14 Feb Port of Kennewick Commission Recognizes Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation as “2017 Friend of the Port”
Kennewick, WA – On Tuesday, February 13, 2018, Port of Kennewick honored the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation as their 2017 Friend of the Port. The Port of Kennewick’s Board of Commissioners presented CTUIR Board of Trustees’ Chairman Gary Burke with a plaque recognizing the Tribes for their friendship and partnership in helping the Port transform Kennewick’s historic waterfront; and for their investment and support in helping create The Gathering Place art installation.
According to Tim Arntzen, CEO, the Port chose to recognize the CTUIR for the generous investment of their members’ time, talents, and ongoing involvement in port projects. “We especially thank the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation for their friendship and their patience during the past seven years; as we worked to ensure that the story of their heritage and culture in this part of the Columbia River was told in a respectful and accurate manner through authentic artwork and educational panels.”
Port of Kennewick Commissioner Skip Novakovich, who also serves as a board member for the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, thanked Chairman Burke for the CTUIR’s efforts to help transform Clover Island. “We are grateful for the Tribes’ support of the Port and our projects. From the many letters they’ve sent endorsing our grant requests; and for helping us restore the shoreline. From engaging in regular meetings with our Commission; to helping bring renewed vibrancy to the waterfront. All along the way, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation have been our champions…our allies…and our friends.”