On March 9, 2026 the Washington State House of Representatives opened the legislative session with a moment of prayer and recognition led by representatives of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, bringing Muckleshoot leadership and veteran service into the state Capitol.

At the invitation of Speaker Pro Tempore Chris Stearns, Muckleshoot Leaders and veterans traveled to Olympia where Bishop and Minister Dennis Anderson Sr. offered the opening prayer and blessing on the House floor. Anderson serves with the 1910 Shaker Church and the Muckleshoot Shaker Church.

Following the prayer, the bəqəlšuɫ ɫšupčadəd, (Muckleshoot Warriors) Color Guard, presented the colors inside the chamber, including the Muckleshoot Indian Tribal flag. The ceremony marked a rare moment where state lawmakers and visitors in the gallery witnessed Muckleshoot culture and service recognized as part of the official opening proceedings of the House.

They were welcomed by lawmakers and introduced to members of both the Republican and Democratic caucuses by Rep. Chris Stearns of District 47 and Rep. Debra Lekanoff of District 40. The gathering provided an opportunity for Muckleshoot leadership to connect with legislators and share about the Tribe’s culture, values, and ongoing government-to-government relationship with the state of Washington.

Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator Sean Daniels was alongside Councilmember Donny Stevenson who spoke on behalf of the Tribe during the visit.

“It is always such a privilege to represent the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe in Washington’s state capitol, Olympia, and really fills my heart to watch as our people carry out this halɫ syayus (good work) and shine in showing who we - as Muckleshoot - really are.

The Washington State Capitol and House of Representatives got to witness this in its truest form today by hosting one of our spiritual leaders, Bishop and Minister Dennis Anderson Sr. for an opening prayer and blessing and the bəqəlšuɫ ɫšupčadəd (Muckleshoot Warriors) Color Guard for presentation the colors including a Muckleshoot Indian Tribal flag! This diplomatic exchange represents such an accurate reflection of Muckleshoot, a prayerful, spiritual Tribal Nation who put the needs of the people first and will sacrifice for one another in the most important ways. I’d specifically like to thank Speaker Chris Stearns for helping to coordinate this government-to-government exchange and both the Washington State Republican and Democratic Caucuses for hosting us and allowing me a few moments to share about our people and culture. My hands raised in gratitude to all involved and I look forward to continued diplomacy and collaboration in serving our collective peoples,” Stevenson said.

Members of the Muckleshoot Warriors Color Guard who participated in the ceremony included Rob Lewis, James Zaja, Jon Herda, Steve Faris, Floyd Hubbard, Randy Leno, Nikkolas Herda, Noah Humes, and Tyler Herda.

The visit to Olympia represented more than a ceremonial moment. It was an opportunity to bring the Tribe’s spiritual traditions, veteran service, and cultural identity into the state’s legislative chamber while continuing to strengthen relationships between the Tribe and state leaders.