Website: Swinomish Tribal Community

Ginny Brown

Initial Publication Date: April 29, 2016

Summary

The Swinomish Tribe is committed to improving the lives and well being of the tribal members through social and cultural programs, education, economic development, and resource protection.

Learning Goals

We are a community of Coast Salish peoples descended from groups and bands originating from the Skagit and Samish River valleys, coastal areas surrounding nearby bays and waters, and numerous islands including Fidalgo, Camano, Whidbey and the San Juan Islands. The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community is a federally recognized Indian Tribe that occupies the Swinomish Indian Reservation on Puget Sound in Washington State. The Tribe is governed by a Constitution and Bylaws that was originally adopted in 1936 and by the Swinomish Senate, the tribe's governing body, which is comprised of 11 elected members that serve staggered 5 year terms. Each year there is an election for 2 of the Senate positions and every 5 years there is an election for 3 Senate positions. Following each year's election, the 11 Senators select a chairman, vice chairman, secretary and treasurer. The current officers are Mr. Brian Cladoosby, Tribal Chairman; Ms. Barbara James, Vice Chairwoman; Ms. Dianne Edwards, Treasurer; and Ms. Sophie Bailey, Secretary.