Our History
The 1976 compact that formed SPIPA was crafted by visionary leaders from the Chehalis Confederated Tribes, Nisqually, Skokomish and Squaxin Island Tribes. These four tribes pulled away from the Small Tribes of Western Washington (STOWW). STOWW membership had given them a glimpse of what the future could be.
Our Founders
Bill Smith,
Skokomish Tribe
Mel Youckton,
Chehalis Tribe
Zelma McCloud,
Nisqually Tribe
Cal Peters,
Squaxiin Island Tribe
These tribes – and their leaders – felt their communities would be better served by a consortium representing only them. Signatories included: Mel Youckton, Chehalis; Zelma McCloud, Nisqually; Bill Smith, Skokomish; and Cal Peters, Squaxin Island. In 1992 a fifth tribe, Shoalwater Bay, joined SPIPA.
Much has changed since 1976. The five reservation communities have been transformed with the establishment of housing, tribal facilities and infrastructure, enterprises, and governance capability. Many tribal leaders molded SPIPA into the organization it is today. The agency's history reflects consistent tribal leadership at the five consortium tribes – a leadership known for quality and commitment.
In 2002 SPIPA completed 25 years of service. SPIPA looks forward to many more years of service. On September 20, 2003 many current and early leaders, supporters, and others gathered at The Lucky Eagle Casino for a 25 Year Anniversary Celebration and Dinner.
SPIPA's new home in 2005
Sponsors for the dinner included: The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, The Lucky Eagle Casino, The Muckleshoot Tribe, The Muckleshoot Charity Fund, and the Welco Lumber Company.
SPIPA was originally housed in borrowed office space on the top floor of a school on the Reservation. As SPIPA grew, to provide expanded services and programs to the consortium tribes, the office moved to a single-wide trailer near today's Little Creek Hotel Resort and Casino. The offices then moved to two double-wides up the hill from that location, until the current home was constructed in 2005 by the Squaxin Island Tribe.
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