It's been a year since Lavina Washines became the first woman to lead the Yakama Nation of Washington.
Reflecting on her first year in office, Washines said her greatest challenge is protecting the tribe's sovereignty. She has investigated the state's gasoline and tobacco compacts and has questioned
attempts by the state to assert jurisdiction on the reservation.
Washines also has adopted a strict stance on budget issues. She is trying to get the tribe out of $6.8 million in debt and keeps a close eye on tribal spending.
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