Cowlitz Indian Tribe

On February 22, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe came together to celebrate a significant milestone – the 25th anniversary of our federal recognition. While our official recognition date is February 14, we marked this special occasion with a celebration dinner and program at ilani. The evening featured inspiring messages from dignitaries like Governor Bob Ferguson and Senator Maria Cantwell, as well as powerful stories shared by our elders and advocates who tirelessly fought for our recognition. We offer our sincere gratitude to all those who joined us.

This past December, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe through the work of the Cowlitz Tribal Foundation was honored to distribute nearly 30,000 essential items to Clark County nonprofits, including @Akin_Family_WA and their Family Resource Center in Washougal. We believe that true community support goes beyond financial contributions; it’s about uplifting families, providing hope, and strengthening futures. Akin’s work in counseling, parent education, and resource support is vital for families throughout Washington State - thank you for letting us be a part of it. #CowlitzCares ?? Sharing a Moment of Gratitude: "We wanted to give our heartfelt thanks for the food donations you gave to our East County Family Resource Center (FRC). ...Many families have been served not only with the food you gave but also with the hope it brought. It's through partnerships like yours that I believe our community can be served best. Thank you for doing more than give monetarily. While the season upon us can zero our focus in on gifts, consumerism, and things alike, you've shown kindness and support through time and attention. A very 'against the grain' approach. Yet, it shows the heart of your organization and the life you live daily." - Reuban Cottingham, Regional Director of Akin Southwest Washington

Chairman Iyall had the honor of testifying in front of the House Appropriations Subcommittee last week in Washington D.C. The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is committed to advocating for the interests of our people and Indian Country as a whole. The representation of our Tribe on a national stage is an incredible privilege - we appreciate the Subcommittee’s dedication to providing essential funding and urge it’s prioritization to ensure the future well-being of our people and lands. Watch Chairman Iyall's testimony here: https://bit.ly/3QSzk3X

The Cowlitz Pow Wow Committee is seeking an artist to design the logo for the 26th Annual Cowlitz Pow Wow! The 2025 Theme is “Honoring Our Heritage”. Art submissions must follow four guidelines: follow the theme, designs must be Pow Wow related, limit of 4 colors, and incorporate a Medicine Wheel in the artwork. All ages are encouraged to participate. The art will be used for advertising and merchandise purposes and the chosen artwork will receive a $500 stipend. The deadline to submit artwork is March 15th! Please send art submissions to [email protected].

Through trust-based philanthropic values, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe's Cowlitz Tribal Foundation works in partnership with various organizations to help reduce barriers and support ongoing missions to support communities who need support the most. In 2024, over $50,000 in funding and physical items were distributed to organizations whose work makes an immediate impact for those experiencing greatest needs. #CowlitzCares

Cowlitz Students and Parents - The 2025-26 Cowlitz Tuition Assistance application is now open! The Tuition Assistance award is available to Cowlitz Tribal members working towards obtaining one of the following: a vocational certificate; associate, bachelor, or master/doctorate degree; and GED. The Tuition Assistance award is also available to students dually enrolled in high school and college. Required documents to receive this benefit are proof of enrollment, Cowlitz Tribal ID, and application forms (CIT will send documents to students after students’ inquiry and CIT review). For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/42JsHZ7 Questions? Email [email protected] or call (360) 353-9497

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is thrilled to congratulate and welcome our newest Tribal Council member, Rosalie Fish! Rosalie’s time on Tribal Council started last week, with her term running through 2026. We look forward to your contributions and insight, Rosalie!

Pancakes and Parenting Plans is coming up this Tuesday! Cowlitz Tribal Member Services (CTMS) has partnered with the Northwest Justice Project’s Native American Unit to host Pancakes and Parenting Plans – a presentation (served with pancakes ??) on creating a parenting plan this Tuesday, February 11 at the DuPont office from 10:00am – 12:00pm. After the presentation, there will be an opportunity for attendees to have a one-on-one legal appointment. Appointments will take place from 12:30-4:30pm the same day. This event is FREE! Sign up and learn more today: https://bit.ly/40x0NOp

Just last year, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe through the work of the Cowlitz Tribal Foundation, provided over $5.3 million in grants to organizations throughout Washington State. Stay tuned as we continue to highlight some of the organizations making a difference in the lives of our communities! #CowlitzCares

Happy Foundation Friday! Did you know that the Cowlitz Indian Tribe supported 94 nonprofit organizations in 2024? Through the work of the Cowlitz Tribal Foundation, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe is able to give-back to organizations having a positive influence on thousands of individuals in Washington State. #CowlitzCares