Once, there was no easy recourse for tribes when governments or corporations engaged in one-sided, or unilateral, actions that negatively affected them. But on May 10, a major milestone in the fight for Native sovereignty was reached when Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced a new state policy regarding Washington’s federally-recognized tribes.

“Effective immediately,” Ferguson said, “my office is adopting a consultation and consent policy regarding Washington’s 29 federally-recognized tribes. Going forward my office will obtain free, prior and informed consent before initiating a program or project that directly affects tribes in our state.”

This principle of free, prior and informed consent, (FPIC) goes beyond the customary tradition of merely consulting with tribes about issues that affect them and will require actual consent or permission before proceeding. He went on to state he believes this is the first agency in the state and the first state attorney general’s office in the nation to adopt such a policy.

Quinault Indian Nation President Fawn Sharp, who helped create the new policy, co-moderated the press conference. Attorney General Ferguson acknowledged her as the person “most responsible” for bringing everyone together at the event.

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