Sovereignty
Dec 5, 2025

Washington tribe appoints its first Tribal Conservation Law Enforcement Officer

Saturday gathering combines political organizing with community charity


December 5, 2025

The Samish Indian Nation is launching a tribal law enforcement program to protect its tribal citizens and natural resources, according to goSkagit. While other tribal law enforcement agencies work directly on reservation, Samish does not have a dedicated reservation, just trust lands spread across the region. The program’s first appointed officer, Brandon Bravo, is working with local jurisdictions, Skagit County officials and neighboring law enforcement agencies to build the Tribal Conservation Law Enforcement Program from the ground up.

Bravo is working on a 911 communication system as well as grant funding to expand the program. Samish Chairman Tom Wooten said the program is a show of tribal sovereignty and reflects the tribe’s commitment to partnering with state and local authorities.

We provide the independent reporting that non-Native, extractive outlets often overlook. We give our communities the context and the facts they need to make informed decisions.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we exist to illuminate tribal government decision-making for everyone who cares about transparency about Native issues. Because the consequences of restricted press freedom affect our communities every day, our trauma-informed reporting is rooted in a deep, firsthand expertise. Every gift helps keep the fire burning. A monthly contribution makes the biggest impact.