By Darrell Kirk
Journal contributor
Executive Order 25-10 establishes a comprehensive framework for state-tribal partnerships. Gov. Bob Ferguson has signed a sweeping executive order that will transform how Washington state agencies interact with tribal nations, with significant implications for San Juan County’s relationship with Coast Salish tribes whose ancestral territories include the islands.
Executive Order 25-10, signed Oct. 22 at Ferguson’s first Centennial Accord meeting hosted by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, establishes new requirements for state agencies to engage meaningfully with federally recognized tribes. The order builds upon the historic Centennial Accord, adopted in 1989, which established government-to-government relationships between Washington state and tribal nations whose traditional lands include parts of the state.
The order mandates that cabinet agencies proactively engage with tribal nations on a regular basis, including visiting tribal reservations and attending tribal events to connect with tribal leaders and community members. For San Juan County, this means state agencies will be required to consult early and often on policies, programs or actions that may impact local tribes.
“I’ve visited Tribes across Washington, and I’ve heard from Tribal leaders about how we can improve our partnership with Tribal governments,” Ferguson said at the signing. “I’m putting that feedback into action and laying out my vision for fostering meaningful government-to-government relationships.”
The order defines tribal consultation on the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent, requiring agencies to share relevant information in a timely manner and incorporate tribal expertise into decision-making processes. Agencies must work in good faith to identify and address tribal concerns, providing detailed responses to tribal feedback.
In an interview with the Journal, Josiah French Feld of the Mitchell Bay Nation on San Juan Island emphasized the importance of substantive change. “Meaningful change requires more than language or ceremony—it means shifting actual power and decision-making,” French Feld said. “For government-to-government relationships to work, Tribal governments need consent, not just consultation. That includes shared authority over environmental permits, restoration projects, and climate policy affecting Tribal territories and treaty rights, with equal funding, staffing, and access to data. Co-management can’t mean another seat at the table where someone else calls the shots. If this executive order truly opens the door for Tribes to lead as equal governments, that’s when we’ll start to see real healing on the land.”
San Juan County Council member Justin Paulsen welcomed the executive order while acknowledging the work ahead. “Amplifying the voices of our indigenous populations is a positive,” Paulsen said. “But it is important that we acknowledge that it is just one of many steps that we need to take.”
A key provision requires state agencies that base decisions on “best available science” to account for available and tribally accepted Indigenous knowledge. This recognition of traditional ecological knowledge could affect natural resource management decisions in San Juan County’s marine environment, where tribal fishing and gathering rights remain paramount.
“For generations, Tribal Nations have sought relationships with state leaders built on mutual respect and a meaningful recognition of tribal sovereignty,” said Cowlitz Indian Tribe Chairman William Iyall.” Ferguson’s executive order sets a new standard for engagement that will strengthen the relationship with Washington Tribes.”
The order requires tribal liaisons to report directly to agency heads and participate in agency leadership teams. All cabinet agency heads and the governor’s policy advisors must attend in-person training facilitated by the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs, which focuses on fostering effective communication and collaboration between the state and tribes.
Additionally, the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs will develop tribal consultation guidelines before the 2026 Centennial Accord meeting. Cabinet agencies must incorporate these guidelines into their consultation policies within one year.
The executive order also directs agencies to identify opportunities to support Washington state Native art and culture, and to develop mechanisms for protecting sensitive Indigenous knowledge and tribal information exchanged in government-to-government interactions.
Ferguson elevated the importance of tribal relations by making the GOIA director a permanent member of his executive cabinet. Cabinet agencies must provide progress reports to the Governor’s Office by Jan. 31, documenting their compliance with the new requirements.
