Tribal appeals court rules against fired Sauk-Suiattle workers

Thursday, July 18, 2013  

A lawsuit that accused the Sauk-Suiattle Tribe of Washington of discriminating against non-Indians has been dismissed due to sovereign immunity.

Eight non-Indians sued in tribal court after being fired. The tribe's appeals court said immunity barred the case from proceeding.

"The Sauk-Suiattle Tribe has chosen to assert its sovereign immunity," the June 25 ruling stated, The Seattle Weekly reported. "The result could make it difficult for the Tribe to recruit and keep qualified non-member employees. The wisdom of that decision, however, rests with the Tribe’s governing body."

Get the Story:
Court Ruling Spells Defeat for Fired Sauk-Suiattle Workers (The Seattle Weekly 7/18)

Sauk-Suiattle Tribe accused of going after non-Indian employees (3/13)