Jay Mills appointed to Seattle's first Indigenous Advisory Council

Jay Mills appointed to Seattle's first Indigenous Advisory Council Main Photo

11 Aug 2022


News, Suquamish, Diversity, Inclusion

Seattle City Council names its first Indigenous Advisory Council

KUOW - Seattle City Council names its first Indigenous Advisory Council

On Tuesday, the City Council unanimously approved the nominees, who will advise city officials on issues and policies that directly affect Indigenous peoples.

The new council includes an Indigenous youth, an elder and representatives of some tribes and urban Indian organizations.

Council President Debora Juarez , who is a member of the Blackfeet Nation, says the IAC is a historic move for the city.

"I can't tell you how nice it is to have all these brown people looking back at me in Indian Country," Juarez said during a committee hearing to approve the nine nominees. "It just — you have no idea what this feels like. This is historic. I've never had this feeling in this job, so thank you."

 

Photo of Jay MillsJay Mills, Suquamish

Luther “Jay” Mills is a Suquamish tribal member who has served more than 25 years as an elected tribal council member and brings experience in overseeing government operations and government relations. He has been employed in several capacities by the tribe’s economic agency, Port Madison Enterprises, for more than 45 years. He currently serves as the Port Madison Enterprises Ambassador. Jay also serves on the Kitsap Economic Development Board, Washington Economic Development Association, Bremerton Chamber Board, Visit Kitsap Peninsula Board, Suquamish Foundation, Chief Kitsap Academy School Board, and is a former Leadership Kitsap Board Member.