Tribes, state agree on "data sovereignty"

The Colville Confederated Tribes signed a formal agreement with the Washington State Department of Commerce last week, committing the state agency to remove administrative barriers, improve communications and ensure data sovereignty in its work with CCT.

Tribal Chairman Jarred-Michael Erickson and Commerce Director Mike Fong signed the agreement on Oct. 23 at a ceremony at the Government Center, according to a news release.

"The Colville Tribes welcomes a chance to work collaboratively with Washington's Department of Commerce," Erickson said. "Their commitment to consult with the tribes on matters which impact us is a positive development, as is the Department's acknowledgment that Colville has a sovereign right to control data generated within Colville's borders. We expect that this agreement will foster strong economic development for the entire area."

It was the second signing ceremony of four such agreements between Commerce and a tribe within Washington state. Fong said he anticipates his department will sign similar agreements with more of the 29 federally recognized tribes in Washington.

Commerce is a multi-faceted state department that touches issues including clean energy, affordable housing, homelessness response, energy, broadband internet and other infrastructure. The department is responsible for issuing and tracking grants to qualifying local and tribal governments and non-profit organizations.

Commerce has executed 123 contracts with federally recognized tribes since May 2023, worth nearly $130 million, according to the release.