WHEREAS, Adeline "Hattie" Black passed away January 19, 2018. Hattie was the eldest member of the Swinomish Indian Tribal community, born September 8, 1917. Hattie's well-lived life reflected many crucial stories to the history of her community; and

WHEREAS, Hattie grew up in a magical world, one profoundly tied to place: The water, open sky and lush landscape of the western Swinomish shoreline all inspired her. She delighted in picking wild lilies at Kukutali, watching fishermen work the fish traps near her home, and visiting her favorite spot: The tall fir at Lone Tree; and

WHEREAS, Hattie's family history provided a strong and firm tie to Lone Tree until the end of her life. Hattie was raised in a household run by women who managed their own small truck farm; she was educated first and foremost by her grandmother; and

WHEREAS, Educated in the La Conner School District from 1928 to 1940, Hattie entered a world that could not have been easy for her. Nevertheless, Hattie persevered and she came to greatly enjoy her school years. She helped ease the transition of other Native children into the classroom. She participated in many extra-curricular activities such as musicals and plays; she delighted when her classmates made the long hike out to Lone Tree from town; and

WHEREAS, Before graduating from high school, Hattie's grandmother passed away and she decided to make it out on her own. Hattie had become a nanny for a family of five when Congress created the Women's Army Corps. After enlisting and being assigned, Hattie served as an Air Operation Specialist in Brooks Air Force Base in Texas. She served until 1946 and reflected that her period of service was one of the happiest times of her life and was proud to be part of the efforts during WWII; and

WHEREAS, Hattie then married Roy Black and spent the following years traveling the world; from Jerusalem to Egypt to Alaska. She once again returned to the Swinomish Reservation in 2004 where she was cared for by her friends and later by Shuksan Healthcare center; and

WHEREAS, Hattie's long-lived life, allowed the Swinomish Tribe to document and archive crucial memories in order to help tell her story to future generations. Some of her personal historic donations include: Historic photographs, her grandmother's basket, and even her World War II uniform. On her 100th birthday, Hattie was presented with songs of honor and she ended her day by walking up to Lone Tree to see "her tree," called da-chook-hay in her native Lushootseed; and

WHEREAS, It is with great sadness to let go of a well-rooted member of the Swinomish Tribe, but may we honor and remember her in the history she left behind;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize and honor Adeline "Hattie" Black; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the family of Adeline "Hattie" Black and to President Brian Cladoosby.