The Olympia City Council and the Squaxin Island Tribal Council signed a new Accord between the two governments on Thursday, Oct. 7 at Olympia City Hall. Following the signing of the Accord, the flag of the Squaxin Island Tribe was raised over City Hall and will remain a permanent part of the building’s flag display.

"I am so grateful to the City of Olympia for this monumental gesture, raising a Squaxin flag and signing a MOU (Memo of Understanding) with the Squaxin Island Tribe,” said Squaxin Island Tribal Chairman Kris Peters. “The flag is an acknowledgement of the original inhabitants of this area who stewarded these lands and waters since time immemorial and who are still here today. The MOU is an acknowledgement and working agreement between two sovereigns who are partners in the future of this area that we mutually love.”

The agreement commits the two governments to work together on several long-term actions, including supporting economic and infrastructure opportunities, responding to climate change, and promoting a healthy exchange of cultures through public art and community service.

“Everyone in this community will benefit from this MOU. This ensures all decisions from leadership will be made with the mindset of maintaining healthy growth and a healthy economy that promotes diversity, an infusion of art and culture and will always be environmentally conscious," said Peters.

“Our Council is tremendously proud of this agreement with the Squaxin Island Tribe and honored to raise their flag over City Hall,” said Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby. “The Accord formalizes the bond of respect and friendship between our two governing bodies that we cherish. It lays out a shared commitment to work in harmony for the economic, environmental and cultural future for both of our communities.”

“City Hall sits on the ancestral lands of the Squaxin people. It only feels right that the Squaxin flag should fly there,” said Selby.

The City and the Tribe last signed an Accord together in 2015. This new Accord will be renewed every five years to ensure continued evaluation of processes, to update priorities and actions and to celebrate achievements. As part of the Oct. 7 event, the City also unveiled a Land Acknowledgement plaque installed in the City Hall lobby.

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