The state of Washington desires to reaffirm its commitment and responsibility to our state's first citizens, the American Indians. The state of Washington understands that there are 26 federally recognized Indian tribal governments located within the boundaries of the state. These tribal governments have certain rights and governmental authority guaranteed by treaty with the United States or executive order of the President. There is a continuing need to develop and formalize a state-tribal relationship that is based on a government to government interaction. The President of the United States has recently issued an Indian policy statement that emphasizes a commitment to encourage and strengthen tribal governments, to which the state of Washington is likewise committed. The Governor's Office of Indian Affairs has by previous Executive Order (EO 80-02) been established to administer the state's relationship to Indian country.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, John Spellman, Governor of the state of Washington, by virtue of the power vested in me, hereby direct as follows:
A. There shall continue to be in the Governor's Office an office of Indian Affairs, staffed and directed by a person on my staff: Assistant for Indian Affairs.
B. The Assistant for Indian Affairs shall be a member of the Governor's policy staff and will advise on Indian related matters.
C. The Office of Indian Affairs shall have the following responsibilities:
1. Assist the Governor in the development of effective policies and recommend legislation which will guide the state of Washington in its relationships with Indian tribal governments and Indian organizations.
2. Provide assistance to Indian citizens in their efforts to work with state government to resolve mutual problems and concerns.
3. Advise state agencies and departments concerning issues relative to the Indian tribes and organizations of Washington state.
4. Be the Governor's liaison between the state of Washington, Indian tribal governments, and Indian organizations.
5. Be liaison and advisor to the Governor and state agencies on Federal legislation and policies in Indian affairs.
6. Develop for the Governor a program on the appropriate and effective role of state government in intergovernmental a mechanism that involves the participation of governments to better Federal, local, and state and tribal relations.
7. Provide assistance and advice to state agencies and departments which have frequent dealings with Indian country concerning tribal relationships and problems of Indian citizens.
8. That the office begin a program of interaction with the federal government in this region by attending Region X's Indian Service Resource Panel meetings.
9. That a seat on the Washington State Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (est. by EO 82-12) be created for Indian input and occupied by the Assistant for Indian Affairs.
All of the provisions of Executive Order 80-02 (signed January 9, 1980) are hereby rescinded and revoked and be it further directed that EO 82-12 be amended to include item number C 8 of this Executive Order.