Mel Tonasket reflects on 55 Years in Indian Country

By: Paul W. Taylor

Outlets: Washington State Standard

Published: April 20, 2026

Words: 667

Last Updated: 3 months, 1 week ago

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Mel Tonasket says the modern history of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation is defined by a single turning point: the decision to reject federal termination, and the decades of work that followed to rebuild tribal sovereignty and influence.

In a wide-ranging interview with Austin Jenkins on TVW’s “Inside Olympia,” the former Colville chairman traced his path from a young activist to a national tribal leader, crediting mentor Lucy Covington — the tribe’s …

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