Tribal Relations

The Tribal Relations Director is responsible for government-to-government consultation and coordination between federally recognized Tribes and the City of Seattle. The City is situated amongst the traditional homelands of several Tribes, and we work with Tribal Nations on a variety of issues across City departments. The City partners with Tribes on cultural and natural resource protection, fish and wildlife habitat, and other major projects. The Tribal Relations Director works collaboratively with both City and Tribal leadership and staff to ensure that tribal sovereignty and treaty rights are recognized throughout the many City projects that concern tribal interests.

The Tribal Relations Director also works with the large urban American Indian and Alaska Native population and the many organizations representing the constituency, helping to connect them to key staff and departments on issues facing the urban Indian community in Seattle.

City of Seattle | Tribal Nations Summit 2025

On September 16, 2025, the second Tribal Nations Summit brought together over 120 Tribal and City leaders at City Hall. This event marked a significant step toward better upholding tribal sovereignty, trust, and treaty rights within local policies. The City shared its progress and engaged in meaningful discussions to build stronger relationships with federally recognized Tribes and improve outcomes among American Indian and Alaska Native residents in Seattle. We look forward to continued partnership as we work together in pursuit of cultural visibility, collaborative cultural resource stewardship, and culturally attuned systems of care.

Read the reports:

2025 City of Seattle | Tribal Nations Summit Progress Report

2024 Seattle Parks and Recreation | Tribal Nations Gathering Summary Report

2024 City of Seattle | Tribal Nations Summit: One-Year Update

2023 City of Seattle | Tribal Nations Summit: One-Year Update