The Chairwoman of Port Gamble S'Klallam Nation, Amber Caldera, spoke to Kingston North Kitsap Rotarians at their Noon meeting, Wed, Mar 12.
Caldera was "born and raised" on Port Gamble S'Klallam lands. She is a 2002 graduate of North Kitsap High; she received her master's degree from Oklahoma University in indigenous law in 2020.
She has three children, ages 20, 17, and 9.
When Tribal Chairman Jeromy Sullivan passed in June, 2023, Amber ran to succeed him; she was elected Chairwoman in Oct, 2023.
The Tribe - the Strong People - consists of 1500 members. It employs 400 people, offering services such as healthcare and education to members. They are proud that revenue from their Point Casino goes into services
Amber reported the Port Gamble S'Klallam people have continuously occupied the lands around Port Gamble Bay for more than 1,000 years. They currently live under the 1855 Point No Point Treaty, which they "take very seriously." However from 1855 until 1938, she said the U.S. Government did not make good on the treaty promises. She said current priorities are in support of their children and their elders. Hoping to one day have their own schools and assisted living facility.