HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2017-4644, by Representatives Kretz and Maycumber

WHEREAS, Mr. Mel Tonasket is a member of the Colville Business Council, the governing body of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Indian Reservation, located in north central Washington; and

WHEREAS, At around 1.3 million acres, the Confederated Tribes of Colville is the second largest reservation in the state and one of the largest employers in Okanogan and Ferry counties; and

WHEREAS, Since 1970, Mr. Tonasket has served as an elected official in various leadership positions for the Colville Tribes, including Chairman and Vice Chairman; and

WHEREAS, From 1973 to 1976, Mr. Tonasket served as the President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) where he led the Colville Tribes' successful efforts against termination and mobilized support for major tribal legislation, including the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and the Indian Child Welfare Act; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Tonasket was a member of the American Indian Policy Review Commission for two years and has represented the United States Tribal Governments at the World Council of Indigenous Peoples and at the Inter-American Indigenous Conference in Brazil; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Tonasket has spent his entire adult life working to increase opportunities and resources for the Colville Tribes; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Tonasket has a passion for encouraging, teaching, and instilling the Colville Tribes' unique heritage into the youth of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Indian Reservation; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Tonasket's tireless vision and passion have resulted in unprecedented economic prosperity, social reform, and communal hope not only for the Colville Tribes, but also for local surrounding communities and his leadership has helped to spawn a new generation of active, involved, and dedicated young people;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That as Mr. Mel Tonasket enters retirement, the House of Representatives recognize him for his service; dedication; and commitment to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Indian Reservation and other indigenous peoples around the state, nation, and world; and honor his continued vision for the same; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Mel Tonasket and the representatives of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Indian Reservation.