RCW 43.376.500: Office of Indian affairs—Creation—Duties.

(1) There is hereby created as a cabinet agency of the governor, the office of Indian affairs.

(2) The office of Indian affairs shall have the following responsibilities:

(a) Assist the governor in the development and review of effective policies and legislation to support the state of Washington in fostering strong and meaningful relationships with federally recognized Indian tribes, whose traditional lands and territories included parts of Washington as described in RCW 43.376.010, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations;

(b) In accordance with RCW 43.376.020, provide a training focused on fostering effective communication and collaboration between the state and federally recognized Indian tribes, whose traditional lands and territories included parts of Washington as described in RCW 43.376.010, which the heads of each executive and small cabinet agency, and each of the governor's policy advisors and executive leadership team members, shall attend;

(c)(i) In partnership with relevant agencies including the department of enterprise services, the office of financial management state human resources, and agency tribal liaisons, expand upon RCW 43.376.020 to produce additional training for state employees.

(ii) The office of Indian affairs shall consult with tribal nations in the development of the training.

(iii) The training shall be made available to state employees in an accessible manner, including but not limited to an electronic, digital format to facilitate access for state employees.

(iv) Cabinet agencies shall work with the office of Indian affairs to determine appropriate staff and timing to receive the training;

(d) Advise state agencies and departments concerning issues relative to federally recognized Indian tribes, whose traditional lands and territories included parts of Washington as described in RCW 43.376.010, and Indian organizations of Washington state;

(e) Be the governor's liaison between the state of Washington, Indian tribal governments, and Indian organizations;

(f) Be liaison and advisor to the governor and state agencies on federal and state legislation and policies in Indian affairs;

(g) In collaboration with state agency tribal liaisons, provide assistance and advice to state agencies, departments, boards, and commissions concerning tribal relationships and issues impacting tribal rights, communities, lands, and interests, and other American Indian or Alaskan Native residents and communities of Washington state;

(h) Regularly convene meetings with tribal nations and relevant state parties to discuss issues of mutual interest in a timely manner; and

(i) Facilitate and convene meetings with tribal leaders annually to implement the Centennial Accords, including the development of the agenda, identifying joint strategies, and achieving specific goals.