
The Port of Seattle and the Suquamish Indian Tribe signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) expanding their government-to-government relationship and increasing collaboration on areas of mutual interest. This includes increased communications, constructive dialogue, and problem-solving to advance issues of regional importance such as economic development, treaty-reserved fishery resources, intergovernmental advocacy, cultural and archaeological resource preservation, education and job training, and fish and wildlife habitat restoration and stewardship.
The agreement will also allow the Port and the Suquamish Indian Tribe to work together on long-range planning to memorialize shared benefits in Elliott Bay, the Duwamish River, and Puget Sound. The Suquamish Indian Tribe exercises treaty-reserved fishing, hunting, and gathering rights within and around the Port, specifically in the Duwamish River, Elliott Bay, Shilshole Bay, the Lake Washington Ship Canal, and Salmon Bay.
“This MOA recognizes the Suquamish Tribe’s deep historic and cultural ties to shorelines and aquatic areas since time immemorial,” said Port Commission President Toshiko Hasegawa. “It further recognizes the land and waterways that are shared resources with rights and interests critical to the Suquamish and the Port of Seattle. This agreement creates an important framework for cooperation and collaboration for these shared interests that not only recognizes the Tribe’s sovereignty but will benefit the entire region around our shared goals of equity and environmental justice.”
“In his famous speech, the Suquamish Tribe’s ancestral leader, Chief Seattle, urged governments to unite in safeguarding the land, air, water, and all living beings that depend on these shared spaces,” said Suquamish Indian Tribe Chairman Leonard Forsman. “The 1855 Treaty of Point Elliott, signed by Chief Seattle and ratified by the U.S. Congress, enshrines the Suquamish Indian Tribe’s sovereignty and right to self-determination as a government and a people. This agreement builds upon that foundation by underscoring the critical importance of early, meaningful consultation on projects that impact our ancestral waters and lands.”
“This agreement marks a significant step forward in our commitment to working alongside the Suquamish Tribe as stewards of our shared lands and waters,” said Port Commissioner Fred Felleman. “By fostering open dialogue and mutual respect, we can address complex challenges like habitat restoration and economic development with a unified vision. Together, we are building a foundation for long-term collaboration that honors the Suquamish Tribe’s history and ensures a thriving future for all who depend on these resources.”
To provide additional opportunities for collaboration, the MOA directs the Port and Suquamish Indian Tribe to implement a protocol that identifies priority issues, develops a workplan to guide efforts, and establishes regular meetings between staff. At least one meeting annually should include elected officials to review progress on workplan goals, future work, and other matters as needed. The protocol also includes the creation of a policy committee to review, analyze, and evaluate shared matters like fisheries and habitat protection, and shoreline and aquatic area planning and regulations, as they work toward creating agreements.
The MOA will pave the way for long-term cooperation on issues of joint interest including equity and environmental justice, in recognition and respect for the Suquamish Indian Tribe’s sovereignty and treaty-reserved rights.
The Port also has an existing MOA with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, adopted in 2023.
Photo above (from left to right): Commissioner Fred Felleman; Commission President Toshiko Hasegawa; Commission Vice President Ryan Calkins; Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck (seated); Commissioner Hamdi Mohamed; Suquamish Indian Tribe Chairman Leonard Forsman (seated); Council Member Josh Bagley; Council Member Azure Boure; Treasurer Denita Holmes; and Council Member Luther “Jay” Mills.
Contact
Chris Guizlo | Port of Seattle Media Officer
[email protected]