WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement on the sudden passing of Lorraine Loomis, Chairperson of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, and Swinomish Tribe member.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lorraine Loomis. Lorraine dedicated her life to protecting and advancing Tribal Treaty Rights. For more than four decades, Lorraine worked tirelessly to preserve the health of our environment and recover Pacific salmon populations Pacific Northwest Tribes rely on. As the Chairperson of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, she was a leading light for Tribes throughout the region, fostering cooperation and consensus, and raising up everyone around her to make sure future generations may fish.
“I send my condolences to Lorraine’s family and friends, her colleagues, and the Swinomish Tribal Community.”