WHEREAS, Kenneth C. Hansen, Chairman of the Samish Indian Nation,
passed away July 26, 2006, following an extended illness; and
WHEREAS, Ken was born and raised in Washington state, received his
bachelor's degree from Antioch University in Seattle, and served on the
Samish Tribal Council; and
WHEREAS, Ken was instrumental in the Samish Nation's federal
recognition in 1996, fought a 26-year battle for federal re-recognition
for the Samish Nation, and carried on the fight for tribal sovereignty
and self-determination; and
WHEREAS, Ken led efforts to maintain a resurgence of the Samish
native language, and to preserve the history and heritage of the Samish
Nation; and
WHEREAS, Ken used his political savvy and eloquent speech to bring
public and governmental attention to tribal issues such as
environmental pollution and the infant mortality crisis; and
WHEREAS, Ken was nationally recognized as a driving force for
Native American rights; and
WHEREAS, Having been considered an expert in tribal economic
development, Ken secured grant funding for the benefit of Native
American nations throughout the coastal region; and
WHEREAS, Ken's legacy of courage and perseverance encourages us all
to always fight for what we know is right; and
WHEREAS, Ken is survived by his mother Mary Hansen, former Samish
tribal secretary; brother Roger; stepdaughters Krista and Keshema; and
their mother Deborah May; and
WHEREAS, We all mourn the loss of Kenneth C. Hansen and will miss
his contributions not only to the Samish Nation, but to the entire
state of Washington;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate
honor the service, devotion, and caring spirit of Kenneth Charles
Hansen and extend its deepest condolences to his family, the Samish
people, and his many friends; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be
immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the
Washington State Senate, the family of Kenneth C. Hansen, and the
Samish Indian Nation.