For the first time in its history, the Association of Washington Tribes (AWT) has a full-time Executive Director, demonstrating tribal leaders’ commitment to sustained and coordinated representation of tribes in Washington state.
Founded in 1998, the AWT has long served as a forum for tribes to advocate for tribal sovereignty and treaty rights. The organization advances the principles of the Centennial Accord, which established a formal government-to-government relationship between the State of Washington and federally recognized tribes.
AWT’s Executive Director is Patrick DePoe, a Makah tribal member with deep experience in tribal and state government. He previously served on the executive team at the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and spent six years as an elected member of the Makah Tribal Council, where he led tribal coordination with state and federal agencies on climate resilience and habitat restoration.
In his new role, DePoe is focused on strengthening relationships between tribes and state leaders and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement around key issues.
“I’m focused on making conversations happen,” explains DePoe.
That approach was evident last December, when nearly 200 people attended a two-day AWT meeting that brought together tribal leaders, Washington state legislators, department directors, and many others to discuss tribal perspectives on priority areas, including natural resources, healthcare, social services and the state’s budget.
DePoe credits the strong turnout in large part to tribal leaders, particularly AWT Chair and Lummi Nation Tribal Chair, Tony Hillaire.
“Chairman Hillaire does an excellent job of speaking with tribal leaders across the state about the importance of tribes coming together,” says DePoe.
He is equally appreciative of AWT Vice Chair and Chair of the Tulalip Tribes, Teri Gobin.
“I am incredibly grateful to the Tulalip Tribes for hosting the AWT meeting for tribal leaders and legislators and to Chair Gobin for giving so much to support AWT’s next chapter,” he says.
The next AWT meeting will take place during the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Winter Convention in early February. DePoe also plans to convene another AWT meeting later this year and facilitate smaller discussions between tribal leaders and state elected officials.
Despite ongoing challenges, including state budget shortfalls and the federal government’s trust responsibilities, DePoe remains optimistic.
“Every one of our tribal nations has power, he says. “When we come together, there’s so much we can accomplish.”
