A new report has been released detailing progress on commitments made at the first Tribal Nations Summit held in May 2023. This historic gathering of Tribal and City leaders sought to identify actions and desired outcomes that uphold the sovereignty and treaty rights of federally recognized Tribes and to build partnerships, strengthen collaborations, and enhance diplomacy.

City leadership committed to 23 initial actions, such as co-developing a City policy in regard to working with Tribal Nations, collaborative stewardship of cultural resources, supporting Indigenous cultural vitality and visibility, and more.  

The Office of Intergovernmental Relations compiled updates on efforts to achieve these commitments over the past 15 months. Collectively, the City has made progress on 21 of the 23 commitments. This work is one step in the City’s larger effort to strengthen relations, build trust, and remain a committed partner to Tribal Nations and Native communities. 

READ: Tribal Nations Summit One-Year Update 

Progress on key efforts include: 

• Seattle Parks and Recreation hosted a Tribal Nations Gathering on parks and open space issues. The gathering identified Tribal priorities and action items such as increased outreach and engagement of Tribal partners and the formation of an internal workgroup to systemize Tribal relations within the department. 
• The City has developed a citywide tool and interdepartmental workgroup to track Tribal engagement across 17 City of Seattle departments. 
• Seattle Human Resources is collaborating with Office of Intergovernmental Relations, the Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC), and subject matter experts to develop an eight-module training curriculum on working with Tribes and Native communities. The first two modules will be launched this year. 

“Our honest, deliberate conversations at the Tribal Nations Summit were an important first step to strengthen relationships with Tribal and urban Native leaders,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. “This new report details the tangible actions we are taking as partners to achieve our shared goals and will help hold us accountable moving forward. I’m grateful for the Tribal Nations and urban Indian organizations who have shared their wisdom and lived experience and are helping us build an equitable, inclusive, and thriving One Seattle.” 

“We heard loud and clear the call from Tribal leaders that the City’s Tribal Nations Summit be a place of action, not just words.” said Tribal Relations Director Tim Reynon. “The actions outlined in this report demonstrate our commitment to better engaging with Tribal Nations as sovereign governments and to better serve Tribal citizens in Seattle. While significant work remains ahead, we continue to engage in the daily actions that drive long-term progress.” 

“I’m glad to see the City of Seattle taking proactive steps to increase effective Native representation and advocacy, and strengthen government-to-government relations with Tribal Nations.” said Councilmember Donny Stevenson of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. “Indigenous leadership and wisdom have sustained dᶻidᶻəlalič, the land now known as Seattle, for thousands of years. Tribal and urban Native engagement in public policy is crucial and the continued commitment and effort toward such is what our people call haʔł syayus in our language; which translates to ‘good work’.” 

While significant work remains ahead, these actions help lay the groundwork for expanding partnerships rooted in trust and fostering greater collaboration. We would like to thank the members of the Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC) for their contribution in coordinating the Tribal Nations Summit and their steadfast work advocating for Native communities.

The IAC was established by legislation in 2022 and includes representation from the area’s diverse Indigenous communities. The group advises the Mayor, Seattle City Council, and City departments on policies and issues impacting Indigenous people.