Cowlitz Indian Tribe Chairman David Barnett dies

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Those who worked with Cowlitz Indian Tribe General Council Chair David Barnett remark on his involvement with work in and outside of the tribal community. 

Barnett died unexpectedly from an apparent heart attack at his home in Shoreline on May 28, the tribe announced the day after.

“He was one of the most dynamic individuals I have ever met,” Washington State Sen. Annette Cleveland said. “He was also one of the most tenacious and he was a force. He was someone who got things done.”

Cleveland, a Vancouver Democrat, said she had known Barnett for more than a decade, most recently as he led the tribe after being elected to the chair position last year. 

“His loss is a blow not only to the Cowlitz Tribe, but to each one of us (in) our region, to our state,” Cleveland said.

The announcement from the tribe said Barnett “led with passion, deep generosity and an unending commitment to the Cowlitz Tribe.”

“His legacy is one that touched the lives of many,” the announcement stated.

Barnett was affiliated with the tribe for his entire life. He was the son of former chair John Barnett, who led the tribe to federal acknowledgement in 2002. His dedication to the tribe was instilled by his father, the announcement stated, and was evident in a number of developments he worked on both during and outside of his time as chairman.

According to the tribe announcement, Barnett had a hand in developing a Cowlitz language conservancy program, implementing vote-by-mail elections, and ensuring COVID-19 relief was distributed among tribal members among other health care-related efforts. He also supported a policy to bring displaced members of the tribe back into enrollment and worked to maximize economic benefits of ilani for equal distribution to all members of the tribe.



As part of the tribe’s succession plan, Barnett is succeeded by Patty Kinswa-Gaiser, who was previously the tribe’s general council vice-chair. Greg Hitchcock has been sworn in as the tribe’s general council vice-chair.

“At this difficult time, the Tribe will pull together to honor (Barnett’s) legacy and continue his vision,” Kinswa-Gaiser said.

Kinswa-Gaiser said she worked closely with Barnett.

“He was not only our chairman, he was my other son,” Kinswa-Gaiser said.

During an event near the Cowlitz reservation commemorating the construction of the Clark College at Boschma Farms campus, she remarked on how much Barnett had been involved with.

“He had his fingers in everything, everywhere,” she said.

Though Kinswa-Gaiser said she had “shorter fingers,” she said there is a team at the tribe who will help finish out what Barnett planned to do and accomplish. 

“I have obligations that he said he would do,” Kinswa-Gaiser said.

Following his death, the tribe took part in a weeklong mourning period, which was marked with flags on its properties flying at half-staff. At the time of the tribe’s announcement of Barnett’s death, details on a memorial for Barnett had not been announced.