Gov. Gregoire hosts annual Centennial Accord meeting

For Immediate Release: June 10, 2008

State and tribal leaders discuss achievements, goals

GRAND MOUND � Continuing her efforts to strengthen a vital partnership, Gov. Chris Gregoire today led state and tribal leaders at the annual Centennial Accord meeting at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound. Representatives from 29 of Washington�s federally recognized tribes were in attendance.

�The Centennial Accord and I go back to its beginning, when as an assistant attorney general, I helped write it for Governor Booth Gardner,� Gregoire said at the meeting. �I�m moved and honored to be at my fourth Accord meeting as governor.�

State officials, and leaders from Washington�s federally recognized Indian tribes signed the Centennial Accord Agreement in 1989. The agreement guides the state in creating policies to promote tribal self-sufficiency, and provides the framework necessary to achieve mutual goals while improving relationships among the sovereign governments. Washington was one of the first states to sign such an agreement. The Centennial Accord has since served as a model for other states, pursuing similar partnerships with sovereign tribes.

�In historical terms, the Accord is still young. But when you look back, you really can see that we have achieved the fundamental purpose of the Accord,� Gregoire said. �That was to establish government-to-government relations between the tribes and the state of Washington.�

During Gregoire�s administration, the Centennial Accord Agreement has established the framework to achieve:

The Lake Roosevelt Agreement, which secures more water for the Spokane and Colville tribes, as well as for fish and Eastern Washington farmers;

An agreement allowing tribal governments increased access to health care; and

Strengthened government-to-government relationships to establish stronger compacts surrounding taxation and gaming to obtain mutual benefits

During the meeting, the governor heard updates regarding environmental, health and other timely topics. Items and ideas discussed at the meeting included the creation of a State-Tribal natural resources council, an agreement to allow tribal inmates to attend funeral services, and the implementation of House Bill 2624, aimed to protect human remains.

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