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Tribal Relations

Per RCW 43.376.020, the Department of Corrections (DOC) makes a reasonable effort to collaborate with Indian tribes in the development of policies, agreements, and program implementation that directly affects tribes. There are 29 federally recognized tribes in the State of Washington.

About

The secretary shall designate a tribal relations liaison who interacts with tribes and reports directly to the secretary.

The tribal relations liaison is responsible for assisting the department in developing and implementing agency policies that promote effective communication and collaboration between the department and tribal governments, and coordinating training of departmental employees in cultural competency in providing effective services to tribal governments and tribal members (RCW 43.376.030).

Tribal Statistics
45.3% Recidivism Rate

45.3% of inmates identifying as American Indian/Alaska Native returned to prison within 36 months of release. (March 2021)

4.9% of Incarcerated Individuals

4.9% of the Department's incarcerated population, or 642 individuals, identify as American Indian/Alaska Native. (December 2021)

4.0% of Supervised Individuals

4.0% of the Department's supervised population, or 527 individuals, identify as American Indian/Alaska Native. (December 2021)

1.5% of Staff

1.5% of staff, or 121 individuals, identify as American Indian/Alaska Native. (December 2021)

1.9% of Citizens

1.9% of Washington state's population, or approximately 147,035 individuals, identify as American Indian/Alaska Native. (US Census Bureau, July 2021)

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Corrections Indian Policy Advisory Committee (CIPAC)

Corrections Indian Policy Advisory Committee (CIPAC) membership consists of delegates appointed by their respective tribal governments within Washington State to represent the interests of the tribe with their citizens involved in the justice system. CIPAC’s function reflects the government-to-government relationship between the Department of Corrections and our sovereign tribes.

Pow Wow Schedule

Any community member interested in attending a Pow-Wow must contact the facility Religious Coordinator at least 55 days prior to the date of the event. Dates are tentative and subject to change due to facility needs.

Date & Location

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Resources

Policies

Procedures

Forms

Laws & Regulations

Below are the state laws (RCWs) that apply to and/or relate to Tribal Relations.

Publications

Reports to the Governor's Office

Per RCW 43.376.020, the Department must submit an annual report to the governor's office on agency activities involving tribal relations.

Resource Links

Department of Corrections is proud to be a workgroup member organization of the Governor's Indian Health Advisory Council.

Contracts

Native American Religious & Cultural Services Contract

Tribal Trust Accounts

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