Pictured above: David Z. Bean (left) and Bill Sterud (right)
In Tribal Council’s first meeting following the swearing-in of election winners Bill Sterud and Annette Bryan, councilmembers on Friday chose David Z. Bean to serve as Tribal Council chairman for the coming year. Bill Sterud, who has served in various capacities on the Council since 1978, most recently as chairman, will now serve as vice chairman.
“It’s an honor to be selected following a long line of chairmen and chairwomen,” Bean said. “I’m filled with gratitude, love and respect for all who have served in leadership capacities.”
Bean has been on Tribal Council for 13 years. He is vice chair of the National Indian Gaming Association and has participated in many of the Tribe’s Washington, D.C., delegations as well as various other projects and programs. He participates regularly in cultural activities by drumming, singing, dancing and language classes, and he participates in Tribal fisheries as a diver harvesting geoducks.
Sterud, who has served in the chairman and vice chairman role many times since his first election, represented the Tribe in negotiations that led to the Puyallup Land Claims Settlement in the 1980s, setting the foundation for much of the Tribe’s work today.
“It’s been an honor working alongside Bill Sterud for the past 13 years,” Bean said. “Selecting Bill as vice chairman ensures experienced leadership and wisdom will continue in Council leadership.”
Bean said he would keep his “sleeves rolled up” to continue the legacy of all those who have worked in the past to serve members of the Tribe and to protect Tribal sovereignty and natural resources.
“I want to express how thankful I am to our ancestors and our elders who have taken the steps, fought the battles, and made the sacrifices for all that we have today,” he said.
About the Puyallup Tribe of Indians
The Puyallup People have lived along the shores of what is now called Puget Sound for thousands of years. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is a sovereign nation of more than 5,000 members and one of the largest employers in Pierce County. It serves its people and neighbors with generosity and is committed to building a sustainable way of life for future generations. Learn more about the Puyallup Tribe.
About the Puyallup Tribal Council
The Puyallup Tribal Council is the elected governing body of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. The current council consists of Chairman David Z. Bean, Vice Chairman Bill Sterud, Sylvia Miller, Annette Bryan, Tim Reynon, James Rideout and Georgianna Bean.
