Tribe honors trailblazing leader Georgia George

During the General Council gathering at Kiana Lodge, the Suquamish Tribe honored former Tribal Council Chair Georgia George in a ceremony recognizing her decades of leadership and service.

George was wrapped in a blanket by Calina Lawrence and Serene George as members of the General Council assembly looked on, many rising in support as the tribute unfolded.

Introducing the honor, Cultural Resources staffer Joey Holmes reflected on a time when the tribe operated with far fewer resources, recalling that George often traveled alone while representing her people.

“She was a major lobbyist and helped get the Rafeedie case across the finish line to establish treaty shell fishing rights. She did so much, she was awarded Person of the Year alongside Wilma Mankiller,” 30 years ago at the National Congress of American Indians conference, said Holmes.

In her remarks, George blended her trademark feisty humor with wise reflection. “It makes me feel old when I look at some of the existing Tribal Council members and know that I served with their mom and dad,” she said.

She spoke about the tribe’s growth over the decades, saying she has never seen the tribal community as “healthy, happy, and rich” as it is today, with strong cultural traditions, education systems, and health services in place.

“We couldn’t have done it without good leadership, without good community and tribal support, and without good employees,” she said.

George emphasized unity and the importance of continuing to dream and build together as a community.

“We can all achieve great things together as a tribe,” she said. “I have no regrets. I wouldn’t take back a minute of it.”

She also offered advice to future leaders.

“Stand up,” she said, “but always keep your humble roots.”

Grounding that message in culture, she encouraged younger generations to stay connected to tradition.

“Remember how to open up oysters and eat a raw clam,” she said. “Remember how to smoke some fish and eat the fish — especially the fish head!