State and Tribal leaders work to combat the opioid crisis
For immediate release.

Key takeaways, commitments, and next steps from the 2023 Washington State Tribal Opioid/Fentanyl Summit

Olympia – Last month, Lummi Nation hosted the first Washington State Tribal Opioid/Fentanyl Summit: Strengthening Pathways to Healing. During the summit, Tribal officials met with Governor Jay Inslee and other state leaders to discuss the affects of the opioid crisis on Tribes.

“Fentanyl is devastating our communities far and wide. It doesn't know the bounds or jurisdictions of federal, state or tribal lands, nor does it care about the color of our skin or where we come from,” said Lummi Nation Councilman, Northwest Portland Indian Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) Chair, and National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Vice-Chair Nickolaus Lewis. “Our loved ones become a shell of who they once were, and it is heartbreaking for us all.”

“The summit provided an opportunity to come together as one voice with the focus of healing trauma, which is the root cause of this all. Together we can break silos and provide those on the front lines the tools they need to effectively do their job,” said Lewis. “Together, we can change the trajectory that we are on, heal, and inspire our communities with hope for future generations.”

A report on the outcomes of the summit is available on the Health Care Authority (HCA) website. Links to breakout session recordings, materials, and additional resources are also available.  

Commitments & next steps

The summit is the first step in a long journey toward addressing the opioid epidemic in Tribal communities. The outcomes will serve as a starting point for the National Tribal Opioid Summit, hosted by the Tulalip Tribes, on August 22-24.  

“It was an honor to participate in the Washington State Tribal Opioid/Fentanyl Summit,” stated Governor Inslee. “Tribal leaders shared powerful stories about the damage of fentanyl and other opioids. It’s imperative we find a way forward and overcome this crisis that has claimed so many Native lives. Together, Tribes and state leaders will continue to identify the solutions that can help save lives.”

Governor Inslee identified key state agencies, including HCA, the departments of Health (DOH), Social and Health Services (DSHS), and Corrections (DOC), and Washington State Patrol (WSP) to continue the foundational efforts established during the summit. The leadership teams at these agencies are committed to determining:

  • What legislation is needed and at what level.
  • How to sustain the state and Tribal partnership.
  • What systemic and institutional changes can happen.

A Post-Summit Task Force, made up of Tribal representatives and state partners, is also convening to look for opportunities for policy or legislative action.

More information & opportunities

Media contacts

Kennedy Soileau, chief communications officer

360-725-1915 (office)
360-688-0131 (cell)

About Washington State Health Care Authority

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is committed to whole-person care, integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents.

HCA purchases health care for more than 2.5 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program, and the COFA Islander Health Care Program. As the largest health care purchaser in the state, we lead the effort to transform health care, helping ensure Washington residents have access to better health and better care at a lower cost.