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Seattle Times Covers Indian Country Youth Suicide Rates and Prevention Programs

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:35:00 GMT

The front page of today's Seattle Times features an article on Native youth suicide rates and prevention programs. The article, "Tribes fight suicide, a leading killer of native youth," shines a light on a critical issue for both tribes in Washington State and across the country, and highlights the efforts of several area tribes to implement prevention programs.

Indian Law Bar Association Events Being Held May 23 in Seattle

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:40:00 GMT

Two up-coming Indian Law Bar events may be of interest to our readers:

25th Annual WSBA Indian Law Seminar
The Washington State Bar Association Indian Law Section is co-sponsoring the 25th Annual WSBA Indian Law Seminar — Recent Developments in Tribal Law and New Indian Provisions in VAWA. The May 23 seminar is being held from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the WSBA-CLE Conference Center in downtown Seattle. The seminar always provides a valuable overview of current issues in Indian Country. This year's seminar includes sessions covering:

Case law and litigation involving tribes
Issues surrounding client confidentiality and public records
Determining if state or tribal court is better for your clients
Information on a unique wetland and habitat mitigation bank developed by the Lummi Nation
How to use trademark law to protect Native artists
New VAWA provisions and how they apply to Indian Country
Best practices and what to expect when working with the renewed VAWA

Registration information for the WSBA seminar can be found here.

Northwest Indian Bar Association Annual Awards Banquet
On May 23, the Northwest Indian Bar Association (NIBA) is holding their Annual banquet at the W Hotel in Seattle. NIBA is a non-profit organization comprised of Indian attorneys, judges, and Indian Law practitioners in Alaska, Oregon and Washington, and in spirit in British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The organization aspires to improve the legal and political landscape for the Pacific Northwest Indian Country. Miller Nash is proud to be a sponsor of the awards banquet again this year. More information on NIBA and the event can be found on the NIBA web site.

NOTE: Separate registration is required for each event.

I will be attending both events on the 23rd and hope to see you!

NIGC Issues Technical Fix for Charitable Gaming Exemption for Class II

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:05:00 GMT

The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) published a final rule amending its technical standards for Class II gaming systems and equipment "to harmonize the charitable gaming exemption amount in the technical standards with the charitable gaming exemption amount in its Class II minimum internal control standards (MICS)." In 2012 the exempt limits in the MICS were raised from $1m to $3m. This amendment aligns NIGC technical standards to be consistent with the MICS.

Department of Transportation - Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for 2013 TIGER Funds

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:15:00 GMT

The Department of Transportation announced the availability of $473.8 million in funds to be awarded for National Infrastructure Investments (TIGER Funds). These funds, which are available to tribal applicants, will be awarded on a competitive basis for projects that will have a significant impact on a community.

Final applications are due by Monday, June 3, 2013. Information about project eligibility and application requirements and instructions can be found in the Department of Transportation’s National Infrastructure Investments Notice.

NAFOA Conference News

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:00:00 GMT

The Native American Finance Officers Association's 31st Annual Conference held April 18-19 in Nashville, Tennessee was a success. The conference saw an increased focus on non-gaming business development and finance as tribes seek to further diversify their economic development. The conference also produced good news for people in the Pacific Northwest as NAFOA announced that its fall conference will be held in Seattle, Washington in September. Updates on the fall conference will be posted as they are available.

2013 Northwest Indian Gaming Conference & Expo -- July 15-17

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 07:49:00 GMT

The Washington Indian Gaming Association has announced their 2013 Northwest Indian Gaming Conference & Expo will be held July 15-17 at the Tulalip Resort Casino.

This popular conference attracts attendees come from all of the Northwest, with the largest number coming from Washington, followed by Oregon, California, Oklahoma, Idaho, and Montana.

Click the following links for more information on the 2013 Northwest Indian Gaming Conference & Expo:

2013 Agenda and Registration
2013 Golf Registration

Online Poker Players Set Their Sights on Washington

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 08:35:00 GMT

Washington poker players want to legalize online gambling in our state. A Washington poker player, Curtis Woodard, has drafted two initiatives to legalize internet poker and to remove the criminal penalties for players. Currently all forms of internet gambling are illegal in the state. The players have not begun to canvas the streets, but rather are trying to get enough signatures through a volunteer effort on their website to get the measures before the legislature. The measure that seeks to authorize and regulate online poker in Washington (I-582) would require approved operators to have a physical presence in the state, though not necessarily a brick-and-mortar casino. The separate proposal to remove the current criminal penalties (I-583) is a fallback position, in case I-582 does not pan out, and would allow individuals to participate in online poker but not allow operators to profit from the games. The proponents need 246,372 valid signatures by July 5, 2013 to get the initiatives before the legislature for the next session. In the alternative, the poker players could try to enlist legislators to sponsor a bill in the 2014 session and try to pass it through legislative committees. Below are the summaries of each initiative and links to the full text of the proposals.

Initiative Measure No. 582 concerns internet poker gaming.

This measure would permit internet poker games for money for persons twenty-one years and older in Washington; operators must be physically located in Washington and would be licensed and regulated by the state. This measure would permit internet poker games to be played from personal computers or mobile devices by persons 21 years or older. Persons operating poker games would be licensed and regulated, and prohibited from having any interest in the outcome of games. Both operators and players must be located within Washington. The measure would prohibit the state from imposing limits on number of tables, size of bets, or the table stakes an operator may provide.

Initiative Measure No. 583 concerns eliminating state criminal penalties for some internet gambling.

This measure would eliminate state criminal penalties for certain internet gambling, specifically including internet poker. Wagers must be between individual players, and no internet gambling website operator can benefit directly from the outcome. This measure would eliminate state criminal penalties for players transmitting or receiving gambling information over the internet and players installing or maintaining the equipment necessary to do so, so long as the person is acting solely as a player, wagering is only between two or more players, and no operator of an internet gambling website benefits directly from the game’s outcome. The measure specifically includes internet poker played from a personal computer or mobile device.

Developing Leasing Codes Under New BIA Regulations

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 08:55:00 GMT

If you missed the recent seminar hosted by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) on the new Bureau of Indian Affairs leasing regulations, the presentation materials are available here. Karis Begaye, attorney for the Navajo Nation Department of Justice, provided insight into the legislative history of the leasing regulations. She also offered practical tips from the Navajo Nation's experience developing tribal leasing code and moving to self-regulation of leasing activities. Matthew Kirkland, with the BIA Division of Real Estate Services reviewed the provisions of the new regulations and after the webinar provided samples of approved tribal leasing regulations, whcih can be found here as leasing sample A and leasing sample B.

Emerald Queen Expansion Plan Caters to Players and Commuters

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 08:02:00 GMT

This week, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians announced a major expansion plan for its Emerald Queen Casino. As reported in the Tacoma News Tribune, the $150 million dollar project would include a new parking facility as well as building a permanent new casino structure.

The Tribe plans to break ground this summer on a 2,500-stall parking structure near its Portland Avenue casino. The second phase of the project would include building a new state of the art casino and demolishing the three tents in which the casino currently operates. The tribe also is partnering with local jurisdictions in hopes the destination can accommodate Tacoma area commuters. One of the proposed routes of Tacoma’s light rail network has tracks extending into East Tacoma, which could include a stop on tribal land at the casino complex. The tribe has offered to allow the city free use of its parking structure for commuters or other drivers.

NAFOA's 31st Annual Conference -- April 18-19

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 08:41:00 GMT

The Native American Finance Officers Association's 31st Annual Conference is being held this year April 18-19 in Nashville, Tennessee. Every year, the national organization attracts top experts for two-days of programing and networking around the issues of investing in Indian country, policy affecting tribes, accounting updates, and economic development opportunities.

The conference is a must-attend for tribal leaders, finance officers, controllers, treasurers, accountants, and auditors, as well as those of us who advise tribal entities in the areas of finance and lending. The Pacific Northwest is well represented on the agenda this year: Chairman W. Ron Allen, Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe; Diane Gange, Chief Financial Officer, Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe; Rodger Bennett, Chief Financial Officer, Snoqualmie Indian Tribe; Brian Wilbur, Senator, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community; Steven C. Garwood, Finance Director, Suquamish Tribe; Michael Finley, Vice-Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation; Titu Asghar, Director, Economic Development, The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde; and Shana Barehand, Liaison to Tribal Governments, Washington State Department of Revenue.

I'm looking forward to attending the 2013 conference programming, and spending time with clients and industry contacts in Nashville.

Ruling on Washington State Culverts Blocking Salmon Migration

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 14:10:00 GMT

On March 29, 2013, U.S. District Court Judge Ricardo Martinez issued a memorandum and decision and entered a permanent injunction designed to preserve and improve fish runs throughout Washington State by compelling the State to repair and replace culverts that impede salmon migration to or from spawning grounds. This case, styled as a subproceeding under the Boldt decision, has been pending since 2001. In fact, the Court decided - more than five years ago - that the collective tribes' treaty rights imposed a duty upon the State to refrain from building or operating culverts under State-maintained roads that hinder fish passage and that the State was derelict in that duty. However, it took until last month to reach final conclusion. The Court did maintain jurisdiction in order to better enforce its ruling, so this may not exactly be "final conclusion."

The Court's ruling imposes several deadlines on the State to bring its culverts up to appropriate standards. What remains to be seen is how the State will fund what has been estimated by some to be a billion-dollar endeavor. The Court specifically addressed the issue in its ruling, finding that because the transportation budget is separate from the State's operating and capital budgets, other state programs - such as education, health care, and social programs - will not be put at risk by this ruling. The Court also pointed to expected increasing transportation revenues - from the gasoline tax - that can be used to offset this obligation. Wrangling over the state's budget is currently underway in Olympia, with the Governor, the Senate coalition, and the House Transportation Chair releasing proposed budgets within the last week.

Stay tuned.

Sample local press coverage - UPDATED:

3.29.13, Ruling gives state 17 years to fix culverts that block salmon, Kitsap Sun

3.31.13, Tribes' salmon court win may go way beyond $1B in culvert repairs, Seattle Times

4.4.13, Editorial: Honor treaties with Native Americans, restore salmon, Seattle Times

NIGC Publishes Final Rule on Class II Gaming

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:49:00 GMT

Today, the National Indian Gaming Commission published their final rule on self-regulation of Class II gaming. The effective date of the regulations is September 1, 2013.

Associate Commissioner Reappointed to National Indian Gaming Commission and New Deputy Chief of Staff Announced

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 08:30:00 GMT

Daniel J. Little has been reappointed for a three-year term as Associate Commissioner of the National Indian Gaming Commission. Little was first appointed in February 2010. Previously, he served as manager of National Government Affairs for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut.

National Indian Gaming Commission Chairwoman Tracie Stevens announced her selection of Christinia Thomas, member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, as the Deputy Chief of Staff. Thomas will assist in the day-to-day management of the Commission operations, including finance, compliance and public affairs. In addition, Thomas will provide support in implementing the Commissions four initiatives of consultation and relationship building; training and technical assistance; regulatory review and agency operations review.

For more information on the NIGC's announcements, see the NIGC's press releases concerning Daniel J. Little and Christinia Thomas.

National Indian Gaming Association 2013 Tradeshow & Convention - March 24-27

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:01:00 GMT

The 2013 National Indian Gaming Association Tradeshow & Convention is being held this week in Phoenix, Arizona. The conference schedule is chock-full of informative sessions and well-known speakers. I'm hoping to catch as many presentations as possible in the areas of Legislative/Policy, Regulation/Gaming Commission, Internet Gaming, and Finance. And, of course, it is great to see so many clients and contacts here at the conference and tradeshow.

I had the pleasure this morning of attending the breakfast hosted by the Global Gaming Women. The four speakers and moderator Kate Spilde, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Chair, Sycuan Institute on Tribal Gaming at San Diego State University, were inspirational in their discussion of mentorships and supporting women working in the tribal gaming community.

Recognition Hopes Rekindled for Duwamish Tribe

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 09:42:00 GMT

Last Friday, U.S. District Court Judge Coughenour vacated a 2001 decision by the Department of Interior (DOI) that denied the Duwamish Tribe recognition. The ruling will require DOI reexamine the petition for federal recognition. If the tribe wins this round, its reported 600 members would have access to tribal fishing rights, federal grants, an opportunities to have land placed in reservation status opening up new avenues for economic development, including the potential for gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. It has been 35 years since the tribe first petitioned for federal recognition in 1977. As reported in the Seattle Times, Cecile Hansen, chairwoman of the Duwamish Tribe reacted to the ruling, saying “I’m in a delighted state of shock.”

NCAI Executive Council Winter Session Update: Senator Patty Murray Receiving Indian Country Leadership Award

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:19:00 GMT

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) holds its 2013 Executive Council Winter Session in Washington, DC, this week. Hundreds of tribal leaders are in the nation's capital to discuss high-priority issues and hear from members of Congress and officials from the Obama administration.

On Tuesday evening, Senator Patty Murray is being awarded the organization’s prestigious Indian Country Leadership Award. As a champion for tribal sovereignty and Native women, Senator Murray was instrumental in the recent passage of the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization. Senator Murray has advocated passionately for families and upheld her commitment to Indian Country by ensuring that life-saving assistance for victims of domestic violence extends to Native communities. Senator Murray is a key Indian Country partner in the Senate having served as the first female Chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee during the 112th Congress and currently serving as the first female Chair of the Senate Budget Committee.The organization’s Indian Country Leadership Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations to Indian Country.

Click the following link for the NCAI 2013 Executive Council Winter Session agenda.

Sequestration to Hit Washington State and Tribal Governments Hard

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 09:00:00 GMT

With sequestration set to begin today, both the State of Washington and Indian tribes in the state could face devastating cuts to federal funding that supports education, health care, military bases, and elderly programs. The White House estimates that Washington will lose approximately $11,606,000 in funding for primary and secondary education and that Head Start and Early Head Start services would be eliminated for approximately 1,000 children. Military cuts would also hit hard in our state. Base operation funding would be cut by about $124 million, and Air Force funding would be cut by about $3 million. The state would also face cuts in health programs and programs for the elderly.

Tribal programs will also face significant cuts. In mid-February, members of the Obama administration testified at the Senate Appropriations Committee about the impact that sequestration would have on Indian communities. Secretary Arne Duncan said that the Department of Education expects the Impact Aid program, which helps schools located on or near reservations, to see an immediate loss of $60 million. Health and Human Services Department Secretary Kathleen Sebelius reported that Indian Health Service will see 3,000 fewer inpatient admissions and 840,000 fewer outpatient visits. Secretary Ken Salazar said that cuts at the Department of Interior would result in tribes' losing about $130 million in funding. Indian education and general assistance for the neediest people on reservations are also expected to be cut.

Violence Against Women Act Passes U.S. House

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:39:00 GMT

Today, the U.S. House voted 286-138 to pass a Senate version of a bill renewing the Violence Against Women Act for the next five years. Eighty-seven Republicans joined all 199 Democrats to pass the bill in the House. The bill includes the critical improvements to extend domestic violence protections to individuals, including women in Tribal communities, who are currently not protected.

Earlier, House Republicans failed to pass their own version of the bill. The measure now heads to President Obama to sign.

Nevada Governor Signs Online Gambling Legislation

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 15:36:00 GMT

Yesterday, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval signed legislation legalizing online gambling. Lawmakers passed the bill through the Nevada Assembly and Senate as an emergency measure, as they were apparently racing to be the first state to enact online gambling legislation.

Nevada gambling regulators now must come up with regulations dictating parameters of offering the online games, including the ability to enter into compacts with other states to offer Internet poker.

Appellate Briefs Filed in Sharp Image Gaming, Inc. v. Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 15:55:00 GMT

Appellate briefs were filed with the California Court of Appeals in the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians appeal of a $30 million judgment in favor of a developer related to the Tribe's failed attempt to develop a casino in the late 1990s. The case involves interesting issues regarding subject matter jurisdiction, NIGC final agency action and waivers of sovereign immunity.

Briefs from the appeal can be found at the following links provided by Turtle Talk:

http://turtletalk.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/2013-02-15-tribes-reply-brief.pdf http://turtletalk.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/2012-10-10-tribes-opening-brief.pdf
http://turtletalk.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/2013-02-15-tribes-reply-brief.pdf

We are watching the appeal closely and will post updates here when available.

Tribal Consultation on Cobell Settlement to be held in Seattle Feb. 14

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:50:00 GMT

On February 14, the Department of the Interior will hold a tribal consultation session in Seattle outlining how Interior will carry out the land consolidation component of the historic Cobell Settlement.

“The Land Buy-Back Program is a historic opportunity to address the fractionation problem and restore lands to Indian tribes, but it will not succeed without the active support of tribal leaders,” said Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Kevin K. Washburn in a media release. “The Department is keenly interested in receiving guidance from tribal leaders on the draft Plan.”

The meeting is being held at the Arctic Club Seattle, Doubletree Hotel, 700 3rd Avenue, Seattle, Washington. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the consultation is being held 9:00-4:00 p.m.

Information on the Consultation, the Initial Implementation Plan and the Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations can be found on the U.S. Department of Interior web site.

Senate Approves Domestic Violence Bill - Tribal Provisions Remain Intact

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 13:01:00 GMT

The U.S. Senate today passed the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, reauthorizing the Act for the next five years. The Senate roll call vote was 78-22. The reauthorization bill includes critical improvements to extend domestic violence protections to individuals, including women in Tribal communities, who are currently not protected.

On Monday, the Senate rejected an amendment introduced by Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., stripping the tribal provisions. To watch a video of Senator Maria Cantwell's floor speech urging rejection of the amendment click here.

Tribal provisions will remain an issue as the House of Representative now considers reauthorizing the domestic violence law.

We will continue to monitor the reauthorization of the VAWA Act.

DOI Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform to Hold Public Meetings Feb. 12-13 in Seattle

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:28:00 GMT

The Office of the Department of Interior Secretary has announced the Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform will hold public meetings on February 12-13, 2013 in Seattle, Washington. The meeting will begin at 8:00 a.m. on both days at the Hilton Seattle Airport, 17620 International Blvd., Seattle, Washington. The Commission will also host a public Youth Outreach Session the evening of February 11, 2013, on the University of Washington campus at the Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center.

Information concerning the meeting agendas was found through the U.S. Department of Interior web site.

Cantwell Names Mary Pavel of Skokomish Tribe to Committee on Indian Affairs Staff Director Job

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 08:04:00 GMT

Senator Maria Cantwell, who is taking over the chairmanship of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, today named a Washington native and member of the Skokomish Tribe as the committee's staff director. Mary J. Pavel is a graduate of the University of Washington School of Law, is the founding president of the Native American Bar Association in Washington, D.C., and is a partner at Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Endreson & Perry in Washington D.C.

“Mary is well-known as one of the best and sharpest policy experts in Native American and Alaska Native policy and law,” Cantwell said in a press release. “Mary grew up in Washington state and understands the diverse issues facing Tribes in the Pacific Northwest and across the country. I look forward to working with Mary to improve economic opportunity, strengthen education and increase access to health care for all of Indian Country. With Mary on board, I am confident that the Senate Indian Affairs Committee is ready to tackle tough issues and make significant progress for Tribes.”

Obama to Nominate CEO of REI to Become Interior Secretary

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 08:33:00 GMT

News reports are circulating that later today President Obama will nominate Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) chief executive Sally Jewell to head the Interior Department. The Washington Post was the first to report the nomination.

Jewell, a former banking executive, joined Recreational Equipment Inc. as a board member in 1996 before taking over as chief operating officer in 2000 and then later as CEO of the national retail chain. A graduate of the University of Washington, where she now serves as a regent, Jewell began her career as an engineer at Mobil Oil Corp, working in Oklahoma and Colorado.

New BIA Leasing Regulations May Sway Great Wolf Tax Case

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:44:00 GMT

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) new leasing regulations became final last month on January 4 and already may impact pending litigation in Washington State. The regulations govern leasing in Indian country and, among other things, clarify the tax jurisdiction over real property improvements built on reservation and trust land.

The Chehalis Tribe has been at odds with Thurston County over just this issue after the County assessed property taxes on the Great Wolf Lodge, located on Chehalis tribal lands. On Monday, a motion before the 9th Circuit Court asking the judge to take judicial notice of the leasing regulations and the impact that they arguably have on the pending litigation. The Tribe asserts the BIA has clarified that improvements on Indian trust land are not taxable by non-tribal entities, such as states and counties, and these regulations should be persuasive in their case. The County has not yet responded to the motion.

Washington State Gambling Commission Public Service Announcements

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 08:04:00 GMT

The Washington State Gambling Commission has partnered with the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling to launch two problem gambling education and awareness Public Service Announcements (PSA) in 2013.

The first PSA launched January 31, 2013, and spotlights illegal underage gambling and how it can lead to problem gambling. The legal age to gamble in Washington State is 18 years or older (WAC 230-06-010). Underage gambling is a civil infraction and the penalty includes a fine of up to $125, up to four hours of community service, court costs, and forfeiture of any winnings. A second PSA, with a different message, will launch March 2013.

To watch and listen to the first of the PSA messages, visit the Washington State Gambling Commission web site.

First Klallam Dictionary featured in Seattle Times

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 09:37:00 GMT

A story about the publication of the first Klallam language dictionary was a featured in a Seattle Times article on Tuesday. Klallam is the language of the Klallam Tribes who live on the Olympic Peninsula at Elwha, Port Gamble, and Jamestown, Washington, and at Becher Bay on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Listed as an endangered language, Klallam is being revived through the energetic efforts of the Klallam Language Program. The newspaper story does a nice job describing the efforts to create the dictionary from a previously unwritten language and also integrate the language and the tribe's history and culture into the local schools and community. Information about the dictionary can be found at the University of Washington Press.

Washington State Legislature and Gubernatorial Changes - Update

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:34:00 GMT

January 22 Update: The legislative session is now in full swing. The Senate has officially selected its leadership and committee posts. As expected, the Democrats who have joined the Republicans to form the Majority Coalition have been elected to leadership positions. Senator Rodney Tom (D) is the Majority Coalition Leader, Senator Tim Sheldon (D) is the President Pro Tempore, and Senator Mark Schoesler (R) is the Republican Leader.

For a complete listing of Senate leadership, please see http://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Senators/Pages/SenateLeadership.aspx.

For a listing of committees and their leadership, please see http://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Committees/Pages/default.aspx.

January 14 - Today marks the first day of the 2013 Legislative Session in Olympia. The House has set its leadership and committee positions. The Senate, as has been widely publicized, enters an interesting era. While a majority of the Senate identify themselves as Democrat, the Democrats will not be in charge. Instead, it appears the Republicans have recruited two Democrats to tip the tables in their favor, and thus, the prize of electing leadership and setting committee assignments. However, so far, final leadership posts and committee assignments have not been forthcoming. The Senate meets today at noon.

On Tuesday, Governor Gregoire will give her final State of the State Address. Then on Wednesday, she will leave office, and Governor-Elect Inslee will be sworn in as the State's 23rd Governor. Various activities are scheduled for Wednesday, culminating in the Governor's Inaugural Ball at 7:00 p.m.

Inslee has established a large transition team, led by Microsoft General Counsel and Executive Vice President Brad Smith, Renton School District Superintendent Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel, and Washington State University President Dr. Elson Floyd. The Committee also included two tribal leaders, Chairman Ron Allen (Jamestown S'Klallam) and Chairman Brian Cladoosby (Swinomish). Inslee has made several senior staff appointments, including Dr. Heuschel as Chief of Staff, Ted Sturdevant as Executive Director for Legislative Affairs and Policy, David Postman as Executive Director of Communications, and Joby Shimomura as Senior Advisor. He has also appointed several agency posts, with many spots still unfilled.

Washington State Legislature and Gubernatorial Changes

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:10:00 GMT

Today marks the first day of the 2013 Legislative Session in Olympia. The House has set its leadership and committee positions. The Senate, as has been widely publicized, enters an interesting era. While a majority of the Senate identify themselves as Democrat, the Democrats will not be in charge. Instead, it appears the Republicans have recruited two Democrats to tip the tables in their favor, and thus, the prize of electing leadership and setting committee assignments. However, so far, final leadership posts and committee assignments have not been forthcoming. The Senate meets today at noon.

The following links will provide you more information: Washington State House Leadership Positions, Washington State Committee Positions, Seattle Times list of legislators to watch

The following links will provide you more information: TVW link to Gregoire final State of the State Address, Tickets to 2013 Governor's Inaugural Ball, Governor-Elect Jay Inslee State of Washington Transition Office

Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians 2013 Winter Convention

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 13:21:00 GMT

The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians hold their 2013 Winter Convention January 28-31 at Great Wolf Lodge in Centralia, Washington. The draft agenda proves that once again, ATNI will be producing a stimulating and informative event. I'm looking forward to attending and seeing many clients and colleagues.

10th Annual Gaming Law Summit, Dec. 13-14 in Seattle

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:36:00 GMT

The Annual Gaming Law Summit in Seattle produced by The Seminar Group provides both national and Northwest perspective on a host of topics, including gaming litigation and legislation, regulatory updates, development and financing news, legal updates, and insights from tribal leaders.

Featured panelists include Kevin W. Washburn, Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Treasury; Lawrence S. Roberts, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior; Tracie Stevens, Chairwoman, National Indian Gaming Commission; Danielle Her Many Horses, Deputy Executive Director, National Indian Gaming Association.

One note: The venue for the conference has changed to the Hilton Seattle.

We hope to see you at the conference this week!

Tribal Leaders Gather December 4 and 5 to Meet with President Obama and Attend Legislative Summit

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 15:57:00 GMT

Tribal leaders will gather in Washington DC on December 4 and 5 to attend two high-level events–the 2012 White House Tribal Nations Conference and the National Indian Gaming Association's Tribal Leaders Winter Legislative Summit.

The National Indian Gaming Association will be holding their Tribal Leaders Winter Legislative Summit on December 4 at the Dirksen Senate Building. The agenda will include a federal election update: the impact on Indian Country; internet gaming legislation; IRS tax policies; Carcieri fix legislation; and NIGC's Class II regulation changes. For registration information, click here.

In addition, the White House recently announced December 5 as the date of the 2012 White House Tribal Nations Conference. The conference will provide leaders from the 566 federally recognized tribes the opportunity to interact directly with the President and representatives from the highest levels of his Administration. The conference will be held at the Department of the Interior, with the opening session in the Sidney R. Yates Auditorium and breakout sessions in ancillary meeting rooms. FAQs on the event can be found here.