Upholding Tribal Treaty Rights It is our intent to start this plan in a good way, a right way. We recognize that the land now identified as Pierce County has for thousands of years been the traditional territory and home for the Puyallup Tribe, the Nisqually Tribe, the Squaxin Island Tribe, and the Muckleshoot Tribe. Today, this land is still home to these four federally-recognized tribes. These Tribal governments are sovereign Nations, and their sovereignty is an inherent right that has existed since time immemorial, recognized with a government-to-government relationship by the United States. We respectfully recognize the Puyallup, Nisqually, Squaxin Island, and Muckleshoot people as past, present and future guardians of this land both culturally and legally, as evidenced by their respective treaties, which is the supreme law of the land. These four federally-recognized Tribes in Pierce County prioritize the sustainability of their people and the ecology around them. Today Tribal governments have their own sustainability programs and initiatives with goals and standards that often exceed County, State, and National guidelines. We will work to ensure our sustainability efforts compliment and support the sustainability work of the Tribes around us. In the past, treaties were broken, and tribes were systematically excluded from government decision-making and made to feel invisible. In this plan we commit to working alongside Tribal Nations as co-managers of the land, plants, and animals and actively acknowledging and protecting their treaty rights. We commit to always saving a seat at the table for Tribal representation and being willing to receive feedback regarding our sustainability and carbon emission reduction work. While this will not heal the injustices of the past, we hope a collaborative and inclusive working relationship will serve as an example of how County departments can productively engage with and involve Tribal Nations. Fox Island
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