Oregon State Police tribal liaison recognized for public service
Glendon Smith works with Oregon’s nine tribal nations on law enforcement, treaty rights and jurisdictional issues
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek presented Glendon Smith with a public service ambassador award in May for his work as the Oregon State Police tribal liaison, according to reporting from Underscore Native News and ICT. Smith, a citizen of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, became the agency’s first full-time tribal liaison in June 2023 after more than a decade working for his tribal nation. His previous roles included associate tribal court judge, secretary-treasurer and chief executive officer of the Tribal Council.
Smith provides training to state troopers and coordinates with tribal police on jurisdictional issues involving treaty rights, fish and game enforcement, cultural artifacts, and missing and murdered Indigenous people, according to the Underscore Native News and ICT. He also facilitates communication between the Oregon State Police and Oregon’s nine tribal nations. Smith said his goal is to help tribes access needed assistance and resources.
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