Tribal Relations
Tribal Statistics
42.1% recidivism rate
42.1% of inmates identifying as American Indian/Alaska Native returned to prison within 36 months of release. (March 2018)
4.9% of inmates
4.9% of the Department's incarcerated population, or approximately 880 individuals, identify as American Indian/Alaska Native. (March 2018)
1.6% of staff
1.6% of staff, or 137 individuals, identify as American Indian/Alaska Native. (June 2018)
1.9% of citizens
1.9% of Washington state's population, or approximately 138,472 individuals, identify as American Indian/Alaska Native. (U.S. Census Bureau, July 2016)
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.
Agency Tribal Liaison
The secretary shall designate a tribal liaison, who interacts with tribes and reports directly to the secretary.
The tribal 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).
Annual Report
Per RCW 43.376.020, the Department must submit an annual report to the governor's office on agency activities involving tribal relations.
- 2017 Centennial Accord Agency Highlights (pdf) (p. 8)
- 2016 Centennial Accord Agency Highlights (pdf) (p. 10-11)
- 2015 Centennial Accord Agency Highlights (pdf) (p. 8-9)
- 2014 Centennial Accord Agency Highlights (pdf) (p. 7-8)
All state tribal relations reports can be found at the Governor's Office of Indian Affairs (GOIA).