Tribal Relations

Per RCW 43.376.020, the Department of Corrections (DOC) makes a reasonable effort to collaborate with Indian tribes in the development of policies, agreements, and program implementation that directly affects tribes. There are 29 federally recognized tribes in the State of Washington.

About

The secretary shall designate a tribal relations liaison who interacts with tribes and reports directly to the secretary. The tribal relations liaison is responsible for assisting the department in developing and implementing agency policies that promote effective communication and collaboration between the department and tribal governments, and coordinating training of departmental employees in cultural competency in providing effective services to tribal governments and tribal members (RCW 43.376.030).

Tribal Statistics

Corrections Indian Policy Advisory Committee (CIPAC)

Corrections Indian Policy Advisory Committee (CIPAC) membership consists of delegates appointed by their respective tribal governments within Washington State to represent the interests of the tribe with their citizens involved in the justice system. CIPAC's function reflects the government-to-government relationship between the Department of Corrections and our sovereign tribes.

Powwow Schedule

Any community member interested in attending a Powwow must contact the facility Religious Coordinator at least 55 days prior to the date of the event. Dates are tentative and subject to change due to facility needs.

Resources

Policies

• DOC 200.000 Trust Accounts for Offenders
• DOC 420.115 Special Escorted Leave for Funerals/Deathbed Visits on Tribal Lands

Forms

• DOC 02-222 Family Ancestry Chart
• DOC 21-966 Donation Approval Request

Laws & Regulations

Below are the state laws (RCWs) that apply to and/or relate to Tribal Relations.

• RCW 43.376.010 Definitions.
• RCW 43.376.020 Government-to-government relationships—State agency duties.
• RCW 43.376.030 State agency tribal liaison.

Publications

• Tribal Resource Directory for American Indian and Alaska Natives

Reports to the Governor's Office

Per RCW 43.376.020, the Department must submit an annual report to the governor's office on agency activities involving tribal relations.

• 2023 Centennial Accord Agency Highlights (p. 14)
• 2022 Centennial Accord Agency Highlights (p. 11)
• 2021 Centennial Accord Agency Highlights (p. 12)
• 2020 Centennial Accord Agency Highlights (p. 13-14)
• 2019 Centennial Accord Agency Highlights (p. 10-11)
• 2018 Centennial Accord Agency Highlights (p. 11-12)
• 2017 Centennial Accord Agency Highlights (p. 8)

Resource Links

Department of Corrections is proud to be a workgroup member organization of the Governor's Indian Health Advisory Council.

• Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians
• American Indian Community Center
• American Indian Health Commission
• National Congress of American Indians
• Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board
• Seattle Indian Health Board
• Small Tribes Organization of Western Washington (STOWW)
• South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency (SPIPA)
• Unkitawa
• Washington State Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force

Contracts

Native American Religious & Cultural Services Contract

• Department of Corrections Contract No. K12713 (1/2022, signatures on file)

Tribal Trust Accounts

• Tribal Law Exemption List – Tribal Funds
• Frequently Asked Questions – Tribal Funds