Dear friends and neighbors,

I hope you’ve been enjoying the summer, savoring delicious food and sunny weather with family and friends. While the season brings its fair share of relaxation and fun, I’ve also been hard at work. Here’s a look at what I’ve been up to recently:

Nurturing Hemp’s Potential: Insights from Hemp Field Day

Recently, I had the privilege of attending Hemp Field Day and visiting the OSU-Pendleton and WSU-Prosser research centers, where I delved into the world of hemp cultivation and its far-reaching implications. This visit allowed me to gain invaluable insights into various aspects of hemp production, including irrigated and dryland fiber and grain trials, essential oil variety trials, nitrogen management, and dual-purpose production systems. These components are not only vital to the development of a thriving hemp industry but also have profound legislative implications.

Hemp Field Day has reaffirmed my commitment to shaping legislative policies that support the growth of the hemp industry in our state. The knowledge shared at this event will shape policy as we work to create a regulatory framework that promotes responsible and sustainable hemp cultivation, while unlocking its potential to benefit both our economy and environment. I am truly excited about the future prospects of hemp in our state and will continue to advance policies that foster its growth.

Embracing Tradition and Unity: Tribal Canoe Journey

I had the honor of recently attending the Tribal Canoe Journey Landing. This event, hosted this year by the Muckleshoot Tribe, serves as a testament to the importance of cultural appreciation and unity within our Indigenous communities. As your representative, I am committed to championing Indigenous voices and acknowledging their invaluable contributions.

The Tribal Canoe Journey is more than just a celebration; it’s a bridge connecting us to the rich traditions and history of our region’s tribes. It’s a profound display of intertribal connections and cultural exchange that resonates with the values we hold dear as a community. By participating, we honor the wisdom and values passed down through generations.

This event also holds legislative significance by allowing us to gain insights into the challenges faced by our tribal communities. It provides an opportunity to learn firsthand about what tribes need from and can offer to the state, informing our government-to-government relationship. Building relationships with tribal leaders and community members strengthens our collective ability to craft effective policies that reflect their concerns.

By celebrating the Tribal Canoe Journey, we stand united in our commitment to a future that respects and upholds Indigenous rights, values, and traditions.

A week of Protocol following the Canoe Journey was a truly enriching experience. Rep. Donaghy and I had the privilege to witness the warm hospitality of the Muckleshoot Tribe and immerse ourselves in the captivating performances of diverse tribes, showcasing their traditional songs and dances.

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you’ve all had a wonderful summer. I will continue with site visits, tours, and meetings across our district and state through the fall—please reach out if you have any questions or if you’d like to connect. Hope to hear from you soon!

Warmly,

Rep. Shelley Kloba