OLYMPIA — Representative Debra Lekanoff (D-Anacortes) is advancing a legislative agenda grounded in the enduring government-to-government relationship between the State of Washington and its 29 federally recognized tribes. In a challenging budget year, Rep. Lekanoff emphasizes that this partnership is foundational to Washington’s economy, environmental stewardship, public safety, and community wellbeing.
“Tribal Nations are co-managers of our natural resources, major employers, first responders, healthcare providers, and economic engines in both rural and urban communities,” Rep. Lekanoff said. “Honoring treaty rights and tribal sovereignty is not optional: it is essential to who we are as a state.”
Honoring Tribal Partnership and Sovereignty
Throughout the session, Lekanoff is sponsoring and supporting legislation that strengthens sovereignty, upholds treaty-reserved rights, and reinforces meaningful government-to-government collaboration, including:
HB 2435 — Creating the Legislative Office of Indian Affairs
Establishes a dedicated office within the Legislature to improve coordination, consultation, and accountability in state–tribal relations.
HB 2554 — Recognizing Judicially Affirmed and Treaty-Reserved Fishing Rights
Repeals outdated statutory language that conflicts with treaty fishing rights upheld by the courts.
HB 2578 — Tribal Representation on the Fish & Wildlife Commission
Adds four tribal seats to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission, ensuring tribes have a formal role in decisions affecting treaty-reserved resources.
HB 1982 — Vacating Convictions Involving the Exercise of Treaty Rights
Allows individuals to vacate convictions related to lawful fishing practices protected under treaty rights.
HB 2685 — Sharing and Protection of Tribal Data
Protects sensitive tribal data by exempting certain information from public disclosure, respecting tribal sovereignty and preventing misuse of culturally significant or confidential information.
HB 2555 — Medicaid Coverage for Traditional Health Care Practices, which expands access to traditional Indigenous healing practices by allowing Medicaid reimbursement, improving health outcomes while honoring cultural knowledge and practices
“These policies honor the past, present, and future of our lands, waters, and communities,” Lekanoff said.
Protecting Life, Strengthening Systems, Honoring Generations
Lekanoff also continues to prioritize efforts to address the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP) and to strengthen justice systems through tribal partnership and culturally informed approaches.
This work includes:
- Requesting a $200,000 budget proviso to support the state’s MMIWP program
- Advancing a no-cost extension for the Attorney General’s Office as it develops an Office of Indian Affairs, bringing together existing efforts such as the MMIWP cold case unit and work addressing the impacts of Indian boarding schools
- Supporting Indigenous leadership within public safety, including the hiring of a new Native American woman police officer to serve in the MMIWP cold case unit
“Saving one life means saving generations to come,” Rep. Lekanoff said. “This work requires care, respect, and hope. ”
Lekanoff’s legislative priorities reflect ongoing collaboration with Tribal Chairs and council members and a deep commitment to honoring tribal voices in state decision-making. Her work continues to center sovereignty, accountability, and shared responsibility for Washington’s future.