Standing just a few footsteps from where the Treaty of Point Elliott was signed almost 150 years ago, leaders from the Tulalip Tribes and Snohomish County signed an agreement Monday to create a cooperative alliance between the two governments.
The new agreement establishes areas where the tribes and county government can work cooperatively on economic, education and social issues.
Tulalip and county officials say the agreement will improve communication and help resolve disputes.
“We’d rather mitigate than litigate. That’s what this is all about,” said John McCoy, a 38th District state lawmaker and general manager of the tribe’s Quil Ceda Village.
“This is a very important day for our tribal people,” added Stan Jones Sr., chairman of the tribal confederation.
“We’re going to be working together,” Jones said. “We’re not going to agree on all issues. But we’re going to agree to disagree.”
“We will partner and prosper,” County Executive Aaron Reardon said.
The government-to-government agreement comes as the Tulalips’ economic engine at Quil Ceda Village continues to hum, and the tribe’s influence in the county and region grows.
The Tulalips broke ground last month for an outlet mall that may total more than 100 stores, and June marks the one-year anniversary of the tribe’s $78 million casino. The Wal-Mart at Quil Ceda Village is expanding, and future development for tribal land along I-5 near Marysville includes a hotel and a commercial center.
Tulalip officials have been pressing for partnerships with other governments in the region.
In September 2003, the tribes signed an alliance with Everett. And the tribe’s agreement with the county has been in the works since last year.
Although the County Council had been asked last month to agree to a joint resolution, questions from county attorneys about the draft resolution stalled passage.
“There were no major concerns with the concept,” Council chairman John Koster said. “We’ve always had a good working relationship with the tribes.”
Reporter Brian Kelly: 425-339-3422 or kelly@heraldnet.com.
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