WHEREAS, The Wenatchi Tribe was one of the four tribes led by Chief Moses to the Colville Reservation; and
     WHEREAS, The Wenatchis were party to the 1855 Walla Walla Treaty which guaranteed the tribe fishing, hunting, and gathering rights; and
     WHEREAS, Article 10 of the 1855 Treaty authorized a reservation of approximately 20,000 acres for the Wenatchis near the mouth of the Icicle River; and
     WHEREAS, The United States Senate ratified the treaty on March 8, 1859; and
     WHEREAS, Today the Wenatchi Tribe is one of the twelve aboriginal tribes of the Colville Confederated Tribes on the Colville Indian Reservation located in the state of Washington; and
     WHEREAS, The Colville Confederated Tribes have been widely recognized for their stewardship of forest lands; and
     WHEREAS, The Wenatchi Tribe has worked tirelessly with other local governments to improve the quality of life and the economic vitality of the Colville area; and
     WHEREAS, The tribal government has contributed tens of thousands of dollars for charities, disasters, and other emergencies throughout the region; and
     WHEREAS, When the state couldn't afford to operate the Colville Fish Hatchery in 1998 and 1999, the Colville Tribes paid to keep it open; and
     WHEREAS, Wenatchi leaders have worked throughout the twentieth century for recognition of their rights and reservation;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives hereby honor the Wenatchi Tribe for their stewardship of the land, their dedication to their heritage, and their tireless efforts to preserve their history and their culture.