This year we celebrated the Master of Public Administration’s 20th anniversary of the Tribal Governance concentration.

This celebration was held on January 29th at the House of Welcome (The Longhouse). We were so happy to welcome Dr. Linda Moon Stumpff’s return visit to give keynote remarks, as well as to have longtime supporters of the Tribal Governance program in attendance, including current Evergreen President John Carmichael; current Evergreen Provost David McAvity; Native Cases Institute director and former Provost Dr. Barbara Smith; and former Evergreen President Les Purce.

For a bit of history, the first Tribal Governance cohort started in 2002, and graduated in 2004. Ten cohorts in total have graduated since the creation of the program, and this year marks the 11th Tribal Governance cohort.

The event provided an opportunity for attendees to re-connect with fellow graduates and guests, as well as guest speakers and an alumni panel. Many guests stayed until the end of the event to listen, share, and enjoy the comradery at the House of Welcome.

Recognizing the 11th cohort of Tribal Governance students

Opening Remarks from our President, John Carmichael

As part of the celebration, Tribal Council Vice Chair, of Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe Loni Grinnell-Greninger, MPA 2016 spoke on behalf of Tribal Chair Ron Allen who was part of the planning of the Tribal Governance concentration creation in the late 1990’s.

“This MPA Tribal Governance Pathway creates an environment and accurate academic program that teaches Indian students of their cultural identity, historical roots and how to understand what governing a Tribe means today. Through this program, one of our own citizens (Loni Grinnell-Greninger), was able to find healing and understanding of historic trauma. From this experience, Loni has been able to pass on her knowledge tribal and non-native peoples alike to bring awareness of historic trauma and how it can affect tribal communities and our relationships with the outside communities. Knowledge is powerful in the healing process; for our people it brings resilience that we pass onto others”

Excerpt from Chairman, Ron Allen, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe

Tribal Council Vice Chair, of Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe Loni Grinnell-Greninger, MPA 2016

Highlights of the event also included the honorable Barbara Smith, who was the Provost during the creation of the Tribal Governance concentration. Barbara shared the origin and history of the Master of Public Administration Tribal Governance concentration. Her deep knowledge of the founding illustrated what an innovation the Tribal Governance concentration was at the time of its creation.

The former Provost and honorable Barbara Smith

Our Keynote speaker was founding faculty member Linda Moon Stumpff. We were honored to learn from her presence, experience and institutional knowledge. Linda’s speech not only looked to the foundation of the Tribal Governance concentration, but to future growth as well. When she finished her lecture filled with memories, adventures, and growth; Linda received a standing ovation for her contributions to the program and the Tribal Governance concentration specifically.

Our Founding Faculty, Linda Moon Stumpff, Keynote speaker

Many individuals contributed towards the creation of our Tribal Governance concentration, we are fortunate to have so many community members who wanted to be a part of this new academic opportunity and celebrate those whose hard work is the lifeblood of the concentration.

One person who was deeply dedicated to the program and concentration was founding faculty member, Alan Parker. A segment of our event paid tribute to the memory of the Alan. Alan’s contribution to the program and concentration cannot be overstated. He was a founder, advocate and mentor. Community members were able to share their experiences with attendees in a heartfelt dedication to all of Alan’s work.

The celebration concluded with an alumni panel with alumni from 2004, 2006, and 2020. Our moderator was a 2022 graduate, Kyle Pittman. We appreciated these alumni sharing their remembrances of the program, key lessons and their professional growth outside of the program.

Below alumni panelist from left to right: Dr. Mary DuPuis (Chehalis), MPA 2006, Dr. Marla Conwell (Chehalis), MPA 2006, Lorraine Van Burnt (Colville Confederated Tribes), MPA 2004, Adam Flores (Chehalis), MPA 2020, and Jan Ward (Chumash), MPA 2006

We want to thank all those who came out to the 20th Tribal Governance celebration! We are proud of our graduates, our founding faculty and all of those who keep the concentration running. See you at the 40th Tribal Governance Celebration!