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The Port of Seattle and the Suquamish Indian Tribe have 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 memorialise 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 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. 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.