory policies that have Tribal implications as prescribed in the Order. The Plan of Action was informed by Tribal perspectives, provided during a virtual forum and listening session with tribal leaders and representatives on January 11, 2023, and through written comments.

Read the NASA 2024 Plan of Action for Implementing Executive Order 13175.

For more information about NASA’s compliance with EO 13175, please contact Agency-tribal@mail.nasa.gov.

NASA Engagement with Tribal Nations

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