• The Suquamish Tribe is exploring the creation of a new center to strengthen community resilience, safety, and emergency preparedness. The center can include services and supports for everyday life, like a food bank and community gathering spaces, as well as spaces necessary for disaster response for the Port Madison Reservation and surrounding areas.
• This effort is currently in a visioning phase. The Tribe received a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Planning and Predesign Capital Equity Program (PPCEP) to support planning and predesign activities.
• The preplanning phase runs through December 2025. The Tribe is assessing needs, studying site feasibility, and gathering input from community members about what should be included in this future facility. The next project phase will focus on identifying funding opportunities.
• The proposed project site is at the northwest corner of NE Suquamish Way and Division Avenue NE, on Tribal trust land.
• Visit this page for project updates, upcoming opportunities to contribute your thoughts, and future concept designs. Together, we can build a space that protects, prepares, and reflects the values of the Suquamish community.

WHAT IS THE NEW CENTER MEANT TO SUPPORT? 

• The new center is meant to support community resilience. It can bring together community supports, public safety coordination, and emergency operations in one location. It could also serve as a shared space for community and regional partners before and during emergencies, improving coordination and response capabilities.
• The project is being developed in collaboration with North Kitsap Fire & Rescue and other partners across North Kitsap and Bainbridge Island.

WE NEED YOUR GUIDANCE:

The Tribe invites all community members to share their thoughts and ideas as planning moves forward. Your input will help guide the design and priorities of this project.

We’d like to know:

• What does resilience mean to you?
• What community assets are needed to support that resilience? These can include community services, facilities, and practices that support community health, wellness, security, connectedness, and emergency preparedness.
• What do community members need to be more prepared for natural disasters or emergencies? This could include information, supplies, and plans.
• What services or programs should a community resilience center offer? These could include supplies, provisions, planning support, information, and opportunities that build community connections and mutual support.
• How can traditional knowledge and cultural values guide community resilience and emergency preparedness? How can we incorporate our stories, art, and language into the design and function of the buildings? How can we strengthen community resilience through traditional knowledge and cultural values.

Please email your responses to Cherrie May, Emergency Manager, at cmay@suquamish.nsn.us