Gov. Gregoire hosts annual Centennial Accord meeting

For Immediate Release: June 23, 2009

SHELTON � Gov. Chris Gregoire today led the 20th annual Centennial Accord meeting with state and tribal leaders at the Skookum Creek Event Center in Shelton. Officials discussed collaborative efforts in such areas such as natural resource preservation, education, transportation, health and social services.

Signed in 1989 by state officials and leaders of federally recognized tribes, the Centennial Accord created a framework for a positive government-to-government partnership. Washington was one of the first states to sign such an agreement, which recognized the need for cooperation among sovereign governments. Other states have since followed Washington�s example by adopting similar policies.

�I am proud of the work we�ve accomplished since the Accord was first signed, and am pleased other states are looking to us as a successful example,� Gregoire said. �We can always take steps to strengthen our government-to-government relations among the tribes and state. That�s why I am committed to attending these meetings and working together to find solutions that benefit all Washingtonians.�

To mark the 20th anniversary, Gov. Booth Gardner, who was governor at the time of the Centennial Accord signing in 1989, attended this year�s meeting.

This occasion marks the fifth time that Gregoire has attended the meeting as governor, although her involvement with the Centennial Accord dates back to its beginning. As assistant attorney general during Gardner�s administration, Gregoire played a key role in drafting the Accord. Ten years later as attorney general, she and Gov. Gary Locke signed the New Millennium Agreement, reaffirming a dedication to working with tribal leaders.

The governor was joined by Swinomish Tribal Community Chairman Brian Cladoosby, Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn, Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark, Rep. John McCoy, D-Tulalip and Sen. Claudia Kauffman, D-Kent.


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