SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1991-8658

By Senators Snyder, Bailey, Talmadge, Conner, A. Smith, McMullen, Johnson, L. Smith and Skratek

     WHEREAS, The Chinook, Cowlitz, Duwamish, Samish, Snohomish, Snoqualmie, and Steilacoom Tribes of Washington have not been officially recognized by the bureau of Indian affairs on behalf of the United States government; and

     WHEREAS, Federal recognition of these tribes will restore tribal sovereignty, improve tribal governance, clarify tribal status, and establish important tribal rights, powers, and privileges; and

     WHEREAS, These tribes are petitioning the bureau of Indian affairs to secure official federal recognition; and

     WHEREAS, Federal legislation is needed to improve current procedures by which tribes must petition for federal recognition;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Washington petition the Congress of the United States to confer the status of federally recognized tribes upon the Chinook, Cowlitz, Duwamish, Samish, Snohomish, Snoqualmie, and Steilacoom Tribes of Washington, and that federal legislation be enacted guaranteeing to all tribes the right to seek federal recognition under a clear, unbiased, and timely administrative procedure; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to all members of the Congress of the United States representing the people of the State of Washington.