Sylvia Miller — Identified as vice chairwoman of the tribal council.
Sylvia Miller — Sylvia Miller thanked the chair and described how gaming revenue made possible the building where the meeting was held, framing it as a symbol of the tribe’s progress and resilience. She explained that the facility provides a stable place for tribal government and services, replacing temporary spaces, and noted that gaming revenue has also supported more than 60 programs for members and the broader community. She then described additional investments funded by gaming dollars, including a building for funeral services and a youth center that supports sports, tutoring, educational assistance, school clothing, and other opportunities for children, emphasizing that these resources strengthen both present services and the tribe’s future.
Annette Brian — Named as one of the tribal council members.
James Rydow — Named as one of the tribal council members.
Anna Bean — Named as one of the tribal council members.
Monica Miller — Named as one of the tribal council members.
Fred Dillon — Named as one of the tribal council members.
Puyallup Tribe representative — The Puyallup Tribe representative described the tribe’s urban presence across Tacoma, Puyallup, Fife, and Federal Way, noting that many members live on ancestral homelands while others live elsewhere. They explained that the reservation is largely urban and that the tribe owns only a small portion of its territory, making gaming important for regaining land and strengthening the tribal land base. The witness then connected land recovery to cultural survival, describing the tribe’s heritage division, efforts to preserve language and traditions, and the canoe journey as a way to teach young people. They also highlighted outreach efforts, including an MOU with 13 local school districts for historically accurate tribal curriculum and a cultural sponsorship tied to the World Cup. Finally, they reflected on nearly 150 years of external pressure, discrimination, and attempts to erase the tribe, saying gaming and economic development have begun to change conditions for the better.
Vice Chairwoman Sylvia Miller — Was introduced to speak next about the importance of tribal gaming for the government, membership, and surrounding community.
Matt Watwami / Matt Woodwani — Introduced as the person who will discuss gaming and economic development; name appears inconsistently in the transcript.
Roy Yamaguchi — Named as the renowned chef partnering on Woven Seafood and Chop House.
Yale Roan — Yale Roan is introduced as the new Emerald Queen Casino CEO and then begins his remarks by thanking Matt and the audience. He states that he wants to focus on the casino’s commitment to responsible gaming and address the compact process.
Mr. Dennis Amarine — Engaged as an industry expert to help build the compliance and responsible gaming program; described as a former Nevada Gaming Control Board member and audit division head.
Julie Lease — Identifies herself as the Washington State Gambling Commission's tribal liaison and begins summarizing changes to the Puyallup Compact.
Yale — Credited with doing a good job explaining the responsible gaming provisions earlier.
Director Griffin — Director Griffin was discussed as the key official in tribal-state compact negotiations: first as the person who explained the negotiation framework, and then as the governor-designated lead negotiator under RCW after a tribe’s request is referred.
Tina — Asked to follow up on the next steps.
Clint — Reported that no one signed up for testimony today.
Claudia Kauffman — Claudia Kauffman introduced herself for the record, and shortly afterward she was addressed as Chair Kauffman.
Julio Cortes — The transcript appears to say 'Representative Charlotte from the 29th District,' which may be a transcription error; this is left questionable because the intended member is unclear.
Sharlett Mena — Addressed as Chair Menna; likely a transcription error for Mena.
Sharlett Mena — Referenced as the co-chair who may wish to make comments.
Steve Conway — Named as one of the ex officio members participating in the vote.
Jeff Holy — Named as one of the ex officio members participating in the vote.
Shelley Kloba — Named as one of the ex officio members participating in the vote; transcript says 'Clova.'
Kevin Waters — Named as one of the ex officio members participating in the vote.
Rob Hunter — Rob Hunter introduced himself as the tribal attorney for gaming for the Puyallup Tribe.
Bree Coyle Jones — Introduced as outside legal counsel to the Puyallup Tribe.
Yeo Rowe — Introduced as Chief Executive Officer for Emerald Queen Casinos.
Matt Woodwani — Introduced as Finance and Economic Development Officer for the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.