EVERETT — The Tulalip Tribes and the Washington State Department of Commerce signed a “historic” memorandum of understanding Thursday, establishing relations between the agency and the Tribes.
The agreement is meant to remove administrative barriers, improve communications, implement culturally appropriate data privacy and security measures, and more, according to the state Department of Commerce. Tulalip Tribes Chair Teri Gobin and Commerce Director Joe Nguyen signed the agreement.
“As we sign an MOU with the Washington State Department of Commerce, we are grateful for this next step in our working relationship,” Gobin said in a press release Thursday. “Tribes and States have a long history, not always positive. Agreements like this help us move forward in a good way. We acknowledge the many hands that got us here, reaffirm our shared values, and look forward to building a solid foundation of respect and collaboration. At Tulalip, we believe government exists to serve the people. At the end of the day, by reducing the administrative burden to access resources, we will be able to help more people.”
It is the sixth agreement Commerce has made with tribes in the state, the press release said. Nguyen said he anticipates more agreements with other tribes in Washington this year.
“Time and time again, we see the Tulalip Tribes enact their commitment to care for communities on and off their reservation,” Nguyen said. “We are glad to strengthen our partnership, to memorialize the ways we can better honor their sovereignty, and to work alongside people who have cared for communities from time immemorial. From culturally responsive supports to youth recreational facilities and addressing the need for more housing, Commerce celebrates strengthening our relationship with the Tulalip Tribes.”
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