Port commissioners forgo honor statement, agree to include tribes in Port operations

Port of Olympia commissioners have decided to not make an honor statement acknowledging Native Americans’ ownership of lands in lieu of including the tribes in the Port’s activities and planning process.

During the commissioners’ meeting on Mon., March 21, Commissioner Bob Iyall, who is an elder of the Nisqually Indian Tribe as well as CEO of its Medicine Creek Enterprise Corp., said that the Port has had several suggestions to issue either an honor or land acknowledgment statement acknowledging the First Nations.

“I just feel like we can do one better, suggested Iyall, “and actually make it part of our strategic planning to be that socially responsible entity that promotes economic development so that we benefit everybody.”

“If we are going to do a land acknowledgment, there are some nuances to that that we have to consider,” remarked Commissioner Amy Evans.

Evans added that she supports integrating the tribes into Port matters, having government-to-government discussions and finding avenues where the Port and the tribes can work together.

Iyall mentioned Nisqually and Squaxin having “highly skilled divers” among its ranks who can help in cleanup projects in Puget Sound.

Commissioner Joe Downing acknowledged the importance of gestures such as renaming local landmarks and making honor statements acknowledging the tribes and their history, citing the proposed renaming of Priest Point Park to Squaxin Park,

“It’s extremely personal,” remarked Downing, “but it’s not too personal.”

Instead, Downing seconded Iyall’s suggestion of working with the tribes to create partnerships and improve tribal relations for equity and inclusion that can be more long-lasting than honor statements.

“I agree to put the tribal honor statement on the backburner,” Downing said

We will be looking for actions and programs that are related to the government and looking forward to including this in our strategic planning,” said Iyall.