It was a powerful opportunity, offering time to connect with Federal leaders and cultivate Government-to-Government relationships that support Tribal communities. Tribal Council and Intergovernmental Affairs representatives spent the week advocating for tribal interests, protecting tribal treaty rights, and meeting with Senators, members of Congress, and federal partners.

They were also able to meet up with Tribal members who were in town on behalf of the Muckleshoot Head Start Program and Parent Policy Council, attending the National Indian Head Start Directors Association Capitol Hill meetings; advocating for priorities impacting the Muckleshoot Tribe and Indian Country.

Additionally, Council members also met with House Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, for a meaningful conversation on the importance of Tribal voices at the national level and the value of strong government-to-government relationships.

Following two full days of meetings, the group came together at the Smithsonian Institution of the National Museum of the American Indian to reflect and recharge before continuing on to the journey home. This important work representing our Tribe, our people, and our interests as Muckleshoot Tribal members, is a reflection of our Tribal leaders’ commitment to community and ensuring our reserved rights, fought for by our ancestors, are protected and preserved for generations to come.

Our hands go up to everyone continuing this work, which defends and solidifies our community’s future.