As we get further into 2024, we wanted to provide an update on Noo-Kayet Investments (NKI).
Late last year, we announced that members of NKI’s leadership team had moved on from their positions. Since then, Tribal Council has been working with NKI’s Board of Directors to determine the best path forward for NKI and the entities it manages.
Tribal Council and NKI’s Board have been focused on a careful review of the organization’s structure and processes. Chairwoman Amber Caldera and Councilperson Matt Ives have been appointed to serve as voting members of NKI’s Board. These appointments, while temporary, help to provide some consistency while strengthening the working relationship between Council and the Board.
It is a priority that NKI and entity operations align with the cultural traditions, values, and practices that the Port Gamble S’Klallam hold dear. To this end, we are seeking a consultant to make recommendations on how to reorganize or, where necessary, restructure the policies, procedures, executive leadership, and workplace culture of NKI and its entities.
While we go through this process, major projects are on hold. This will allow all involved to focus on making decisions that will ensure that future leadership has the support and structure needed to carry these projects to successful completion.
NKI and its entities are important for many reasons: livelihood for their employees, sources of income for our Tribe, points of pride throughout our community. The opportunities for growth are abundant and our goal is to ensure that NKI is well positioned for continued and future success.
As we move through this process and decisions are made, we will continue to provide updates. In addition, we invite all PGST members to join us at 3 pm on the first Monday of each month as we hold special Council meetings that focus on updates from NKI and its entities. During these meetings, there will be opportunities to provide feedback and ask questions.
Thank you,
Amber Caldera, Chairwoman
Chris Tom, Vice Chair
Renee Veregge, Council Person I
Donovan Ashworth, Council Person II
Matthew Ives, Council Person III
Kyle Carpenter, Council Person IV