1 00:00:10,060 --> 00:00:13,217 It's really an honor to be here with so many 2 00:00:13,217 --> 00:00:17,460 representatives of both the parties that participated 3 00:00:17,460 --> 00:00:20,568 participated directly in the negotiation as well 4 00:00:20,568 --> 00:00:23,899 as their upper level leadership and representatives 5 00:00:23,899 --> 00:00:29,315 from our congressional offices and many other places like too 6 00:00:29,315 --> 00:00:33,179 many folks here to really name and appreciate for being 7 00:00:33,179 --> 00:00:35,399 here but again thank you to each and every one 8 00:00:35,399 --> 00:00:37,814 of you for for being here today it's an important 9 00:00:37,814 --> 00:00:39,091 day for the Skagit River. 10 00:00:39,091 --> 00:00:41,399 I think we're all aware of how important it is. 11 00:00:41,399 --> 00:00:46,917 This is a groundbreaking event and I'm very excited to be 12 00:00:46,917 --> 00:00:49,500 here with all of you today. 13 00:00:49,500 --> 00:00:52,896 The agreement reflects years of hard work with a lot of entities 14 00:00:52,896 --> 00:00:54,500 but in particular the tribes. 15 00:00:54,500 --> 00:00:57,401 The tribes have put a lot of effort into educating 16 00:00:57,401 --> 00:01:00,020 the city and all the parties around the table 17 00:01:00,020 --> 00:01:03,020 about how important the Skagit River is to their 18 00:01:03,020 --> 00:01:06,019 cultural, spiritual, and economic way of life. 19 00:01:06,019 --> 00:01:09,322 And so with that, I would like to invite the speakers from 20 00:01:09,322 --> 00:01:12,554 the tribes and all the other speakers that we have today 21 00:01:12,554 --> 00:01:16,164 to come and stand up front, and we'll get started with 22 00:01:16,164 --> 00:01:18,040 the remarks for the day. 23 00:01:18,040 --> 00:01:23,155 So first up, I'd like to have Chairman Maltos. 24 00:01:23,155 --> 00:01:28,540 Is Chairman Maltos here from the Sauk-Suiattle tribe? 25 00:01:28,540 --> 00:01:32,787 If not, I'd like to invite Chairman Steve Edwards 26 00:01:32,787 --> 00:01:34,858 up to start our remarks. 27 00:01:34,858 --> 00:01:38,102 And then if all the other speakers who are scheduled 28 00:01:38,102 --> 00:01:40,819 could come and stand up in front of the room. 29 00:01:40,819 --> 00:01:42,078 So sorry about that. 30 00:01:42,078 --> 00:01:45,376 Instead of Chairman Maltos, we have Jack Fiender, who 31 00:01:45,376 --> 00:01:48,599 is the legal counsel for the Sauk-Suiattle Indian tribe. 32 00:01:48,599 --> 00:01:50,492 So, Jack, could you say a few words on 33 00:01:50,492 --> 00:01:51,819 behalf of the Sauk-Suiattle? 34 00:01:51,819 --> 00:01:52,140 Thank you. 35 00:01:55,159 --> 00:01:59,920 Thank you, Seattle. 36 00:01:59,920 --> 00:02:03,659 Well, you're named after us, you know. 37 00:02:06,519 --> 00:02:08,560 Except for the spelling, you're a little off. 38 00:02:13,377 --> 00:02:14,979 For the past seven years, 39 00:02:17,240 --> 00:02:21,419 we've basically been locked in rooms 40 00:02:21,419 --> 00:02:23,758 with the City Light staff. 41 00:02:23,758 --> 00:02:29,906 And I think that's helped our relationship between the 42 00:02:29,906 --> 00:02:34,157 tribes and the city that you're named after. 43 00:02:36,520 --> 00:02:40,989 Through that process, we were able to share 44 00:02:40,989 --> 00:02:44,340 Information, share our skills. 45 00:02:46,479 --> 00:02:47,848 I think mr. 46 00:02:47,848 --> 00:02:53,633 Townsend will agree that -- not to put words in 47 00:02:53,633 --> 00:02:58,800 YOUR MOUTH, CHRIS, BUT I THINK you were impressed with 48 00:02:58,800 --> 00:03:01,526 the capabilities of our tribal staff something 49 00:03:01,526 --> 00:03:04,723 that's been long overlooked which we felt excluded 50 00:03:04,723 --> 00:03:08,020 from for a long time so we really appreciate that 51 00:03:10,680 --> 00:03:14,699 madam mayor for exposing us to your staff because 52 00:03:14,699 --> 00:03:20,007 Because this is the last step of it, but it was that process 53 00:03:20,007 --> 00:03:24,555 That built the relationship of trust that now exists 54 00:03:24,555 --> 00:03:25,502 Between us. 55 00:03:25,502 --> 00:03:28,818 We were able to share our stories with you, 56 00:03:28,818 --> 00:03:34,740 Our concerns and the city's concerns about being able to 57 00:03:34,740 --> 00:03:40,657 Accommodate both our interests because we both share this 58 00:03:40,657 --> 00:03:44,979 Region and we can bring a lot to you. 59 00:03:44,979 --> 00:03:52,669 Tribes like us, especially the Sauk-Suiattle, Mayor, call upon us for 60 00:03:52,669 --> 00:03:56,300 Advice because for many years 61 00:03:57,758 --> 00:04:03,979 We've learned how to keep operating with very little money 62 00:04:03,979 --> 00:04:08,674 AND VERY LITTLE BUDGET TO DO what we need to do. 63 00:04:08,674 --> 00:04:10,211 So call upon us. 64 00:04:10,211 --> 00:04:14,937 We can share with you that information about how 65 00:04:14,937 --> 00:04:19,663 to house your people, things like that. 66 00:04:19,663 --> 00:04:22,096 So that's all I have. 67 00:04:22,096 --> 00:04:26,233 Thank you for attending and thank the federal 68 00:04:26,233 --> 00:04:27,720 people that are all here. 69 00:04:27,720 --> 00:04:29,660 They played a very important role for this 70 00:04:31,199 --> 00:04:33,740 in bringing us to an agreement, 71 00:04:34,838 --> 00:04:39,160 although at the end, every month when we met, 72 00:04:39,160 --> 00:04:41,800 there was one or two less seats over time. 73 00:04:44,660 --> 00:04:46,778 So appreciate, thank you for letting me speak 74 00:04:46,778 --> 00:04:49,699 and thank you on behalf of the Sauk-Suiattle Tribe. 75 00:04:58,439 --> 00:05:02,278 Welcome everybody. 76 00:05:02,278 --> 00:05:04,750 My name is Steve Edwards and I'm the chairman 77 00:05:04,750 --> 00:05:06,019 of the Swinomish Tribe. 78 00:05:06,019 --> 00:05:08,360 Mayor Wilson, I just want to say thank you. 79 00:05:08,360 --> 00:05:11,540 Thank you to you and your staff. 80 00:05:12,800 --> 00:05:20,620 It's been a journey to get to this day. 81 00:05:21,939 --> 00:05:23,959 It's taken us over seven years. 82 00:05:25,720 --> 00:05:30,980 And it may have seemed like a long time, but in all reality, 83 00:05:30,980 --> 00:05:33,500 it's a short period of time. 84 00:05:36,480 --> 00:05:42,185 Because there is a future in the Skagit River that will last 85 00:05:42,185 --> 00:05:44,980 for many, many generations. 86 00:05:44,980 --> 00:05:46,480 Salmon is important to our people. 87 00:05:48,399 --> 00:05:49,579 It's part of our culture. 88 00:05:49,579 --> 00:05:51,500 It's part of our traditions. 89 00:05:51,500 --> 00:05:52,778 It's our identity. 90 00:05:56,019 --> 00:06:00,550 So the seven years of work that we put into this is 91 00:06:00,550 --> 00:06:05,079 going to last for many, many, many generations. 92 00:06:06,199 --> 00:06:07,699 That's the way I look at it. 93 00:06:09,838 --> 00:06:13,899 And I know that's the way my people look at it, our leaders. 94 00:06:13,899 --> 00:06:16,959 That's the way they look at it. 95 00:06:18,959 --> 00:06:23,372 So the seven years we put into it was just a small piece 96 00:06:23,372 --> 00:06:26,720 of what we dedicated our time to. 97 00:06:26,720 --> 00:06:31,242 And I want to thank our staff, thank our leaders, 98 00:06:31,242 --> 00:06:35,199 my leadership, for allowing me to be and my 99 00:06:35,199 --> 00:06:39,199 team to be a part of this negotiation team. 100 00:06:39,199 --> 00:06:41,079 They trusted us. 101 00:06:42,220 --> 00:06:47,216 And I want to thank the state and federal officials, the 102 00:06:47,216 --> 00:06:51,319 tribal leaders, everyone that we sat at the table with. 103 00:06:52,360 --> 00:06:54,740 We've learned a lot from each other. 104 00:06:54,740 --> 00:06:56,459 We built a relationship. 105 00:06:58,420 --> 00:07:00,319 There were good days and there were bad days. 106 00:07:02,680 --> 00:07:04,160 But that's what it takes. 107 00:07:07,579 --> 00:07:09,600 We have the same goal. 108 00:07:10,838 --> 00:07:12,500 We have different ideas. 109 00:07:12,500 --> 00:07:13,278 We got there. 110 00:07:14,660 --> 00:07:18,081 And we're here today for a very, very special 111 00:07:18,081 --> 00:07:22,060 occasion to witness this signing, this agreement. 112 00:07:26,759 --> 00:07:34,514 And, you know, it's really exciting to know 113 00:07:34,514 --> 00:07:42,699 for me personally that my people, our people, 114 00:07:47,500 --> 00:07:50,980 will be able to harvest salmon in the future. 115 00:07:53,139 --> 00:07:57,680 When we first started this, these meetings, I said, 116 00:07:57,680 --> 00:08:03,600 you know, we have to come up with a plan, an agreement. 117 00:08:03,600 --> 00:08:09,391 I don't want my kids, generation, my grandkids, 118 00:08:09,391 --> 00:08:12,000 to read about salmon. 119 00:08:13,379 --> 00:08:17,660 I want them to be able to go out there and harvest salmon. 120 00:08:17,660 --> 00:08:19,899 I don't want this just to be in a storybook. 121 00:08:21,459 --> 00:08:24,975 I want them physically to be able to touch a salmon, 122 00:08:24,975 --> 00:08:26,819 to harvest it themselves. 123 00:08:29,259 --> 00:08:32,480 And I want many generations to be able to do the same, have 124 00:08:32,480 --> 00:08:35,720 that same opportunity that I've had. 125 00:08:38,918 --> 00:08:43,700 You know, I've fished for over 50 years, and it's been great. 126 00:08:46,557 --> 00:08:52,105 A lot of you may never know what it's like to be a fisherman, 127 00:08:52,105 --> 00:08:55,038 but I tell you what, it's It's healing. 128 00:08:56,440 --> 00:08:58,580 It's healing to our people. 129 00:08:59,740 --> 00:09:06,951 You wouldn't understand it, but it really heals 130 00:09:06,951 --> 00:09:10,740 our body, heals our soul. 131 00:09:14,057 --> 00:09:19,500 Every week we feed salmon to our elders. 132 00:09:19,500 --> 00:09:21,350 every Wednesday. 133 00:09:21,350 --> 00:09:23,700 Our elders get salmon. 134 00:09:25,278 --> 00:09:27,259 That's how important it is to us. 135 00:09:29,320 --> 00:09:30,399 Keeping it alive. 136 00:09:31,500 --> 00:09:34,677 Nourishing our elders' bodies. 137 00:09:37,360 --> 00:09:38,620 That's what this is about. 138 00:09:42,320 --> 00:09:45,490 I don't want to benefit PERMIT TODAY, BUT I DEFINITELY 139 00:09:45,490 --> 00:09:49,008 Want my future generations to benefit what is going to 140 00:09:49,008 --> 00:09:50,720 Take place moving forward. 141 00:09:53,700 --> 00:09:56,119 And i hope it doesn't stop here. 142 00:09:56,119 --> 00:10:01,951 I hope these relationships continue to build because this 143 00:10:01,951 --> 00:10:06,884 LICENSE IS FOR 50 YEARS, AND WE And we have to keep 144 00:10:06,884 --> 00:10:08,460 that relationship. 145 00:10:08,460 --> 00:10:13,865 We need to continue to have a seat at the table, voice our 146 00:10:13,865 --> 00:10:19,658 opinions, share our thoughts, work together, be team players. 147 00:10:20,879 --> 00:10:23,038 That's what it's going to take. 148 00:10:23,038 --> 00:10:24,557 Not just with Seattle. 149 00:10:24,557 --> 00:10:29,139 I see some of our county officials here. 150 00:10:32,120 --> 00:10:37,065 and we live in Skagit County we all have to work together 151 00:10:37,065 --> 00:10:41,057 it's gonna take all of us so I thank you for 152 00:10:41,057 --> 00:10:46,080 this day again mayor thank you and your team for 153 00:10:46,080 --> 00:10:51,158 for working with us and I think our tribal leaders as well. 154 00:10:52,480 --> 00:10:56,879 And once again, the state federal officials 155 00:10:56,879 --> 00:11:02,418 for all your hard work and those that are even, 156 00:11:02,418 --> 00:11:06,918 I know we have some team members that aren't here today. 157 00:11:06,918 --> 00:11:10,840 I wanna thank those who that I had the opportunity 158 00:11:10,840 --> 00:11:15,379 who needed work with throughout those seven years as well. 159 00:11:15,379 --> 00:11:16,940 It's not just us. 160 00:11:16,940 --> 00:11:18,960 There are some that aren't at the table today 161 00:11:18,960 --> 00:11:23,240 that made a difference as well, and their voices 162 00:11:23,240 --> 00:11:24,879 were well heard. 163 00:11:24,879 --> 00:11:27,860 So I want to thank them as well. 164 00:11:27,860 --> 00:11:31,139 So thank you all. 165 00:11:39,298 --> 00:11:40,259 Good afternoon. 166 00:11:40,259 --> 00:11:41,778 My name is Scott Schuyler. 167 00:11:41,778 --> 00:11:44,298 I'm a tribal member for the Upper Skagit. 168 00:11:44,298 --> 00:11:47,658 I also am the cultural and policy representative 169 00:11:47,658 --> 00:11:49,298 for natural resources. 170 00:11:49,298 --> 00:11:53,046 Today is a day of reflection for the Upper Skagit people 171 00:11:53,046 --> 00:11:56,436 And a day to give thanks also to reflection on the journey 172 00:11:56,436 --> 00:11:59,418 That it took us to get to this point that brought us right 173 00:11:59,418 --> 00:12:02,094 Here to City Hall with the Mayor's Office, 174 00:12:02,094 --> 00:12:03,240 The City Council. 175 00:12:03,240 --> 00:12:05,570 And we do appreciate everything that's occurred 176 00:12:05,570 --> 00:12:06,820 Over the last eight years. 177 00:12:06,820 --> 00:12:10,378 But this journey actually began 124 years ago for the 178 00:12:10,378 --> 00:12:14,552 Upper Skagit when we were not allowed a voice or a choice 179 00:12:14,552 --> 00:12:16,899 When the first dam was built. 180 00:12:16,899 --> 00:12:20,200 We see redemption today by signing this agreement. 181 00:12:20,200 --> 00:12:22,600 We do have that voice from now on. 182 00:12:22,600 --> 00:12:25,320 And so our our hands go up to all the LPs. 183 00:12:25,320 --> 00:12:27,840 There's too many people, too many faces that i've seen the 184 00:12:27,840 --> 00:12:30,899 Last eight years to thank everybody. 185 00:12:30,899 --> 00:12:34,057 But know that you are appreciated by the tribe, state, 186 00:12:34,057 --> 00:12:38,278 Federal, The NGOs, all the folks that were at the table, the 187 00:12:38,278 --> 00:12:40,918 the tribes to get us to where we are today. 188 00:12:42,298 --> 00:12:44,600 Today is not the day to celebrate for the Upper Skagit. 189 00:12:44,600 --> 00:12:47,200 The celebration will come in the future. 190 00:12:47,200 --> 00:12:49,538 When we see the river return to its banks, 191 00:12:49,538 --> 00:12:52,480 the Upper Skagit people will rejoice and celebrate. 192 00:12:52,480 --> 00:12:54,960 When we see the first salmon pass over the dams 193 00:12:54,960 --> 00:12:58,158 and the dams start contributing to these depressed runs, 194 00:12:58,158 --> 00:13:00,899 then the Upper Skagit will celebrate. 195 00:13:00,899 --> 00:13:02,399 Most of all, the Upper Skagit people 196 00:13:02,399 --> 00:13:06,360 people will celebrate when we return to our home, to Wallop, 197 00:13:06,360 --> 00:13:09,557 thank the mayor, thank the city for building us our meeting 198 00:13:09,557 --> 00:13:11,720 center, a place to gather for our folks. 199 00:13:11,720 --> 00:13:14,379 And it'll be the staging area, we think, ground zero 200 00:13:14,379 --> 00:13:17,399 for this passage, which is going to take a lot of our time 201 00:13:17,399 --> 00:13:19,879 and collective effort to make happen. 202 00:13:19,879 --> 00:13:23,038 There's a lot of work for us to all collectively do. 203 00:13:23,038 --> 00:13:25,519 But again, on behalf of the Upper Skagit, 204 00:13:25,519 --> 00:13:27,000 thank you for everything. 205 00:13:27,000 --> 00:13:29,437 and most of all i have to support thank the 206 00:13:29,437 --> 00:13:32,019 biggest support team that i have and that is 207 00:13:32,019 --> 00:13:34,873 my lovely wife who's been there throughout this 208 00:13:34,873 --> 00:13:37,940 process so thank you Lenay for everything thank you 209 00:13:46,298 --> 00:13:48,940 Thank you and good afternoon. 210 00:13:48,940 --> 00:13:51,740 My name is Kate Wells with NOAA Fisheries. 211 00:13:51,740 --> 00:13:55,201 I am the Assistant Regional Administrator for the Oregon 212 00:13:55,201 --> 00:13:59,057 Washington Coastal Office out of our Portland office there. 213 00:13:59,057 --> 00:14:02,826 And we've prepared some remarks on behalf of the entire 214 00:14:02,826 --> 00:14:06,321 federal family that participated participated in the 215 00:14:06,321 --> 00:14:07,639 settlement agreement. 216 00:14:07,639 --> 00:14:12,220 Mayor Wilson, on behalf of the federal agencies who 217 00:14:12,220 --> 00:14:14,918 are party to the Skagit Hydroelectric Settlement 218 00:14:14,918 --> 00:14:17,980 Agreement, thank you for bringing us here together 219 00:14:17,980 --> 00:14:21,639 today to commemorate this historic event. 220 00:14:21,639 --> 00:14:25,259 The US Park Service, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, 221 00:14:25,259 --> 00:14:28,980 the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the US Forest Service, 222 00:14:28,980 --> 00:14:33,177 the National Marine Fisheries Service all work diligently with 223 00:14:33,177 --> 00:14:36,855 the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe the Swinomish Indian 224 00:14:36,855 --> 00:14:40,811 Tribal Community and the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe 225 00:14:40,811 --> 00:14:44,456 and alongside our state agency partners Seattle 226 00:14:44,456 --> 00:14:47,402 City Light and other settlement parties to 227 00:14:47,402 --> 00:14:50,773 ensure the continued and expanded stewardship 228 00:14:50,773 --> 00:14:54,250 of national natural cultural and recreational 229 00:14:54,250 --> 00:14:58,936 resources while supporting hydroelectric power generation 230 00:14:58,936 --> 00:15:03,480 for the City of Seattle this work also reflects the federal 231 00:15:03,480 --> 00:15:06,046 government's ongoing trust responsibilities 232 00:15:06,046 --> 00:15:08,740 and commitment to working in partnership with the 233 00:15:08,740 --> 00:15:11,701 tribes we recognize the three Skagit River 234 00:15:11,701 --> 00:15:15,080 tribes as key partners in the settlement process 235 00:15:16,080 --> 00:15:20,062 their enduring connection to the river and its resources have 236 00:15:20,062 --> 00:15:23,552 helped shape the agreement in meaningful ways their 237 00:15:23,552 --> 00:15:27,860 perspective has been essential in guiding this work and their 238 00:15:27,860 --> 00:15:32,216 involvement continues to strengthen both the process and 239 00:15:32,216 --> 00:15:36,306 the outcome we appreciate their partnership and their 240 00:15:36,306 --> 00:15:40,388 continued commitment as this agreement moves forward 241 00:15:40,388 --> 00:15:44,392 the settlement agreement highlights what is possible 242 00:15:44,392 --> 00:15:47,556 when stewardship and sustainable power and 243 00:15:47,556 --> 00:15:51,644 sustainable power generation move forward together. 244 00:15:51,644 --> 00:15:55,840 This agreement represents many years of diligent and 245 00:15:55,840 --> 00:15:59,316 highly collaborative work by all settlement 246 00:15:59,316 --> 00:16:03,383 parties, the result being a portfolio of commitments 247 00:16:03,383 --> 00:16:07,220 that ensure fish passage, habitat restoration and 248 00:16:07,220 --> 00:16:10,884 enhancement, continued recreational opportunities 249 00:16:10,884 --> 00:16:14,138 and ongoing studies to to support and inform 250 00:16:14,138 --> 00:16:16,940 implementation of the agreement. 251 00:16:16,940 --> 00:16:20,912 We also want to recognize those who have moved on and those who 252 00:16:20,912 --> 00:16:24,677 have been part of this process from the beginning. 253 00:16:24,677 --> 00:16:29,075 This has been a long and complex process and every person 254 00:16:29,075 --> 00:16:32,700 involved has played a part in reaching this point. 255 00:16:33,759 --> 00:16:37,043 Today marks an important milestone, however 256 00:16:37,043 --> 00:16:39,980 the real measure of success will be in the 257 00:16:39,980 --> 00:16:40,937 work ahead. 258 00:16:40,937 --> 00:16:44,671 On behalf of the federal agencies, thank you to 259 00:16:44,671 --> 00:16:49,259 everyone who helped build this durable agreement. 260 00:16:49,259 --> 00:16:52,350 We look forward to continuing 261 00:16:52,350 --> 00:16:56,307 the work of implementing it together. 262 00:16:56,307 --> 00:16:57,418 Thank you. 263 00:17:04,460 --> 00:17:08,077 I folded this too many times. 264 00:17:08,077 --> 00:17:08,700 Good afternoon. 265 00:17:08,700 --> 00:17:10,077 My name is Casey Sixkiller. 266 00:17:10,077 --> 00:17:11,990 I'm the director of the Washington State 267 00:17:11,990 --> 00:17:15,133 Department of Ecology, and I am delighted to be 268 00:17:15,133 --> 00:17:17,038 able to be here today. 269 00:17:17,038 --> 00:17:19,278 Madam Mayor, thank you so much for the 270 00:17:19,278 --> 00:17:22,650 invitation to participate and for being here 271 00:17:22,650 --> 00:17:24,356 yourself as well. 272 00:17:24,356 --> 00:17:30,140 You know, today is just such an important moment to Mark, 273 00:17:30,140 --> 00:17:32,721 and I appreciate Scott's perspective of maybe 274 00:17:32,721 --> 00:17:34,837 the celebration is a little bit later. 275 00:17:36,038 --> 00:17:42,739 But this is an important moment to Mark and to really lift up. 276 00:17:42,740 --> 00:17:47,297 I think when folks started off on this journey several 277 00:17:47,297 --> 00:17:51,651 years ago, I'm not sure that everybody thought that 278 00:17:51,651 --> 00:17:53,876 we would reach this point. 279 00:17:53,880 --> 00:17:58,490 And just to underscore something that Chairman 280 00:17:58,490 --> 00:18:03,682 Edwards said, it took a lot, a lot for folks to find a way 281 00:18:03,682 --> 00:18:09,220 to come together and stay together through this process. 282 00:18:09,220 --> 00:18:12,460 And there are a lot of people that are speaking today and 283 00:18:12,460 --> 00:18:16,337 There's a lot of folks in this room and i'm sure are joining us 284 00:18:16,337 --> 00:18:17,317 Remotely as well. 285 00:18:17,317 --> 00:18:18,720 Too many to name. 286 00:18:18,720 --> 00:18:25,180 But everybody contributed to this effort. 287 00:18:27,700 --> 00:18:30,519 I had a chance to be part of it several years ago when i served 288 00:18:30,519 --> 00:18:33,837 As Deputy Mayor and Mayor Durkin's administration. 289 00:18:33,837 --> 00:18:36,265 And at that time, you know, Scott was one of 290 00:18:36,265 --> 00:18:37,720 The first meetings i had. 291 00:18:38,980 --> 00:18:43,179 And he really challenged us to think differently 292 00:18:43,179 --> 00:18:44,920 About this license. 293 00:18:44,920 --> 00:18:48,143 To think differently about the process that we were going 294 00:18:48,143 --> 00:18:52,019 To use as a city family to go through the relicensing process. 295 00:18:52,019 --> 00:18:56,154 And i'm really thankful to Scott and to the tribal leaders 296 00:18:56,154 --> 00:19:00,240 FOR ISSUING THAT CHALLENGE and holding us accountable. 297 00:19:00,240 --> 00:19:05,460 So this license is an opportunity to be better. 298 00:19:06,500 --> 00:19:08,720 And it's, I think, a really important reminder 299 00:19:09,817 --> 00:19:12,097 of the things that we can accomplish 300 00:19:13,160 --> 00:19:16,759 when we work together, when we collaborate, 301 00:19:16,759 --> 00:19:19,720 and we really strive to see a future 302 00:19:20,920 --> 00:19:21,900 that we're all part of. 303 00:19:23,278 --> 00:19:26,142 that is something worth celebrating and then of 304 00:19:26,142 --> 00:19:29,220 course there's the details of the agreement itself 305 00:19:30,220 --> 00:19:34,240 right improves fish habitat improves the ecosystem 306 00:19:34,240 --> 00:19:38,259 and improves reduction in flood risk or contributes 307 00:19:38,259 --> 00:19:41,290 contributes to reduction in flood risk, strengthens 308 00:19:41,290 --> 00:19:43,720 the overall health of the Skagit River, and 309 00:19:44,798 --> 00:19:49,567 importantly preserves a critical source of renewable energy 310 00:19:49,567 --> 00:19:53,660 at a time when those demands on that energy is increasing. 311 00:19:55,259 --> 00:19:58,209 This is, as I said, a generational agreement 312 00:19:58,209 --> 00:20:01,077 that strikes a balance between the needs of 313 00:20:01,077 --> 00:20:04,487 the fish, the environment, flood protection, and our 314 00:20:04,487 --> 00:20:06,380 state's clean energy future. 315 00:20:06,380 --> 00:20:11,298 Many years from today, our kids, our grandkids will benefit 316 00:20:11,298 --> 00:20:15,670 from the collaboration and the partnership that folks 317 00:20:15,670 --> 00:20:17,480 are celebrating today. 318 00:20:17,480 --> 00:20:19,077 So thank you very much to the mayor. 319 00:20:19,077 --> 00:20:22,317 Thank you to our tribal leaders, our federal and state partners. 320 00:20:23,759 --> 00:20:24,920 The work continues. 321 00:20:24,920 --> 00:20:27,357 And again, thank you so much for the opportunity to be here. 322 00:20:34,298 --> 00:20:39,759 Good afternoon. 323 00:20:41,557 --> 00:20:43,895 My name is Brendan Brooks and I'm the North Puget 324 00:20:43,895 --> 00:20:46,057 Sound Regional Director for the Washington 325 00:20:46,057 --> 00:20:47,759 Department of Fish and Wildlife. 326 00:20:47,759 --> 00:20:51,615 And our director, Director Kelly Souswin, was supposed 327 00:20:51,615 --> 00:20:54,980 to be here today and was not able to make it. 328 00:20:54,980 --> 00:20:56,837 So I think you're stuck with me. 329 00:20:57,900 --> 00:21:01,365 I also have some remarks prepared that we had for the 330 00:21:01,365 --> 00:21:04,380 director that I just found out I was doing this on 331 00:21:04,380 --> 00:21:05,376 the way down here. 332 00:21:05,380 --> 00:21:07,400 So you got to bear with me. 333 00:21:07,400 --> 00:21:09,940 But first of all, thank you very much, Mayor. 334 00:21:09,940 --> 00:21:12,837 I'd like to thank Mayor and the Seattle City Council 335 00:21:12,837 --> 00:21:15,837 members and City Light for inviting us to join you today 336 00:21:15,837 --> 00:21:18,519 in this historic signing ceremony. 337 00:21:18,519 --> 00:21:22,480 For decades, WDFW has worked alongside tribal co-managers 338 00:21:22,480 --> 00:21:25,259 and partner organizations to restore habitat and recover 339 00:21:25,259 --> 00:21:27,680 salmon in the Skagit River watershed, 340 00:21:27,680 --> 00:21:30,778 while supporting sustainable fisheries and local communities. 341 00:21:31,778 --> 00:21:34,867 We also operate the Marble Mount Hatchery on the Cascade 342 00:21:34,867 --> 00:21:38,026 River, as well as managing state wildlife areas and water 343 00:21:38,026 --> 00:21:40,853 access sites that connect people to the Skagit from 344 00:21:40,853 --> 00:21:43,680 anglers and bird watchers to boaters and paddlers. 345 00:21:43,680 --> 00:21:46,538 Over the last seven years, our technical experts 346 00:21:46,538 --> 00:21:49,259 on fish, wildlife, and habitat worked closely 347 00:21:49,259 --> 00:21:53,653 with City Light, other state and federal agencies, and Skagit 348 00:21:53,653 --> 00:21:58,160 Treaty Tribes to reach agreement on this relicensing plan. 349 00:21:58,160 --> 00:22:01,298 We appreciate everyone's hard work during these discussions. 350 00:22:01,298 --> 00:22:04,692 The agreement is a significant progress for a healthy 351 00:22:04,692 --> 00:22:06,278 Skagit River ecosystem. 352 00:22:06,278 --> 00:22:09,338 It is a positive outcome for fish passage, habitat 353 00:22:09,338 --> 00:22:12,472 restoration, and the people from the Skagit Valley 354 00:22:12,472 --> 00:22:13,857 to the City of Seattle. 355 00:22:14,920 --> 00:22:17,875 Fish passage and habitat restoration expect to 356 00:22:17,875 --> 00:22:21,200 contribute to salmon recovery, outdoor recreation, 357 00:22:21,200 --> 00:22:24,430 and increased sustainable harvest for recreational 358 00:22:24,430 --> 00:22:28,019 anglers and treaty tribal fishers for generations to come. 359 00:22:28,019 --> 00:22:30,586 We're ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work on 360 00:22:30,586 --> 00:22:33,259 what comes next, collaborating to implement this 361 00:22:33,259 --> 00:22:36,255 agreement, bringing salmon back to the upper Skagit 362 00:22:36,255 --> 00:22:39,327 watershed and flows, and restoring habitat 363 00:22:39,327 --> 00:22:41,180 for fish and wildlife. 364 00:22:41,180 --> 00:22:43,700 Thank you. 365 00:22:43,700 --> 00:22:54,538 Ron Weeson: Good afternoon, everyone. 366 00:22:54,538 --> 00:22:55,440 I'm Ron Weeson. 367 00:22:55,440 --> 00:22:57,140 Skagit County Commissioner. 368 00:22:57,140 --> 00:23:00,160 I really appreciate the chance we have to come down here and 369 00:23:00,160 --> 00:23:01,480 Help sign this agreement. 370 00:23:01,480 --> 00:23:04,380 I really thank the Mayor for all the work she's done, all the 371 00:23:04,380 --> 00:23:08,038 Different people involved, state, federal, and local 372 00:23:08,038 --> 00:23:09,798 Representatives have been involved in the seven-year 373 00:23:09,798 --> 00:23:12,538 Process. Skagit County is at the bottom 374 00:23:12,538 --> 00:23:15,240 Of the Skagit River, so we are the area that needs to be 375 00:23:15,240 --> 00:23:16,500 Protected from flood. 376 00:23:16,500 --> 00:23:18,337 And so that's very, very important to us. 377 00:23:18,337 --> 00:23:19,660 The fish passage. 378 00:23:19,660 --> 00:23:21,900 That's very important to us and the county also. 379 00:23:21,900 --> 00:23:24,500 We love to have fish in our streams. 380 00:23:24,500 --> 00:23:28,270 We appreciate what the tribes have done to come together 381 00:23:28,270 --> 00:23:31,240 And have this project come to a conclusion. 382 00:23:31,240 --> 00:23:34,852 We want to work in our estuary area to have the right size, 383 00:23:34,852 --> 00:23:37,651 Right selective program to have a good estuary 384 00:23:37,651 --> 00:23:38,940 Project come together. 385 00:23:38,940 --> 00:23:40,960 We make some pretty good steps going forward to that. 386 00:23:40,960 --> 00:23:43,786 So we want to make sure we can help make the fish 387 00:23:43,786 --> 00:23:46,450 come back so all of us in Skagit County and our 388 00:23:46,450 --> 00:23:49,230 local treaty tribes can enjoy it and so the local 389 00:23:49,230 --> 00:23:50,616 citizens of the county. 390 00:23:50,617 --> 00:23:53,036 But once again, thank you for being here. 391 00:23:53,036 --> 00:23:54,597 I appreciate the time that 392 00:23:54,597 --> 00:23:58,125 took to get here and as there was conflict in 393 00:23:58,125 --> 00:24:00,624 the discussion, but now we're going to come 394 00:24:00,624 --> 00:24:03,305 together today to work to make it better for the 395 00:24:03,305 --> 00:24:05,074 whole community in the future. 396 00:24:05,074 --> 00:24:07,317 So once again, thank you for being here. 397 00:24:15,778 --> 00:24:18,941 So my name is Thomas O'Keefe and I'm the Senior Director of 398 00:24:18,941 --> 00:24:22,825 Policy and Science for American Whitewater and I've been 399 00:24:22,825 --> 00:24:26,857 involved in literally dozens of hydropower licensing 400 00:24:26,857 --> 00:24:31,443 proceedings across the country over the past 30 years. 401 00:24:31,443 --> 00:24:35,770 Now hydropower projects like the Skagit, they alter 402 00:24:35,770 --> 00:24:40,240 sediment movement, water temperature, they fragment 403 00:24:40,240 --> 00:24:43,271 They fragment habitat, they change recreational 404 00:24:43,271 --> 00:24:46,019 use, and they disrupt the cultural character 405 00:24:46,019 --> 00:24:46,680 of rivers. 406 00:24:47,680 --> 00:24:51,403 For river communities, they impact livelihoods, 407 00:24:51,403 --> 00:24:54,857 cultural practices, and long-term ecosystem 408 00:24:54,857 --> 00:24:57,971 recovery. In the case of the Skagit, I 409 00:24:57,971 --> 00:25:01,220 think it's important to consider for those of us living in this 410 00:25:01,220 --> 00:25:04,940 community, and I happen to be a resident here in Seattle in a 411 00:25:04,940 --> 00:25:10,317 ratepayer, that over the last century great wealth has been 412 00:25:10,317 --> 00:25:13,400 extracted from this river that's benefited this community. 413 00:25:13,400 --> 00:25:16,460 And I think it's really important to reflect on, you 414 00:25:16,460 --> 00:25:22,278 know, for whose benefit and what expense has that come. 415 00:25:22,278 --> 00:25:26,136 Hydropower Licensing under the Federal Power Act provides an 416 00:25:26,140 --> 00:25:30,239 an opportunity to reassess projects under modern science, 417 00:25:30,240 --> 00:25:34,200 updated environmental standards, and current priorities 418 00:25:34,200 --> 00:25:39,259 from a community, social, and social justice perspective. 419 00:25:40,500 --> 00:25:45,097 These proceedings determine how a project will operate 420 00:25:45,097 --> 00:25:51,500 for another 30 to 50 years and under what conditions. 421 00:25:51,500 --> 00:25:52,900 Now, I personally have been involved 422 00:25:52,900 --> 00:25:55,759 in dozens of regulatory proceedings over the years, 423 00:25:55,759 --> 00:25:59,180 and I can't think of one that's been as complex 424 00:25:59,180 --> 00:26:01,617 and had as many people involved as this one. 425 00:26:01,617 --> 00:26:03,817 I mean, hands down. 426 00:26:03,817 --> 00:26:07,636 And I think that really speaks to how many people, 427 00:26:07,640 --> 00:26:11,097 how many communities really care about the Skagit River. 428 00:26:12,317 --> 00:26:16,500 The agreement, the settlement agreement that we've crafted, 429 00:26:16,500 --> 00:26:19,837 it does not address every issue, but it's a good outcome, 430 00:26:19,837 --> 00:26:23,180 And it provides the framework for continued collaboration 431 00:26:23,180 --> 00:26:24,097 and coordination. 432 00:26:24,097 --> 00:26:28,617 And I appreciate how Chris spoke about this as a groundbreaking 433 00:26:28,617 --> 00:26:30,778 and also Scott, where this really 434 00:26:30,778 --> 00:26:35,700 is the start of a endeavor to make 435 00:26:35,700 --> 00:26:39,817 significant and meaningful improvements to this river. 436 00:26:39,817 --> 00:26:42,396 I just want to close with two big thank yous. 437 00:26:43,420 --> 00:26:46,159 First, it's just to Seattle City Light and the leadership 438 00:26:46,160 --> 00:26:48,355 leadership, a Seattle City Light. 439 00:26:48,355 --> 00:26:51,837 I can remember a pivotal phone call early in the process 440 00:26:53,519 --> 00:26:58,134 where my counsel was sought out and my advice was, you know, 441 00:26:58,134 --> 00:27:02,500 just continuing to write op-eds back and forth in the paper 442 00:27:02,500 --> 00:27:04,239 isn't going to do it here. 443 00:27:04,239 --> 00:27:06,636 We need to sit down and communicate 444 00:27:06,640 --> 00:27:10,365 directly leadership to leadership and maybe not 445 00:27:10,365 --> 00:27:13,557 follow you know everything that the you know some 446 00:27:13,557 --> 00:27:15,700 of the consultants were saying and really 447 00:27:15,700 --> 00:27:18,068 uphold the values of this utility in this community 448 00:27:18,068 --> 00:27:21,266 and I feel like that was really taken to heart and 449 00:27:21,266 --> 00:27:25,660 then I also really want to thank tribal partners and 450 00:27:25,660 --> 00:27:28,740 and the tribal governments who are engaged in this process, 451 00:27:28,740 --> 00:27:35,220 who were unwavering in being a voice for the river, 452 00:27:35,220 --> 00:27:38,680 and how critical that was, and their willingness 453 00:27:38,680 --> 00:27:41,357 to hold the mirror up and ask the tough questions 454 00:27:41,357 --> 00:27:43,038 of this community and all of us who live here 455 00:27:43,038 --> 00:27:44,419 and benefit for this project. 456 00:27:44,420 --> 00:27:47,640 So thank you all for your leadership. 457 00:27:59,440 --> 00:28:00,038 Good afternoon. 458 00:28:00,038 --> 00:28:03,131 I'm Rob Santof, interim general manager and CEO 459 00:28:03,131 --> 00:28:04,596 at Seattle City Light. 460 00:28:04,597 --> 00:28:06,557 I want to thank you all for being here today to mark 461 00:28:06,557 --> 00:28:07,660 this important milestone. 462 00:28:08,759 --> 00:28:12,460 This agreement represents years of dedicated hard work, 463 00:28:12,460 --> 00:28:14,203 partnership and persistence. 464 00:28:14,203 --> 00:28:18,131 It reflects a shared commitment among tribes, agencies, local 465 00:28:18,131 --> 00:28:22,086 governments, and community partners to steward the Skagit 466 00:28:22,086 --> 00:28:25,595 River watershed responsibly and collaboratively 467 00:28:25,595 --> 00:28:26,817 into the future. 468 00:28:27,940 --> 00:28:30,759 As someone new to this role, I did want to take a moment 469 00:28:30,759 --> 00:28:33,872 to recognize the depth of effort that brought us here 470 00:28:33,872 --> 00:28:37,671 today. This is a result of trust build over time of difficult 471 00:28:37,671 --> 00:28:41,182 conversations handled with respect and of collective 472 00:28:41,182 --> 00:28:43,818 willingness to find a better path forward 473 00:28:43,818 --> 00:28:47,096 together i'm honored to be stepping into this moment 474 00:28:47,096 --> 00:28:49,912 and even more honored to carry the work forward 475 00:28:49,912 --> 00:28:52,787 i'd especially like to recognize chris townsend 476 00:28:52,787 --> 00:28:55,165 who has led this effort for many years with 477 00:28:55,165 --> 00:28:58,048 extraordinary dedication and whose leadership has 478 00:28:58,048 --> 00:29:00,616 been instrumental into to bringing us to today. 479 00:29:01,817 --> 00:29:03,140 With that, I'll turn it over to Chris 480 00:29:03,140 --> 00:29:05,960 to share more about the journey behind this agreement 481 00:29:05,960 --> 00:29:09,077 and what it means for us to move forward together. 482 00:29:09,077 --> 00:29:15,337 - Thank you, everyone. 483 00:29:15,337 --> 00:29:16,557 My name is Chris Townsend. 484 00:29:16,557 --> 00:29:18,136 I'm the Director of Natural Resources 485 00:29:18,140 --> 00:29:19,880 and Hydro Licensing at City Light. 486 00:29:19,880 --> 00:29:22,160 I started eight years ago on this project, 487 00:29:22,160 --> 00:29:24,817 and it's about almost the only thing I've done since then 488 00:29:24,817 --> 00:29:26,880 in addition to the rest of my job. 489 00:29:26,880 --> 00:29:29,200 It's also hard to be one of the final speakers 490 00:29:30,200 --> 00:29:34,200 in a line as important as this one, 491 00:29:34,200 --> 00:29:37,097 because all I can do is echo what everyone else has already 492 00:29:37,097 --> 00:29:39,853 said. Tom O'Keefe, in particular, 493 00:29:39,853 --> 00:29:42,557 stole some of my speaking points, and so you'll 494 00:29:42,557 --> 00:29:43,740 hear them echoed here. 495 00:29:43,740 --> 00:29:48,500 But just to touch on the long path that this has been, 496 00:29:48,500 --> 00:29:50,460 again, over eight years ago, we started 497 00:29:50,460 --> 00:29:54,097 selecting a process and the studies to support the 498 00:29:54,097 --> 00:29:57,510 negotiations. So that's when we started. 499 00:29:57,510 --> 00:30:00,355 And from almost the beginning 500 00:30:00,355 --> 00:30:04,472 we've had almost 20 organizations represented 501 00:30:04,472 --> 00:30:08,010 in in-room discussions with 40 to 60 people. 502 00:30:08,010 --> 00:30:09,806 And that was a heroic effort 503 00:30:09,806 --> 00:30:13,117 that was kept on track by our consultants at Triangle 504 00:30:13,117 --> 00:30:16,515 and associates and everybody's willingness to figure out 505 00:30:16,515 --> 00:30:19,681 how to engage in such a long and difficult negotiation 506 00:30:19,681 --> 00:30:21,180 together productively. 507 00:30:21,180 --> 00:30:25,720 So it was really complex, difficult task. 508 00:30:25,720 --> 00:30:28,316 And the most important thing that came out of that is not 509 00:30:28,316 --> 00:30:31,375 the document in the white binder you see sitting on the table, 510 00:30:31,375 --> 00:30:34,640 which is the entirety of the agreement that we've negotiated 511 00:30:34,640 --> 00:30:36,713 over the eight years, but it's the relationships 512 00:30:36,713 --> 00:30:38,636 that we've developed and the friendships and 513 00:30:38,640 --> 00:30:41,430 the trust and these folks are representing some 514 00:30:41,430 --> 00:30:44,356 of the key parties that participated but all of you 515 00:30:44,357 --> 00:30:46,720 know who you are and the role that you've played 516 00:30:46,720 --> 00:30:49,019 in getting us to this point and i thank each and 517 00:30:49,019 --> 00:30:51,790 every one of you and i'm grateful for your trust 518 00:30:51,790 --> 00:30:54,778 and your friendship that we've developed over the 519 00:30:54,778 --> 00:30:57,538 past and i'll need to be relying on that as we 520 00:30:57,538 --> 00:31:00,680 go into implementation for the future the Skagit 521 00:31:00,680 --> 00:31:02,711 Skagit River is one of the great river systems of 522 00:31:02,711 --> 00:31:05,000 the Pacific Northwest and perhaps the whole country. 523 00:31:05,000 --> 00:31:08,652 It's a wild and beautiful river to the untrained eye, 524 00:31:08,652 --> 00:31:12,720 but to tribes and others who know that the upper headwaters 525 00:31:12,720 --> 00:31:16,538 of the river are dammed by our hydroelectric projects. 526 00:31:16,538 --> 00:31:18,337 We know there's nuance to that. 527 00:31:18,337 --> 00:31:21,739 And the as as Tom said earlier in his speech, the city 528 00:31:21,739 --> 00:31:25,057 of Seattle has extracted a great deal of value from 529 00:31:25,057 --> 00:31:28,376 the Skagit River over the past hundred plus years. 530 00:31:28,380 --> 00:31:31,853 And it is time and it's my honor to be helping Seattle 531 00:31:31,853 --> 00:31:35,567 figure out how to return that value to the tribes and the 532 00:31:35,567 --> 00:31:39,201 communities in the Skagit Valley that depend and have 533 00:31:39,201 --> 00:31:43,076 always and for 10,000 years depended on the Skagit River. 534 00:31:43,077 --> 00:31:46,798 So it's been an honor to help craft that negotiation and get 535 00:31:46,798 --> 00:31:48,700 us to the point we're at today. 536 00:31:49,740 --> 00:31:51,837 This is not the end of a process. 537 00:31:51,837 --> 00:31:52,798 It's really the beginning. 538 00:31:52,798 --> 00:31:55,547 It's the beginning of implementing everything 539 00:31:55,547 --> 00:31:58,019 in that document, and I really look forward 540 00:31:58,019 --> 00:31:58,960 to doing that. 541 00:31:58,960 --> 00:32:01,872 We're already kind of out of the gate ready 542 00:32:01,872 --> 00:32:05,200 to start implementing fish passage and estuary 543 00:32:05,200 --> 00:32:08,365 restoration and the innovative ecosystem monitoring 544 00:32:08,365 --> 00:32:10,980 and adaptive management programs that we've 545 00:32:10,980 --> 00:32:14,160 all agreed is important for the future of the Skagit River. 546 00:32:14,160 --> 00:32:18,719 So our next steps are to get the license from FERC, 547 00:32:18,720 --> 00:32:21,180 and it's going to take our relationships to make sure 548 00:32:21,180 --> 00:32:24,239 that FERC understands why we agreed to what we did here 549 00:32:24,239 --> 00:32:26,759 and to get our license and then to move forward 550 00:32:26,759 --> 00:32:28,136 with license implementation. 551 00:32:28,136 --> 00:32:30,817 So again, thank you to everybody here. 552 00:32:30,817 --> 00:32:34,038 Thank you to all of you who've spoken about the project, 553 00:32:34,038 --> 00:32:36,500 and thank you, Mary Wilson, for being here today. 554 00:32:36,500 --> 00:32:38,396 And I invite you to say a few words. 555 00:32:38,396 --> 00:32:38,759 Thank you. 556 00:32:44,720 --> 00:32:46,439 Well, thank you, Chris. 557 00:32:46,440 --> 00:32:49,038 And welcome, everyone. 558 00:32:49,038 --> 00:32:51,487 I'm very, very delighted to be here with all 559 00:32:51,487 --> 00:32:52,778 of you this afternoon. 560 00:32:54,097 --> 00:32:57,519 Seattle is a city that depends on public power. 561 00:32:57,519 --> 00:33:00,932 And we also believe deeply in environmental responsibility 562 00:33:00,932 --> 00:33:02,538 and public accountability. 563 00:33:02,538 --> 00:33:05,160 The Skagit Project shows that those goals can 564 00:33:05,160 --> 00:33:06,538 and must move together. 565 00:33:07,557 --> 00:33:10,578 This project is a cornerstone of the city's clean, 566 00:33:10,578 --> 00:33:12,376 renewable energy portfolio. 567 00:33:12,376 --> 00:33:15,605 Seattle's facing unprecedented demand for new energy, 568 00:33:15,605 --> 00:33:18,286 and it is essential to keep existing sources of 569 00:33:18,286 --> 00:33:19,659 this energy available. 570 00:33:19,659 --> 00:33:23,307 And the agreement that we are here today to sign shows 571 00:33:23,307 --> 00:33:24,798 us that we can do this. 572 00:33:24,798 --> 00:33:28,323 We can continue to produce clean, carbon-free energy 573 00:33:28,323 --> 00:33:32,159 while also safeguarding cultural and natural resources. 574 00:33:32,159 --> 00:33:35,294 Reliable energy, healthy ecosystems, cultural 575 00:33:35,294 --> 00:33:39,038 preservation, and tribal sovereignty are all connected. 576 00:33:40,259 --> 00:33:42,428 We've heard from a lot of voices today, and I want 577 00:33:42,428 --> 00:33:44,759 to acknowledge the many people behind those voices 578 00:33:44,759 --> 00:33:49,000 who have helped to carry this process forward over many years, 579 00:33:49,000 --> 00:33:52,105 including state and federal agencies, community 580 00:33:52,105 --> 00:33:55,249 organizations, advocates, and our partners at the 581 00:33:55,249 --> 00:33:57,548 Seattle City Council, many of whom have 582 00:33:57,548 --> 00:33:59,739 been supporting this effort for years, 583 00:33:59,739 --> 00:34:02,396 and the Seattle City Light team of staff and consultants 584 00:34:02,396 --> 00:34:06,616 who devoted enormous time and expertise to the negotiations. 585 00:34:06,616 --> 00:34:08,760 I also want to recognize our city attorney's office. 586 00:34:08,760 --> 00:34:11,018 I see City Attorney Evans over there, 587 00:34:11,018 --> 00:34:13,679 and I know that Skagit County is in the house too. 588 00:34:13,679 --> 00:34:16,039 So many hands have gone into this work. 589 00:34:17,219 --> 00:34:20,139 But most of all, I want to thank our tribal partners 590 00:34:20,139 --> 00:34:22,998 for their leadership and continuing to push this process 591 00:34:22,998 --> 00:34:24,980 towards something better and more durable. 592 00:34:25,980 --> 00:34:27,978 I want to recognize the leadership 593 00:34:27,980 --> 00:34:30,418 of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, 594 00:34:30,418 --> 00:34:33,434 the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe, and the Upper 595 00:34:33,434 --> 00:34:34,998 Skagit Indian Tribe. 596 00:34:34,998 --> 00:34:38,139 Today would not be possible without your leadership, 597 00:34:38,139 --> 00:34:41,414 your persistence, and your willingness to stay engaged 598 00:34:41,414 --> 00:34:44,898 through years of difficult and complicated negotiations. 599 00:34:45,980 --> 00:34:49,538 This agreement reflects years of work, relationship building, 600 00:34:49,538 --> 00:34:52,239 and government-to-government collaboration. 601 00:34:52,239 --> 00:34:55,128 And I think it is important to say clearly that the 602 00:34:55,128 --> 00:34:58,300 tribes were not simply participants in this process. 603 00:34:58,300 --> 00:35:00,358 They helped to shape the path forward. 604 00:35:00,360 --> 00:35:04,567 Their leadership, expertise, and advocacy are deeply reflected 605 00:35:04,567 --> 00:35:06,480 in what is being signed today. 606 00:35:07,619 --> 00:35:10,445 This Skagit hydroelectric project has powered 607 00:35:10,445 --> 00:35:11,998 Seattle for generations. 608 00:35:11,998 --> 00:35:15,811 These dams provide about 20% of our city's electricity and 609 00:35:15,811 --> 00:35:19,777 have played a major role in Seattle's growth and innovation. 610 00:35:19,777 --> 00:35:22,918 Seattle's development has then gone on to shape the world. 611 00:35:22,920 --> 00:35:26,018 But we also have to be honest about the history that is 612 00:35:26,018 --> 00:35:27,920 connected to that development. 613 00:35:27,920 --> 00:35:30,304 The Treaty of Point Elliott fundamentally 614 00:35:30,304 --> 00:35:33,217 reshaped this region and forcibly displaced tribal 615 00:35:33,217 --> 00:35:34,940 communities from their lands. 616 00:35:34,940 --> 00:35:38,036 The construction and operation of these dams has real and 617 00:35:38,036 --> 00:35:40,809 lasting impacts on tribal communities, cultures, 618 00:35:40,809 --> 00:35:42,099 and natural resources. 619 00:35:42,099 --> 00:35:44,739 Those impacts are not just historical footnotes. 620 00:35:44,739 --> 00:35:47,715 They continue to matter today, and that's part of 621 00:35:47,715 --> 00:35:49,239 why this moment matters. 622 00:35:49,239 --> 00:35:52,398 Today's agreement is not about closing a chapter and moving on. 623 00:35:52,400 --> 00:35:55,177 It's about committing to a different kind of relationship 624 00:35:55,177 --> 00:35:58,670 going forward, one grounded in respect, accountability, 625 00:35:58,670 --> 00:36:01,739 stewardship, and continued partnership. 626 00:36:01,739 --> 00:36:04,777 And I think that this agreement reflects something important. 627 00:36:04,777 --> 00:36:07,405 Long-term stewardship is strongest when tribal 628 00:36:07,405 --> 00:36:09,838 nations are not treated just as stakeholders 629 00:36:09,838 --> 00:36:12,226 on the sidelines, but are recognized as sovereign 630 00:36:12,226 --> 00:36:14,498 governments and essential partners in shaping 631 00:36:14,498 --> 00:36:16,239 shaping the future of our region. 632 00:36:17,699 --> 00:36:19,947 Finally, I want to emphasize that the City of 633 00:36:19,947 --> 00:36:22,619 Seattle understands the importance of agriculture 634 00:36:22,619 --> 00:36:26,018 to the economy and way of life in the Skagit Valley. 635 00:36:26,018 --> 00:36:29,900 We also know that estuary habitat is vital to the recovery 636 00:36:29,900 --> 00:36:31,599 of all species of salmon. 637 00:36:31,599 --> 00:36:34,675 So we pledge to work with local government, the tribes, and 638 00:36:34,675 --> 00:36:37,574 other partners to identify restoration projects that 639 00:36:37,574 --> 00:36:40,360 are consistent with local plans and priorities that 640 00:36:40,360 --> 00:36:42,643 will make a significant contribution to salmon 641 00:36:42,643 --> 00:36:45,987 recovery and have the least impact on the agricultural 642 00:36:45,987 --> 00:36:47,574 economy as possible. 643 00:36:47,574 --> 00:36:50,838 The city is committed to implementing this agreement 644 00:36:50,838 --> 00:36:53,179 in good faith and continuing this work through 645 00:36:53,179 --> 00:36:56,797 transparent communication, listening, and collaboration. 646 00:36:56,797 --> 00:36:59,242 Because ultimately this is about more than 647 00:36:59,242 --> 00:37:00,927 infrastructure or licensing. 648 00:37:00,927 --> 00:37:03,436 It's about the kinds of of relationships that we 649 00:37:03,436 --> 00:37:06,186 choose to build with each other and the kind of future 650 00:37:06,186 --> 00:37:07,418 that we want to create. 651 00:37:07,420 --> 00:37:10,192 So thank you all for being here, and I'm honored 652 00:37:10,192 --> 00:37:11,684 to join you today as we sign this 653 00:37:11,684 --> 00:37:12,739 agreement together.