My fellow Muckleshoot Indian Tribal members,

I know there is growing concern within our Tribal Community about new rules, policies, and directives during the current transition to the new administration in Washington D.C.

I want to assure you all that Muckleshoot Tribal Council is closely monitoring the situation and proactively working to protect the Treaty Rights, Sovereignty, and interests we have always fought to uphold.

Throughout U.S. history, change and uncertainty are expected elements to come with the transfer of power. But this year, with the election of President Donald Trump, the volume, tone, and intensity of these changes is more pronounced than anytime in recent memory.

In the first days of his presidency, President Trump signed dozens of executive orders, repealed many of President Biden’s actions, began a new immigration crackdown, and pardoned more than 1,500 people convicted for taking part in the January 6, 2021 riots.

He also signed nearly 50 Executive Orders and Presidential Memoranda that touch Indian Country.

This is concerning to the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and all Native People. Whether it is directing the Secretary of the Interior to revert the name of North America’s highest peak, Denali, to the previous name of “Mount McKinley;” or rescinding the Department of the Interior’s Equity Action Plan and possibly shelving its federal employee training videos intended to provide workers an understanding of Treaty Rights, reserved rights, and Tribal consultations, these changes could have real consequences.

In addition, misleading news articles have been circulating regarding President Trump’s Executive Order on birthright citizenship and how American Indian citizenship is now in question. These articles have misconstrued the current law and have caused some anxiety within our community.

To be clear, the citizenship of American Indians is not in question.

President Trump’s initial executive orders and actions are evolving each day. As he confirms his cabinet and executive staff to carry out his priorities, we will continue tracking how the implementation of these orders impact Tribal Nations.

Above all, we have always and will continue to fight for our Treaty Rights and Tribal Sovereignty no matter who is in office in Washington D.C. Whatever comes next, we walk this road together as Muckleshoot Tribal members and our strength and resilience come from our continuity of community and our culture.

Now is the time to come together as a Tribe and support each other and look out for one another as has been our way for generations. There will be opportunities and obstacles in the upcoming months, as there always are, but together we can handle anything.

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Sincerely,
Jaison Elkins, Chairman,
Muckleshoot Tribal Council