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Thurston County agrees to explore fall workshop with SPSCC and Willie Frank on tribal history
Summary
Commissioners gave staff direction to explore a partnership with South Puget Sound Community College and Willie Frank for a fall staff training and an evening community forum about fish wars and tribal cultural history, tied to the Billy Frank Jr. statue rollout.
The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners on May 6 directed staff to explore a partnership with South Puget Sound Community College and workshop leader Willie Frank for fall cultural-history training and a community forum. Commissioners said the training would serve county staff under diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and that a community-facing event could be held at SPSCC’s Minner Center.
Commissioner Eiten introduced the proposal, describing outreach and training previously delivered by Willie Frank in Pierce County and noting interest in pairing a staff training with a public evening forum. “I think we have an exciting opportunity that we wanted to bring to the Board for direction,” Eiten said. South Puget Sound Community College has identified potential dates and offered cost-sharing and facility support for a Minner Center event, staff said.
Staff explained the county would refine logistics and return with cost estimates and a proposed October timeline. Commissioner Mejia supported the idea as aligned with SPSCC’s board plan and noted the value for both employees and students. The discussion referenced the forthcoming Billy Frank Jr. statue rollout in Washington, D.C., and a planned local installation as context for timing.
No contract or expenditure was approved at the May 6 session. The board asked staff to work with SPSCC and Willie Frank on scheduling, cost-sharing, and a plan for a staff training plus an evening community forum, and to return with more detail.
