Steve Edwards tabbed as new Swinomish Tribal Senate chair

After a crossroads election that marked the end of an era, the Swinomish Tribal Senate on Monday selected a tested leader to guide the 11-member panel on the path ahead.

Steve “Rudy” Edwards, who has served as Tribal recreation director among other key roles, was the Senate’s choice to succeed Brian Cladoosby as its chairman.

Cladoosby, who had chaired the Swinomish Senate for more than two decades and was widely recognized as a prominent national voice in the Native American community, was defeated for re-election in stunning fashion last month by 27-year-old Alana Quintasket, who studied at the University of Washington and Arizona State University, and ran as a generational candidate for change.

Edwards, known for his quiet, collaborative leadership style, is a 1979 La Conner High graduate who was re-elected to a five-year Senate term in 2017.

He has been a Swinomish Senator since 2003.

“I can’t do it by myself,” he said Tuesday, upon assuming the chairmanship. “It takes the entire Senate to serve the Tribal Community.”

Edwards hails from a family noted for its public service.

Two of his sisters, Janie Beasley and the late Susan Wilbur, were longtime La Conner School Board members. His brother, Glen Edwards, was a long-serving Tribal Senator. Another sister, Cathi Bassford, sits on the Swinomish Election Board.

Joining Edwards on the Swinomish Senate Executive Committee will be Joe Williams, vice-chair; Barb James, secretary; and treasurer Brian Wilbur.

As he passed the baton this week, Cladoosby received widespread praise for his 35-year tenure on the Tribal Senate, a period marked by unprecedented economic development and advances in social services and educational opportunities on Swinomish Reservation.

“I have great respect for Chairman Cladoosby and for the Swinomish people,” Washington Gov. Jay Inslee told the Weekly News. “Rarely have I worked with a leader with such a deep and abiding commitment to his community. Brian’s dynamic leadership has benefited both the Swinomish and the entire state of Washington. He has led on education, health care, and environmental issues and I have no doubt he will continue to do so.”

La Conner Schools Superintendent Dr. Whitney Meissner echoed those sentiments.

“Brian Cladoosby is an inspiring leader,” she said. “Some of my most valuable leadership lessons have come from him, including leading from the bottom, sharing blessings and gratitude and always doing right by our youth.”

Meissner lauded Cladoosby for his passion on behalf of Swinomish Tribal members, calling it bold and purposeful.

She also cited his role in fostering relations between the Tribal Community and La Conner Schools.

“I know the path he has paved will guide future school and Tribal leaders for generations to come,” Meissner said of Cladoosby, a 1977 La Conner High grad.

“The relationship between Swinomish and La Conner Schools has a firm foundation that spans many decades,” said Meissner. “We will continue to strengthen the relationships as future paths are forged.”

Cladoosby was first elected to the Swinomish Senate in 1985. He had served as chairman since 1997.

“It will be hard for anyone to walk in the moccasins that you have worn so long,” Vince Cayou, Sr., of Swinomish, told Cladoosby. “Thank you for the dedication and hard work.”

For his part, Cladoosby wished Edwards good luck going forward.

“I had the best job in the world,” Cladoosby said, as he reeled off a long list of Senate action since the 1980s, including Tribal property acquisitions and development, the launching of new health, dental, and childcare facilities and investment in job creation and scholarships.

“It’s a blessing to have been part of it,” he said.

Those blessings – and corresponding responsibilities – now shift to Edwards.