American Indian/Alaskan Native

The Washington State Office of Equity champions equity and justice for American Indian/Alaska Native people and celebrates the rich American Indian/Alaska Native heritage that has shaped the state’s history and is instrumental to its future success. We recognize the value and dignity of American Indian/Alaska Native people and work to ensure that every American Indian/Alaska Native person has equitable access to the opportunities, power, and resources they need to succeed and are welcomed, supported, and feel a sense of belonging when working in or seeking assistance from state agencies.

We count on the commitment, partnership, and support of American Indian/Alaska Native people, tribes and leaders – across the state, inside and outside of state government, - in this important work of dismantling the historic, systemic, power dynamics that oppress American Indian/Alaska Natives, while building new systems and safeguards that advance representation and ensure American Indian/Alaska Native access to participation in all aspects of society (such as, government, business, education) until each and every American Indian/Alaska Native person in the state flourishes and achieves their full potential.

Washington, with beautiful landscapes from the beaches of Neah Bay to the rolling fields of Asotin and every place in between, is home to a beautiful tapestry of people seeking to make a life for themselves and a better future for their children, grandchildren, and generations to come.  Yet, American Indian/Alaska Native people still do not have the same opportunities to thrive as their nonmarginalized counterparts across nearly every measure including education, wealth, employment, health, and more. Inequities continue to be deep, pervasive, and persistent, and they come at a great economic and social cost.

Washington State has 36 Native American tribes, 29 of which are federally recognized, meaning that they have a special, legal relationship with the U.S government, also known as a government-to-government relationship.

History matters. Not only does it show where we have been, it explains why things are the way they are. When it comes to building a more equitable and just world for everyone, everyday actions -- the large and the small -- matter. The Washington State Office of Equity honors the contributions of American Indian/Alaska Native people who, through their actions, made this state and nation a better place to live. We appreciate the everyday actions -- the large and the small -- American Indian/Alaska Native people take to live, love, and thrive in safety and authenticity.

Often, in the United States, the guarantee of human rights starts with recognition in the law. The Washington State Office of Equity champions equity and justice for everyone in the state, working to ensure that the civil rights of American Indian/Alaska Native people are protected based on the law. We are committed to promoting policies and laws in Washington state that protect the human rights of American Indian/Alaska Native based on principles of humanity, justice, and belonging.

All Treaties made under the Authority of the United States is the Supreme Law of the Land and the Judges in every State are bound to uphold the United States Constitution regardless of any contradictions found within State laws or Constitutions. Furthermore, all Senators, Representatives, members of State Legislatures, all executive and judicial Officers (both Federal and State) are bound by Oath to support the constitution.

This means that all Federal Treaties with Tribes must be honored by the States and all branches of and levels of Government.

In 2000 President Clinton issued Executive Order 13175 to establish regular and meaningful consultation and collaboration with Tribal officials. Primarily focused on strengthening government-to-government relationships with Indian Tribes, the executive order was issued to develop federal policies that impact tribes in partnership with Tribal governments. 

In 2021 Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, published a detailed plan for implementing Executive Order 13175 in response to President Biden’s memorandum on and reaffirmation of the need to strengthen government-to-government Tribal relationships.

•  Detailed Plan to Improve Interior's Implementation of E.O. 13175 (doi.gov) 
•  Framing Paper: Improving Interior's Consultation with Tribes (doi.gov) 
•  Resources for Tribal Nations | U.S. Department of the Interior (doi.gov) 

 RCW - Chapter 43, Section 376 Government to Government Relationship with Tribes 

 Governor’s Proclamation – Native American Heritage Month  – Governor Inslee acknowledging November as Native American Heritage Month and Friday following Thanksgiving as Native American Heritage Day.

between the Federally Recognized Indian Tribes in Washington state and the State of Washington, Aug. 4, 1989, is executed between the federally recognized Indian tribes of Washington signatory to this Accord and the State of Washington, through its governor, in order to better achieve mutual goals through an improved relationship between their sovereign governments. This Accord provides a framework for that government-to-government relationship and implementation procedures to assure execution of that relationship.

 Institutionalizing the Government-to-Government Relationship in Preparation for the New Millennium | GOIA (wa.gov) 

 Executive Summary - Government-to-Government Implementation Guidelines | GOIA (wa.gov) 

 DSHS American Indian Policy 7.01  - The Department of Social and Health Services follows a government-to-government approach to seek consultation and participation by representatives of tribal governments in policy development and service program activities. This is in compliance with chapter 43.376 RCW, 1989 Centennial Accord, Executive Order #13175, Presidential Memorandum on Tribal Consultation, the Washington state and current federal Indian policy as outlined by Executive Order #13175, and the signed by President Obama in November 2009, which promotes government-to-government relationships with American Indian tribes.