Dear Tribal Members,

For the Muckleshoot people, 2024 will be an important year for our fishing rights and sovereignty. On February 12th, 1974, we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Boldt Decision, a court case that reaffirmed what we have always known to be true, and that is the right to fish our ancestral waters, as we have since time began. Fifty years ago, this critical decision created a ripple effect that created opportunities for our economy, sparked a revival of our culture and resources, and opened up the way for our people. I was born during this time and have seen firsthand how this decision impacted our community. 

Fifty years ago, our families were struggling and our right to provide for our families was questioned and criminalized. Immediately after the Boldt Decision, the waters were a warzone. I remember those days, being a young child on the deck of our boat and seeing the courage and perseverance our people showed as they faced extreme racism while activating our treaty rights. Witnessing this turned me into who I am today: someone who is always willing to jump into action to protect our people, whether on the deck of a boat or in a Congressional hearing room.  I will always fight for the Muckleshoot Tribe; I always have and always will.  

The Boldt Decision was not just about fishing; it also made tribes equal partners with the state. This rightful seat at the table is where we should be. Since then, we’ve built some of the country's most successful salmon management programs, and our lands are thriving because of it.  Over the past fifty years, we have watched our salmon runs return. As a Muckleshoot person, I know this is the work we should be doing. We must use our treaty rights and our sovereignty to improve our ecosystem and, in turn, improve our Muckleshoot Community.  

For fifty years, we have worked together as a tribe to create the programs and economics we see today. There is still work to be done, but we cannot deny that we’ve come a long way. This makes me proud to be Muckleshoot.    
Nowadays, I’m inspired by the younger generations who are full of promises and answering their Ancestor’s prayers. They are taking opportunities and finding purpose through our culture. I see them making strides that make me feel so good about the future of our people.  

Twelve years ago, I took an oath to serve my community, and at that moment, the story of the Boldt Decision flashed before my eyes. I have spent these years thinking of how so much of my life benefitted from the work of our Ancestors and the Elders who solidified the revival of our Muckleshoot lifeways. I have used this perspective to guide my decisions as your Councilmember. Please let me continue to do this for you and our community.     

Over the past 12 years as your Councilmember, I’ve taken action in big and small ways to enact the vision of our ancestors. This includes land acquisition and programs to support stewardship of those lands. It includes advocating at the local and federal levels, holding the government accountable for obligations to our sovereignty, and environmental justice and cleanup efforts. This looks like the biggest fish passage in the United States right here on the White River, relief funding for displaced fishers, expansion of our school campus, the first classroom in the United States located on U.S. Forest Service lands, and more, all of which have been mobilized in my time as your Councilmember. We’ve come a long way, and I’m proud to have been part of the progress. But I have more I want to do.  

I’m always thinking about policies and contributing to programs that open up opportunities for future generations to be who they were born to be, Muckleshoot.  For some, that means language, stories, canoe society, powwow, song and dance, our religions, fishing, hunting, and harvesting. Each of these pillars of our culture is woven together to create a strong and healthy community. I am committed to cultivating these gifts in our community and protecting these blessings.   While we have made great strides these past 50 years, we still have many challenges– and I can be trusted to face these challenges head-on as your Councilmember.    

On January 15th, I ask that you use one of those votes for me, Louie Ungaro. Please get in touch with me if you’d like to discuss anything – you can reach me at 253-561-4513.  

Sincerely,  
Louie Ungaro