On March 20, students from Muckleshoot Tribal School and Auburn High School met with U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids and Muckleshoot Tribal leadership for a discussion focused on civic engagement, sovereignty and identity.

The event brought students and leaders together in an open forum where questions centered on voting rights, personal safety and navigating both tribal and federal systems.

Tribal Council member Donny Stevenson acknowledged the ongoing relationship between the Tribe and Davids, noting her continued engagement with the community.

“You’ve been out here multiple times now, and we’ve had the honor and privilege of hosting you,” Stevenson said. “That speaks volumes to the work, the effort and the relationships that are there. It’s meaningful. It matters.”

Students asked questions about their rights and how to respond in situations where those rights may be challenged. The discussion included the role Native communities play in elections and access to voting.

“If your vote wasn’t powerful, they wouldn’t be trying to take it from you,” Davids said.

The discussion also addressed how federal systems do not always reflect tribal realities. Students raised concerns about identification, law enforcement interactions, and access to resources.

Davids encouraged students to stay aware of their surroundings, remain connected with trusted individuals, and understand their rights.

Students also asked about what it means to walk in both worlds, referring to balancing tribal identity with participation in non-tribal systems.

“I don’t think of it as switching worlds. I think about what I bring into every room,” Davids said.

Tribal leaders emphasized the importance of preparing future generations for leadership and decision making, encouraging students to stay grounded in their community while understanding broader systems.

“There’s so much this country could learn from Indian Country,” Davids said.

The event provided students with an opportunity to engage directly with leadership and better understand the systems that impact their daily lives.