WHEREAS, Edward Claplanhoo, Makah Tribal Elder and Statesman, served three terms as the Makah tribal chairman; and
     WHEREAS, Mr. Claplanhoo was recognized as a cultural treasure, inspiration, and mentor to the young and the old in the Makah Nation and all Native American nations; and
     WHEREAS, He was instrumental in involving the people of the Makah Nation in the Ozette archaeological dig and in establishing the Makah Cultural and Research Center at Neah Bay; and
     WHEREAS, Edward Claplanhoo served as the chairman of the board for the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation in Seattle, was an elder of the Neah Bay Assembly of God Church, and was a member of the Makah tribe's higher education committee; and
     WHEREAS, Claplanhoo was also famous for his velvet booming voice as the emcee of the annual Makah Days celebration keeping the event lively and community centered since 1966; and
     WHEREAS, Edward Claplanhoo was a proud Cougar alumni of Washington State University and was officially recognized as an honored graduate; and
     WHEREAS, Edward Claplanhoo was a very active army veteran and was stationed at Fort Worden in Port Townsend and at Fort Lewis near Tacoma; and
     WHEREAS, Edward Claplanhoo donated his land and was one of the most ardent advocates for the construction of the Fort Nunez Gaona-Diah Veterans Park and monument that honors all the veterans of Neah Bay and officially recognizes the site of the original 1779 Spanish Fort and settlement; and
     WHEREAS, Edward Claplanhoo passed on March 14th and is survived by his wife Thelma, his daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Jack Werkau, his son and daughter-in-law, Vern and Marla Tolliver, five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren; and
     WHEREAS, Edward Claplanhoo with his quiet dignity, intellect, passion for his culture, ancestors, and people, and his true commitment to the good of his country brought happiness to all that knew him and pride to his Native Makah Nation;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor the life and life-long achievements of Mr. Edward Claplanhoo on behalf of the State of Washington, the Makah Nation, and all Native Americans.