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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
44.5% Recidivism Rate

44.5% of inmates identifying as American Indian/Alaska Native returned to prison within 36 months of release. (March 2020)

5.9% of Inmates

5.9% of the Department's incarcerated population, or 957 individuals, identify as American Indian/Alaska Native. (June 2020)

1.5% of Staff

1.5% of staff, or 136 individuals, identify as American Indian/Alaska Native. (June 2020)

1.8% of Citizens

1.8% of Washington state's population, or approximately 136,590 individuals, identify as American Indian/Alaska Native. (Washington State Office of Financial Management, September 2019)

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Pow Wow Schedule

A community member cannot attend a pow wow unless they first contact the correctional facility religious coordinator or Winona Stevens by phone at (253) 212-9227 or email at least 45 days prior to the event.

Update: The Pow Wows scheduled for calendar year 2020 have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic public health precautions.

Date & Location

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Resources

Policies

Forms

Laws & Regulations

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

Publications

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

Resource Links

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

Native American Religious & Cultural Services Contract

Tribal Trust Accounts

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