Later this month, the option agreement on Pope Resources’ land central to the Kitsap Forest & Bay Project expires. Good progress has been made toward conserving at least a portion of almost 7,000 acres in North Kitsap and two miles of Port Gamble Bay shoreline. The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe has been a principal partner in this effort since it began in 2011.

This is just one of several recent, ongoing projects that my Tribe has been involved with that help accomplish the goal of securing a bright and productive future for our community. Here are a few highlights:

— In spring 2012, PGST Child & Family Services became the first Tribal department in the country to run its own adoption and foster care program. Our staff worked for years on this program, making it possible for children faced with difficult situations to find loving homes within our community. — Also last spring, our community youth group, SWAG (S’Klallams Working and Giving), won the “Be the Change” competition from The Sheckler Foundation to build a skate park on the reservation. SWAG and Tribal staff are now working with the foundation to begin construction this summer.

— The expansion of The Point Casino opened last summer, bringing with it dozens of new jobs. In addition, we’ve been able to showcase the talents of local artists throughout the casino, while offering dining and entertainment options not previously available in the area.