About Us
In 2021, Ordinance 126512 created an Indigenous Advisory Council to advise city government on issues affecting American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people residing in Seattle. The Indigenous Advisory Council builds and strengthens Indigenous representation and Indigenous knowledge in public policy processes by promoting and advancing priorities and solutions identified by and for Indigenous communities.
The Indigenous Advisory Council advises the Mayor, City Council, and City departments on policies, budgets, programs, services, and projects directly affectingIndigenous populations including American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people. The City of Seattle's government-to-government relationship with Tribal Nations continues to be fulfilled by the Office of Intergovernmental Relations
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Who We Are
The Indigenous Advisory Council consists of nine members representing Indigenous communities. All members shall demonstrate a commitment to advancing Indigenous knowledge, values, and priorities with the goal to improve access and advance City services to better serve Indigenous people in an equitable way.
- Position 1 & 2: A member of an Indigenous Tribe located in Washington State and nominated by the respective tribal council as their official delegate
- Position 3: A member of an Indigenous Tribe and nominated by the respective tribal council as their official delegate
- Position 4: An Indigenous youth aged 18-29
- Position 5: An Indigenous elder aged 50 or older
- Position 6-9: A representative from an urban Indian organization and nominated by the Board of Directors of the respective urban Indian organization
Positions 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7 are appointed by the City Council. Positions 3, 4, 8, and 9 are appointed by the Mayor. All nine members are subject to confirmation by a majority vote of the City Council.
Terms for all positions are two years, except that the initial term for positions 1, 4, 6, and 8 are one year. Members may serve up to four consecutive terms. If the Department of Neighborhoods has found no interested and qualified person to recommend to the appointment authority for that position, members may serve additional terms.