2020 Voters GUide

Response:

Snoqualmie Tribe is one of the tribes of the Puget Sound region and is now governed by an elected Council and Tribal Constitution. I am familiar with the challenges that the tribe has faced with losing Federal Government recognition in 1953 until 1999 when the Tribe received re-recognition. I have great respect for all of the Native Tribes of our State and am committed to supporting policies that protect Tribal rights and funding.

Response:

During my career in public office, I have made it a priority to build equal partnerships between state and local governments and tribal nations to honor all tribes as sovereign nations. I have fought to protect salmon and steelhead habitat by making the practice of suction dredging illegal in WA. I led the 2020 legislation giving tribes protection against dual taxation from the state. As House Finance Chair, I led the effort in law a new tax policy giving tribal nations tax exempt status from WA State – a new partnership that will transform the ability of tribal nations to invest in their local communities in collaboration with other local governments and the state.

Most relevant to my campaign for Secretary of State, I am a strong supporter of Native American voting rights. I voted for the Native American Voting Rights Act and funding for more ballot boxes. This year, I introduced legislation to increase funding to local elections officials to expand voter education and engagement, focusing on communities with historically low voter participation. As Secretary of State, I will be a champion for voter education, voter participation, and high voter turnout in every election.

Response:

I believe that the State and Federal government must ensure that the rights of tribes as sovereign nations are protected. Tribes must also be equipped with the financial resources necessary to govern.

Response:

While specific indigenous issues often fall outside the scope of the Secretary of State, I will work tirelessly to expand access to voting throughout Washington’s tribal communities. My goals of providing improved voter information, education, and rights to local indigenous peoples will empower them to have a voice and impact on the future of Indian Country via the vote.

Response:

It is my knowledge that Indigenous tribes and the government work together in mutually beneficial projects involving tribal land and resources. The government must recognize and respect tribal sovereignty and self-determination, including the right to make decisions about their own best interest. This includes the recognition of protection for lands and resources of indigenous tribes.

Response:

Yes, educational opportunities open doors for every person and I believe it is essential that tribes have the funds they need for healthcare and cultural resources. As a legislator, I have fought to expand digital access into all corners of WA State to support our K-12 schools and two- and four-year colleges with online learning opportunities. If elected Secretary of State, I will fight to expand digital access to all our communities for voter education and civic engagement.

Response:

The FPIC is protected under the international Labour Organization Convention and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. FPIC requires that there is consultation/consent from representatives of Indigenous people before anything can be done on Indigenous land that involves their land, resources, or people. As Secretary of State, I will have less influence over FPIC principles over land and resources. However, I would love to work with representatives of Indigenous people to improve their rights to fair and equal voting. I understand that there are indigenous people face unique barriers to voting, and I will work to reduce those so that all eligible voters can access the ballot.

Response:

I believe the Tribes have the first right to what should be done with their Tribal cultural resources and sacred sites. If the government wants to take action affecting culture resources and sacred sites, they should gain consent from people or institutions that represent indigenous people before implementing these actions.

Response:

I believe that in the fee to trust process, like all parts of the government’s relationship with sovereign Tribal Nations, the role of the government should be limited and in deference to Tribal wishes. Local, State, and Federal government should do all possible to help Tribes gain jurisdiction of traditional lands and support Tribes throughout the process.

Response:

I understand the profound significance of Snoqualmie Falls as a spiritual center and ancestral burial ground for the Snoqualmie people. The responsibility of preserving and protecting the Pacific Northwest’s natural and cultural heritage should be embraced by all. Ensuring Snoqualmie Falls retains as much of its natural state as possible – and is kept free of major development – is a matter of cultural respect and intelligent environmental stewardship.

The Snoqualmie Tribe has a fundamental right to have a say in projects that potentially impact the preservation of their sacred site that is only furthered by the recent purchase of the land surrounding the falls. Hydroelectric developments diverting flow from the falls has already significantly disrupted the natural state of the falls. As key cultural and environmental stakeholders, the Snoqualmie Tribe should undoubtedly be involved in future decisions made on and around Snoqualmie Falls.

Issues of land protection fall outside of the jurisdiction of the Secretary of State. However, as an elected official I will publicly support the protection of any tribal land from desecration. As Secretary of State, I will do everything I can to expand voter rights and voter education throughout tribal communities so that people within these communities can defend their land through the vote.

Response:

The Snoqualmie Tribe has a fundamental right to have a say in projects that potentially impact the preservation of their sacred site that is only furthered by the recent purchase of the land surrounding the falls. Hydroelectric developments diverting flow from the falls has already significantly disrupted the natural state of the falls. As key cultural and environmental stakeholders, the Snoqualmie Tribe should undoubtedly be involved in future decisions made on and around Snoqualmie Falls.

Response:

Issues of land protection fall outside of the jurisdiction of the Secretary of State. However, as an elected official I will publicly support the protection of any tribal land from desecration. As Secretary of State, I will do everything I can to expand voter rights and voter education throughout tribal communities so that people within these communities can defend their land through the vote.