The State of Washington recognizes the inherent sovereignty of Tribal governments and affirms their right to self-governance and self-determination. The State honors Tribal rights and the unique government-to-government relationships it maintains with each of the federally recognized Tribes whose ancestral territories include present-day Washington.
Foundational Public Health Services investments fund the Washington State Board of Health’s Tribal Liaison position, which reports directly to the Board’s Executive Director and is involved in policy conversations. The Tribal Liaison has been instrumental in improving and growing the Board’s engagement with Tribal partners on important policy issues, such as, but not limited to, PFAS, notifiable conditions, local board of health composition, school environmental health and safety, sanitary control of shellfish, and drinking water. The Tribal liaison advises and guides Board staff on the government-to-government relationship and Tribal engagement, as well as manages the Board’s communication with Tribal Nations to ensure compliance with our government-to-government relationship with Indian Tribes.
To contact the Board’s Tribal Liaison, contact Ashley Bell at ashley.bell@sboh.wa.gov.
