NESPELEM – In the past week, two memorandums of understanding were signed by the Washington State Department of Commerce for two separate Washington tribes, the Colville and the Cowlitz.  

Jarred-Michael Erickson, Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, joined forces with Mike Fong, Director of the Washington State Department of Commerce, to sign a memorandum of understanding at the Lucy F. Covington Government Center on Oct. 23. 

This agreement marks the second in a series of four planned partnerships between the Department of Commerce and various tribes in Washington State, affirming a commitment to improve relations, streamline administrative processes and enhance communication, according to the department.  

During the signing ceremony, Chairman Erickson emphasized the significance of the MOU for both the Colville peoples and the broader community.  

"The Colville Tribes welcomes a chance to work collaboratively with Washington's Department of Commerce," said Erickson in a WSDOC release. "Their commitment to consult with the tribes on matters which impact us is a positive development, as is the Department's acknowledgment that Colville has a sovereign right to control data generated within Colville's borders.” 

The agreement includes notable commitments to remove administrative barriers, implement culturally appropriate data privacy and security measures, and ensure continuous communication between the affected parties. According to Chairman Erickson, this collaborative effort holds promise for economic development in the region. 

“We expect that this agreement will foster strong economic development for the entire area,” Erickson said.  

Fong expressed his enthusiasm for the MOU, highlighting its role in formalizing the relationship between the state and tribal communities.  

“I am honored to join Chairman Erickson in signing this historic agreement,” said Fong in the release. “Strong, vibrant tribal nations and tribal communities strengthen all Washington communities in many ways. This MOU formalizes a three-tiered approach to relations that advances our partnerships, encompassing tribal coordination, informal consultation and formal government-to-government consultation.” 

Fong detailed that the Department of Commerce anticipates establishing additional MOUs with other tribes across Washington State in the near future.  

“These agreements reflect our values as an agency,” Fong said in the release. “We take a holistic approach to working with all communities to access the continuum of resources available through Commerce, from capital funding for affordable housing and community facilities to support for public safety, economic development, and job creation.” 

In a similar vein, a week later, Oct. 30, the Cowlitz Tribe Chairman William Iyall and Director Fong signed a separate MOU, further underlining the state’s dedication to building robust, government-to-government relationships with Washington’s tribal nations. The signing took place in Longview, Wash. The agreement will remove administrative barriers, improve communications and implement culturally appropriate data privacy and security measures.  

“This MOU between the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Department of Commerce is a profound affirmation of our Tribal sovereignty and the importance of government-to-government relationships,” William Iyall, Chairman of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe said in the Oct. 30 press release. “This historic agreement is not just a document, and its signing is not just a ceremony; it is an investment in the future of the Cowlitz people and a moment to honor those (who) came before us and fought for our right to self-determination. Today starts a new chapter of collaboration between the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and the State of Washington, putting us in a position to address climate change, economic development, cultural preservation, and other critical issues that will benefit future generations.” 

Governor Jay Inslee said government-to-government relations help all Washingtonians. He emphasized how the MOU will honor the sovereignty of the Cowlitz Tribe, improve communication and help resolve issues with promptness and respect.  

“These agreements reflect our values as an agency. We take a holistic approach to working with all communities to access the continuum of resources available through Commerce, from capital funding for affordable housing, community facilities and energy infrastructure to support for community services, public safety, and economic development and job creation,” Fong said in the WSDOC release.  

“These agreements reflect our values as an agency. We take a holistic approach to working with all communities to access the continuum of resources available through Commerce, from capital funding for affordable housing, community facilities and energy infrastructure to support for community services, public safety, and economic development and job creation,” Fong said.  

Under Fong’s leadership, WSDOC has made significant strides in enhancing collaboration with tribal nations, according to their press release. The creation of a standalone Office of Tribal Relations, led by Michelle Gladstone-Wade and the establishment of tribal liaisons for critical programs exemplify this commitment.  

“We are in the midst of a generational opportunity to leverage and secure funding from the federal government to support our efforts to build energy resilience and prepare future generations for the impacts of climate change,” Fong said. 

The federal funding opportunities, made available through the Inflation Reduction Act, include programs designed to help Washington entities access clean energy tax credits and grant writing assistance.  

“These opportunities create jobs, advance environmental justice, and spark innovation as we move toward a green economy,” Fong said.  

As part of the ongoing efforts to facilitate clear communication with tribal governments, the Department of Commerce has executed 123 contracts with federally recognized tribes since May 2023, amounting to nearly $130 million in resources.  

“This demonstrates our commitment to supporting tribal communities throughout the state,” Fong said.  

    Officials pose for a photo after the Colville signed a memorandum of understanding with the Washington Department of Commerce. Seated: Commerce Director Fong and Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Chairman Jarred-Michael Erickson. Back row, from left: Sharlene Zacherle, Nespelem District, Colville Business Council; Dustin Best, Omak District, Colville Business Council; Al Andy, Commerce Office of Tribal Relations; Roger Finley, Inchelium District, Colville Business Council; Steve Carson, Inchelium District, Colville Business Council; Norma Sanchez, Omak District, Colville Business Council; Kyle Etchison, Keller District, Colville Business Council.