In elections held April 7 during the Nation’s annual General Council meeting, Fawn Sharp was elected to her fifth term, while the following were re-elected to the Nation’s executive leadership: Vice President Tyson E. Johnston, Treasurer Lawrence “Larry” Ralston, and Secretary Latosha Underwood. Elected for the first time was Third Councilman John Bryson Jr.

“This election was a clear expression of the sovereignty of the Quinault People and, from my standpoint, a humbling and inspiring show of support in the Nation’s current leadership from its citizens,” said Sharp, who is the ninth Quinault president since 1922 and the second woman.

“The Quinault people have been renowned for the stability, integrity, and strength of our governmental institutions for generations, a tradition I know our current leadership will work hard to support and build upon,” she said in a statement following the election.

Sharp identified climate change policy, advancing and strengthening tribal sovereignty and diversifying and expanding Quinault’s private sector economy as her priorities going into the new term. The Quinault Indian Nation and its business enterprises are the largest employer in rural Grays Harbor County.

“I am ecstatic to be re-elected four times consecutively to serve as the Treasurer for the Quinault Indian Nation,” said Treasurer Lawrence “Larry” Ralston, a former Tribal police chief. “My personal and professional commitment to serve three more years is a challenge that I welcome as part of my sacred duty to build a solid financial future for the next seven generations of the Quinault people.”

The Quinault Indian Nation has slightly more than 3,000 enrolled members eligible to cast votes during the General Council meeting. The announcement didn’t include vote totals or the number of those who voted.