EXECUTIVE
ORDER EO 80-02
ESTABLISHING
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE ON INDIAN
AFFAIRS
WHEREAS, the state of
Washington recognizes its responsibility toward our state's first citizens, the
American Indians; and
WHEREAS, the state of
Washington recognizes a need to work with tribal governments and carry out its
responsibilities for and on behalf of Indian citizens; and
WHEREAS, disputes, both legal
and moral, have existed for years
regarding questions of legal
jurisdiction over Indians and Indian lands in the state of Washington; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of
this administration to work with Indian tribes to establish a relationship
involving tribal, local, state and federal governments that will be conducive
to improving communications and facilitating joint problem solving efforts; and
WHEREAS, because of the
complexity of today's issues, the Governor's Indian Advisory Council,
previously assigned responsibility for dealing with Indian areas of concern, no
longer is the most effective method of addressing Indian interests.
NOW, THEREFORE,
I, Dixy Lee Ray, Governor of the state of Washington, by virtue of the power
vested in me, hereby direct as follows:
1. There
shall be established a Governor's Office of Indian Affairs, which shall replace
the Governor's Indian Advisory Council.
2. The
Office of Indian Affairs shall have the following responsibilities:
a. Assist the Governor in the development
of effective policies and recommend legislation which will guide the state of
Washington, Indian tribal governments and Indian organizations.
b. Advise state agencies and departments
concerning issues relative to the Indian tribes and organizations of Washington
State.
c. Act as the Governor's liaison between
the state of Washington, Indian tribal governments and Indian organizations.
d. Act as liaison and advisor to the
Governor and state agencies on federal legislation and policies in Indian
affairs.
e. Provide assistance to Indian citizens
in their efforts to work with state government to resolve mutual problems and
concerns.
f. Advise the Governor on the appropriate
and effective role of state government in inter-governmental mechanisms that
involve the participation of Indian tribal governments to better federal,
local, state and tribal relations.
All of the provisions of Executive Order 72-11
(signed October 30, 1972) are hereby rescinded and revoked.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto
set my hand and caused
the seal of the State
of Washington to be
affixed at Olympia
this 9th day of
January A.D., Nineteen hundred and eighty.
DIXY LEE RAY
Governor of Washington
BY THE GOVERNOR:
_________________________________
Secretary of State
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