The Cowlitz Indian Tribe recently elected six tribal members to three-year terms on its 22-member tribal council.
The council members were elected at the June 4 general council meeting and will be sworn in at the July 9 tribal council meeting. They will serve terms through the end of June 2025, stated a news release.
Each year, members of the tribe are invited to attend the meeting and, if eligible, cast ballots in the election in person or by mail.
The elected members include incumbent Cheryl Bell, incumbent Cassandra Sellards Reck, incumbent Maverick Ryan, Larry Kestner, Kristopher Kitz and Vanessa Robertson.
“On behalf of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, I extend our deepest congratulations to our newly elected and re-elected Tribal Council members,” said Patty Kinswa-Gaiser, the general council chair. “I look forward to hearing from new voices while nurturing strong relationships throughout the council so that, together, we can best fulfill the needs of all the members of our Tribe.”
There were 15 candidates this year, which included three incumbents, who vied for the six seats. Councilwoman Barbara Middaugh decided not to pursue another term, stated the release. Two vacant seats were also at stake.
“The Cowlitz People have chosen these respected leaders. Now, as Tribal Council members, they have the opportunity to serve our Cowlitz People,” Whitney Mosback, the general council secretary, stated in the release. “Together, as a team, we can make great strides and achieve tremendous success for the community. Congratulations on your new role. I look forward to serving alongside you.”
The Cowlitz Indian Tribal Council is a governing body made up of democratically elected members of the tribe. It governs matters related to land management, economic development, service delivery, judicial matters and the tribe’s cultural integrity.
The council also exercises legislative powers regarding tribal membership and enrollment. They also negotiate with federal, state and local governments, along with the councils or governments of other tribes.
Voting in tribal elections is open to all enrolled members of the tribe who are 18 or older. The tribe currently has 4,743 enrolled members, stated the release.
