The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the hiring of Patrick Depoe as Director of Tribal Relations.

A University of Washington graduate, Patrick is a member of the Makah Tribe and grew up in Neah Bay on the reservation. For the past six years, he has served on the Makah Tribal Council, most recently as Vice Chairman. In that role, he worked with Tribes and state and federal agencies on a wide-range of issues, including emergency preparedness, COVID-19 response, climate resilience, and habitat restoration.

Patrick’s knowledge of natural resources issues is extensive. Notably, he co-chairs the Natural Resources Subcommittee of the BIA’s Tribal-Interior Budget Council. He also serves on the Pacific Fishery Management Council, Northwest Indian Fish Commission, Low-carbon Energy Siting Study Advisory Board, and Environmental Justice Council.