During Native American Heritage Month, we honor the rich cultures and histories of the 29 federally recognized Tribes in Washington and reflect on how state government can continue to build strong, respectful partnerships with Tribal Nations. These relationships are rooted in Sovereignty and Treaty Rights, but their strength depends on trust — something that has not always existed in the past.
Decisions made without consultation
For much of the 19th and 20th centuries, government decisions affecting Tribes were made about them, not with them. State and federal agencies enacted laws, programs, and regulations without consulting Tribal governments — even when those decisions directly impacted Tribal lands, resources, and citizens.
This lack of consultation led to policies that disrupted Native communities and eroded trust. Lands were flooded for dams without Tribal consent. Rivers and salmon runs were damaged by industrial development. Education, health, and child welfare systems operated without recognizing Tribal authority or cultural context.
These actions created deep harm — not just physical or economic harm — but harm to relationships, identity, and self-determination. Many of the disparities we see today in health, housing, and public safety stem from those early eras of exclusion and disregard.
A shift toward collaboration and respect
Beginning in the late 20th century, Tribes across Washington worked tirelessly to restore their rights, governments, and voices in decision making. Landmark legal cases like the Boldt Decision reaffirmed Tribal Sovereignty, and advocacy from Tribal leaders helped push the state of Washington toward a new way of working.
Key Washington state laws & policies supporting Tribal rights
1. Centennial Accord (1989)
A foundational agreement between Washington state and the Tribes affirming government-to-government relations.
2. Millennium Agreement (1999)
Reaffirmed the Centennial Accord and expanded collaboration across more state agencies.
3. Washington State Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) (2011)
Strengthened the federal ICWA by adding state-level protections and clarifying procedures to prevent Native children from being unfairly removed from their families.
4. Senate Bill 5433 (2015) – Since Time Immemorial Curriculum
Mandated that all Washington public schools teach accurate Tribal history and contemporary Tribal governance in partnership with local Tribes.
5. House Bill 1717 (2022) – Strengthening Tribal Consultation in Land Use Decisions
Requires local governments to formally consult with Tribes on actions affecting culturally significant sites.
6. House Bill 1725 (2022) – Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & People (MMIWP) Alert System
Created the first MMIWP alert system in the nation to rapidly locate missing Native persons. (MMIWP is also called Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Children (MMIWC).)
Modern partnership in practice
Today, over 40 departments, boards, and commissions in Washington state government have formal Tribal consultation policies — and more importantly — relationships. These partnerships are transforming the way government serves people through consistent engagement. By strengthening our relationships and honoring Tribal sovereignty, we move toward a healthier and more equitable future for everyone in Washington.