Washington State’s 29 federally recognized Native American tribes are sovereign nations, each with governments dedicated to ensuring and enhancing their self-reliance. However, our tribes are also integral to the fabric of Washington State and are deeply rooted in giving back to the broader communities where we reside.
This commitment takes many forms, including substantial investments in our state’s economy. In 2020, tribes in Washington contributed $6.6 billion to the state’s gross domestic product and employed more than 37,000 people across the state. Notably, 72 percent of those employed were non-tribal members.
Our commitment to Washington State extends far beyond the economy.
Washington’s tribes also make significant direct contributions to local communities throughout the state. This includes funding for local government services and philanthropic contributions to non-profit organizations that provide assistance to the most vulnerable and foster community development.
Collectively, these contributions are substantial. In a recent year, tribes spent well over $29.5 million to improve lives and strengthen social bonds. This included at least $10.5 million donated by tribes to local fire, police and other government agencies that help protect and sustain our casinos and other enterprises. Additionally, tribes invested over $3.4 million to address problem gambling, and $2.5 million to support smoking cessation programs across the state. On top of all of that, in 2019 Washington tribes directly contributed more than $13.1 million to charitable organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and the Wounded Warriors Project.
Each tribe tailors its contributions to address local needs.
For example, the Tulalip Tribes Charitable Contributions Funds program has disbursed more than $50 million to nearly 250 non-profit organizations since 1993. The Kalispel Tribe contributes about $1 million every year in charitable giving, boosting arts and culture, social services, education, health care, and environmental conservation in local communities. In 2022, the Suquamish Tribe’s foundation, businesses and government contributed more than $960,000 to local charitable and civic organizations.
Every year WIGA holds an annual gala – this year’s event will be hosted by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians and took place at their Northern Quest Resort and Casino in Airway Heights on September 27 – the proceeds of which go to fund our successful scholarship program. For the 2024-5 school year, WIGA awarded more than $150,000 to 53 recipients and over $1.2 million since the program began in 2006.
Such tribal generosity is common, and we know that these donations make a tremendous difference in people’s lives. Here’s another example: When WIGA interviewed the head of the food bank in Arlington, Washington, she told us when COVID hit and the food bank was struggling to meet surging demand, the Stillaguamish Tribe called her out of the blue to make an unsolicited $300,000 contribution. “I can’t tell you how much those funds did,” to feed hungry children during that difficult period.
From personal experience, I know of stories like that of the Stillaguamish Tribe from all tribes here in Washington. This generosity happens as every tribe steps up to assist neighbors, protect and enhance our natural environment, promote local arts and culture, and address community needs in many other areas.
It may seem contradictory, but it is not. As tribes in Washington work to protect their sovereignty and enhance tribal self-reliance, we are also strengthening our commitment to partnering with others to ensure that our state remains a welcoming, vibrant and nurturing place for all.
For more information about the WIGA Scholarship Gala or to learn more about Washington Tribes visit www.washingtonindiangaming.org.
