Respect for Tribal Governance


Suquamish Olalla Neighbors helped get about 85 people to a hearing of the Kitsap County Commission to support respect for and acknowledgement of Tribal governments. The result – a 3-0 vote favoring “Element K,” which describes working relationships between the Tribes and the other governments of the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council.  The decision was well covered by the press and we received a moving letter of thanks from the Suquamish tribe.


Letters to the Editor
Bremerton Sun
December 2, 2003

COUNTY GOVERNMENT

A turning point in respect for tribal governments

To the Editor:

Last Monday night's hearing was extraordinary. Thanks for spreading the word, sending in your e-mails, and most of all, for showing up.

There were about 100 people at the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners hearing, a majority of whom were there to discuss Element K, which covered the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council's coordination with tribal governments. Many people testified with passion, clarity and intelligence about the importance of fully including tribal governments. Opposition to this provision evaporated quickly.

We had expected Commissioner Angel to propose changes in the language that would exclude tribal governments or just leave out the word "governments" when associated with the tribes. We had expected Commissioner Endresen's support for Element K, and we did not know how Commissioner Lent would vote. But the support for the tribes clearly won the day, and late into the evening, when the commissioners finally called the question, the vote was 3-0 to let the language stand.

I believe that together we have made a strong statement that Kitsap County stands for respect for all peoples, including the Native peoples and their governments. There will no doubt be other issues that come up in the future, but perhaps last night will mark a turning point.

Congratulations to all, and thanks again for your support.

Ted George, Honorary Co-chair
Sarah Ruth van Gelder, Co-chair
Fred Hoefler, Vice-chair
Mary Ann Dow, Secretary
Glynis Burns, Treasurer
Suquamish Olalla Neighbors

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Closer relations with tribes urged

Christopher Dunagan
Bremerton Sun Staff  
November 26, 2003


Despite delays and controversy, Kitsap County commissioners have approved revisions to countywide policies that will guide local planning efforts.

About 100 people attended a hearing Monday night on the countywide planning policies, required by the Growth Management Act. Many came specifically to support a policy that calls for closer relations between the county and tribal governments.

"We have a lot to learn from one another," said Gerald Elfendahl of Bainbridge Island. "I plead for continued inclusiveness. All should be involved in planning."

More than 25 people testified in favor of the proposed language dealing with tribes.

In previous hearings, some people had argued that the county has no business including tribes in their decision-making. That sentiment was all but missing Monday night.

One after another, county residents rose to express friendship and to encourage the county to "open the lines of communication and keep them open," as Susan Leavell of Poulsbo put it.

Many decided to come to the hearing when they heard that County Commissioner Jan Angel had questioned whether the word "government" should be used in the term "tribal government."

Sarah van Gelder of Bainbridge Island said there is no question that local tribes are governments, as determined by treaties and decisions by the federal government.

When she asked people to stand if they came to the hearing to support the policy as written, more than three-fourths of the audience rose.

In the end, the commissioners left that section unchanged.

"I had questions about it," Angel admitted. "I did my homework, and I'm satisfied the way it's written."

In fact, the commissioners made few changes to any of the language recommended by the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council, made up of county, city and tribal officials.

Several people did find problems with policies related to preserving rural character, affordable housing and transportation.

"These policies to me discriminate," said Vivian Henderson of the Kitsap Alliance of Property Owners. "We're not saying you can't live in rural areas, but we're going to make it so difficult ...

"I think this is an abomination. We're taking away people's choices about where they're going to live."

Real estate agent Michael Svardh said the Growth Management Act has failed to provide enough land to create affordable housing.

Near the end of the three-hour hearing, Angel said: "I agreed with what a lot of folks said. We do need to review GMA."

Angel hopes the Washington State Association of Counties can fully evaluate the law's effectiveness next year.