What's in it for the tribes? Simple, as stated above, transparency and trust. So far the tribes haven't needed to value either. Maybe they'll change their minds; maybe not. I think it's worthwhile to point out, as Bay wolf has done, that transparency and trust are on the table.

Now, about that cooperation. It remains to be seen whether that cooperation can be secured in the absence of transparency and trust. From Inslee I would say no doubt. Probably from Susewind too from my observation. But not all of the Legislature is for sale to the tribes, so we'll just have to see what transpires. BTW, time for everyone to make and send their 2-week reminders to Legislators about WDFW's budget request, support or oppose, or conditionally support. Both your district senator and representatives and to the Senate Environment and Natural Resources committee members.

Note that the Tribes are pushing hard to be the only folks allowed to provide Sports Betting in the state. More money to "donate".

Given history, I dont think "trust us we can help you" is much of a carrot in tribal country.

I suppose that’s true...
I guess we deserve everything that’s happing...sins of the father and all that.

I wonder if that’s the consensus of the First Nations citizens, that it’s time to pay back?

Oh, we have a LOT more that we as rec's can lose. I still have pretty good fishing 12 months out of the year, although I have to drive a bit and spend some coin. The unfortunate thing is that we rec's have nothing of value to give. The Department does not seem to act in our interest, so we don't have anything they want,

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And money-wise, this isn't a pink year so WDFW can't gin up license sales with "The Pinks are Coming".

Or, what might they lose by being intransigent on agreeing to open meetings - a concept some of the tribes espouse as a worthwhile concept at least for their internal governmental activities?

I recall testimony by tribal representatives during the legislative hearing over the closure of early winter run steelhead (thank you WFC) where those tribal reps pushed for cooperation.

Yet here we are.

Just read the article about the Lifeblood Documentary in the latest issue of Northwest Sportsmans Magazine.
LifeBlood, Northwest Sportsman Magazine

Interesting read.

Perhaps members of Puget Sound Anglers could contact Mr. Garner and ask him for his assistance in ending the trust killing closed door meetings, just as we did to Vice Chair Yanity?

Mr. Garner's special relationship with the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission would place him in a unique position to speak on behalf of the non-tribal citizens.