Suquamish Tribe, Port of Seattle Sign Agreement to Partner on Environmental and Economic Issues

The Port of Seattle and the Suquamish Tribe have taken an important step in the partnership between the two governments, signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that formalizes working together on key issues, like environmental protection and economic development. The signing ceremony, held Jan. 8 at the Port of Seattle Headquarters on Alaskan Way, was a celebration of the new agreement, with Indigenous drumming, tribal speakers, and gift exchanges sealing the deal.

Leonard Forsman, chairman of the Suquamish Tribe, said the MOA will help preserve and strengthen the tribe's relationship with the Port. "This agreement lays a blueprint for present and future work with the Port of Seattle," Forsman said.

"We have a long history with the Port," he added."In some ways, this is just documenting things that we're already doing. But people and positions change, and sometimes institutional memory fades. We want to make sure this agreement will guide us and educate future stakeholders."

Forsman also commented on the environmental and cultural significance of the agreement, mentioning Chief Seattle's 1854 speech in which he addressed the environment. "In his speech, Chief Seattle expressed concern about the future of the world. I see that concern today," Forsman said. "As Suquamish people, we are marine people. The waters and natural resources behind us are integral to our culture, spirituality, and way of life. This agreement ensures that these resources are protected for future generations."

Port of Seattle Commission President Toshiko Hasegawa, who assumed the position at the start of the year, played a key role in advancing the MOA and fostering collaboration with the Suquamish Tribe. "This is a new beginning. This agreement is a commitment," Hasegawa said. "It's a representation of intentionality — of moving forward in economic development, mutual support, and clear communication with each other."

She also underscored the historic nature of the MOA, noting, "[i]n the last three years, we've established an MOA with the Muckleshoot and the Suquamish [tribes], and I've been proud to serve as tribal liaison for the last two years. To see it culminate in something like today, a ceremony with the tribal council and four out of five commissioners present — this is unprecedented for government-to-government relationships."

The MOA reflects shared values around climate change and preserving clean water in the Puget Sound. Forsman pointed out the importance of protecting treaty-reserved fishing rights, emphasizing the need to recognize the impacts on fishing in local waters. "What we worked on was making sure we analyzed the impacts on fishing in Elliott Bay and ensuring those were acknowledged and recognized in the [shore power project] agreement," Forsman said.

Port of Seattle Executive Director Stephen Metruck echoed Forsman's remarks, emphasizing the Port's commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable practices. "Along with our commission, I share the goal to weave tribal government involvement through all the facets of our operations and activities." Metruck added, "The MOA lays out all the different ways that we will interact through various activities and operations between the Port and the Suquamish Tribe. There are many ways that we can work together — to create opportunities and advance our shared values for sustainable and equitable economic development and advancement."

Salmon recovery remains a priority, with Forsman adding, "We're working with the Muckleshoot Tribe and their efforts, as well as our own, to increase salmon survival and create more opportunities for fishermen."

The MOA also provides an opportunity for increased economic collaboration. Rion Ramirez, CEO of Port Madison Enterprises, the economic development arm of the Suquamish Tribe, expressed optimism about the collaborative effort. "Ports have always been a hub for economic opportunity and growth," Ramirez said. "We're excited to grow our relationship with the Port, especially in our ancestral homelands, and to explore opportunities that benefit both the Tribe and the region."

Ideas for growth stated in the MOA include integrating tribal fisheries into cruise ship operations and identifying environmental rehabilitation projects. The ceremony also featured a Suquamish tribal presentation of a red cedar paddle with the Suquamish logo, symbolizing unity and the shared journey of the Tribe and the Port.

The MOA formalizes a relationship that has been evolving for decades and provides a structured approach to addressing shared concerns. Forsman summed up the significance of the agreement: "This is about ensuring our voices are heard, our resources are protected, and our community thrives."

Metruck emphasized the importance of commitment, saying, "The greatest gifts you can give are your time and your commitment to this relationship. Every time your Tribe offers engagement and partnership, it is a gift and a validation that we are on the same best path together."