Commodity Food Program

The Small Tribes Organization of Western Washington is an inter-tribal organization established in 1967.

STOWW’s governing body is a board of directors. This board consists of a voting delegate from each member tribe.

In 1967, the Native people from the small tribes came together and united to form a single body. They met to stimulate interest and provide strength from within. This effort also served to shake loose from a dormant state imposed on their psychological health from years of denials and frustrations. These tribes created a new Native entity in the form of the Small Tribes Organization of Western Washington. The purpose of incorporating in 1968 was primarily to seek participation in the policymaking decisions that affect the destiny of the small tribal groups and their future generations.

The Small Tribes Organization of Western Washington (STOWW) consisted of seventeen member tribes constituting distinct communities. In location they range from the Nooksack near the Canadian boundary, to the Cowlitz and the Chinook bordering on the Columbia River; and from Sauk-Suiattle and Stillaguamish at the foothills of the Cascades, westward to the Lower Elwha-Band of Clallams on the north shore of the Olympic Peninsula. The other tribes/bands include Jamestown-Band of Clallams, Marietta-Band of Nooksack, Suquamish, Snohomish, Snoqualmie, Samish, Skagit, Steilacoom, Shoalwater, Duwamish and the Siletz.(These were the originated tribes- most are still part of STOWW).

It is not the intent of STOWW member tribes to isolate themselves from other Native groups but to be able to participate fully where their voice has been absent. STOWW’s delegates can be in a better position to act and react to common needs to interest that might affect their destinies.

2025 Board of Directors:

Sue Hall, Chair

Michael Pocock, Sauk-Suiattle

Alyssa Johnson, Duwamish Tribe

Ken Dittbenner, Steilacoom Tribe

Laurie Wyatt, Chinook Tribe

Catherine Raphael, Cowlitz Tribe

Kimber VanSenus, Snohomish Tribe