Washington tribes say the 20-year-old Centennial Accord has improved their relationship with the state.

The agreement was signed on August 4, 1989. It calls on the state to consult tribes on decisions that affect them.

"I had my fingers crossed when I signed that document, thinking about the treaties that weren't acknowledged or respected," Denny Hurtado, the chairman of the Skokomish Tribe, said at the annual Centennial Accord meeting, The Everett Herald reported.

State Rep. John McCoy (D), a member of the Tulalip Tribes, wants to take the agreement further and implement into law. He wants to make sure future governors live up to their responsibilities.

"We're not always going to have a friend like the governor," McCoy said, referring to the pro-tribal Gov. Chris Gregoire (D), who attended the meeting.

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1989 pact keeps state and tribes talking (The Everett Herald 6/28)