Positions open for nine members representing Indigenous communities

The City of Seattle is now accepting applications for the Indigenous Advisory Council, a nine member commission of Indigenous representatives including youth and elder positions. The council will advise the Mayor, City Council, and City departments on policies, budgets, programs, services, and projects directly affecting Indigenous populations including American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian peoples. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 7 at 5 p.m.

The Indigenous Advisory Council was created in 2021 through a bill sponsored by Councilmember and current City Council President, Debora Juarez, a member of the Blackfeet Nation. The council will help strengthen the City’s unique political relationship with tribal nations and to work to fulfill political, legal, and racial equity obligations to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people that reside in Seattle. The Office of Intergovernmental Relations will continue to fulfill the government-to-government relationship with tribal nations.

“I am thrilled to see the Indigenous Advisory Council begin to take shape. Today’s announcement is another step towards realizing a more comprehensive inclusion of native communities, native-led organizations, and tribal governments in our policy-making process. I encourage action-oriented leaders to apply for this opportunity to make a real impact not just in Seattle, but throughout the region.”

Seattle City Council President Debora Juarez [District 5]

All members shall demonstrate a commitment to advancing Indigenous knowledge, values, and priorities and improving access to City services to better serve Indigenous people in an equitable way. Applications are being accepted for positions 1-9.

• Positions 1 & 2: A member of an Indigenous Tribe located in Washington State and nominated by the respective tribal council as their official delegate 
• Position 3: A member of an Indigenous Tribe and nominated by the respective tribal council as their official delegate 
• Position 4: An Indigenous youth aged 18-29 
• Position 5: An Indigenous elder aged 50 or older 
• Positions 6-9: A representative from an urban Indian organization and nominated by the Board of Directors of the respective urban Indian organization 

Terms for all positions are two years, except the initial term for positions 1, 4, 6, and 8 which is one year. Members will receive compensation for their service and may serve up to four consecutive terms.

To apply, complete and submit the online application by March 7 at 5 p.m. All applicants are required to upload a resume. Applications for Positions 1-3 are required to upload a nomination letter from a tribal council. Applicants for Positions 6-9 are required to upload a nomination letter from an urban Indian organization.

For more information, please visit http://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/indigenous-advisory-council. For questions, or to request a paper application, please contact Indigenous Advisory Council Liaison, Francesca Murnan at Francesca.Murnan@seattle.gov or 206-459-6379.