The Department of Commerce’s new Tribal Liaison, Michelle Gladstone-Wade attends Governor Inslee’s landmark bill signing at the Tulalip Resort

The Department of Commerce’s new Tribal Liaison, Michelle Gladstone-Wade attends Governor Inslee’s landmark bill signing at the Tulalip Resort (3/31/2022)
Chairwoman Rosemary LaClair, Nooksack Tribe, Michelle Gladstone-Wade Tribal Liaison COMM
Council Member Lisa Wilson, Lummi Nation Michelle Gladstone-Wade Tribal Liaison COMM, Althea Wilson, Lummi Nation
Governor Inslee signed the following bills into law:

  • HB 1015 – Creating the Washington equitable access to credit act.
  • HB 1571 – Concerning protections and services for indigenous persons who are missing, murdered, or survivors of human trafficking.
  • HB 1717 – Concerning tribal participation in planning under the growth management act. Now available as Chapter 252, 2022 Laws
  • HB 1725 – Concerning the creation of an endangered missing person advisory designation for missing indigenous persons.
  • HB 1753 – Concerning tribal consultation regarding the use of certain funding authorized by the climate commitment act. Now available as Chapter 253, 2022 Laws
  • SB 5694 – Recognizing Indian tribes as among the governmental entities with which the department of corrections may enter into agreements on matters to include the housing of inmates convicted in tribal court.
  • SB 5866 – Concerning Medicaid long-term services and supports eligibility determinations completed by federally recognized Indian tribes.

These polices were a result of collaboration among the Tribes, legislatures, the attorney general, the governor’s office and others. Michelle was honored to be at the bill signing and witness Washington State’s historic commitment to listening, understanding, and building partnerships that strengthen Tribal communities.