TACOMA, WA – The Puyallup Tribe received the Golden Knight Award by Gov. Bob Ferguson during the fifth annual South Sound Dinner for the tribe’s commitment to community improvement. The award is presented to a group of people who have shown profound contributions to the community. Ferguson said the tribe was chosen this year to recognize the wide range of community stewardship it engages in, citing the tribe’s charity contributions, public health initiatives, economic development and employment opportunities.
“Their legacy of generosity and innovation is truly an inspiration to each one of us, and it’s a true honor to recognize their outstanding work,” said Ferguson.
Tribal Council Chairman Bill Sterud and Councilman James Rideout were in attendance to accept the award. Chairman Sterud took a moment to recognize the hard work of the tribal community.
“This award belongs to so many more than those of us on stage,” said Sterud. “It belongs to the culture bearers who keep our language and songs alive, environmental crews and volunteers who brave cold water so salmon have a future, health workers and first responders who meet people on their hardest day, educators and mentors who remind youth to carry their ancestors spirit, business teams … and our elders who measure their wealth by the size of their hearts and not the size of their wallets.”
Councilman Rideout continued that sentiment, expressing this award is not simply for the Tribal Council, but for the Puyallup Tribe.
“Our elders are our everything. I would not be here if not for their wisdom, their love and compassion,” said Rideout. “This award is not for me, it’s for them. I pay it forward.”
