Seattle — The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe hosted a special luncheon on Nov. 18 during the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Annual Convention at the Seattle Convention Center, marking the first return of the national gathering to Washington in many years.

Delegates from Tribal Nations across the country, government leaders, and policy partners joined Muckleshoot leadership to discuss shared priorities and celebrate the strength of Tribal sovereignty.  

Members of the Muckleshoot Tribal Council welcomed attendees, including Vice Chair John Daniels Jr., Treasurer Anita Mitchell, and Councilmember Leeroy Courville Jr., who represented the Tribe in hosting this year’s luncheon. Their presence highlighted Muckleshoot’s leadership role in strengthening regional and national partnerships.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson addressed the audience, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to genuine Tribal state engagement. Ferguson shared that he and his team have been taking intentional time to meet directly with Tribal leaders to better understand their needs and ensure their voices shape state policy. He also announced that he had signed Executive Order 25-10, establishing a stronger framework for all state agencies. The order mandates comprehensive Tribal consultation, sets clear engagement guidelines, expands sovereignty and cultural training for state employees, and requires agencies to incorporate Indigenous knowledge into decision making. Ferguson noted this action aligns with his first Centennial Accord as governor.

Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck also spoke, highlighting his decades of working with Tribal nations and reaffirming that advocating for Indian Country has always been central to his work and will continue to be.

The luncheon reflected the Tribe’s commitment to strong intergovernmental relationships and showed unity at this year’s NCAI conference.