Janie Beasley honored for her public service

Janie Beasley didn't need to drive far to be celebrated for choosing the long road in terms of public service.

A Swinomish Indian Tribal Community member and La Conner High School alum, Beasley received a 2024 Skagit Women's Alliance Network Lifetime Achievement Award during Oct. 17 ceremonies at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge.

SWAN is a nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing and supporting accomplished women throughout Skagit Valley.

Upper Skagit elder Kay Knott, who like Beasley was praised for being a dedicated community bridge builder, was also a SWAN Lifetime Achievement honoree.

The Lifetime Achievement honor, which is SWAN's highest award, is bestowed upon those who have dedicated themselves to improving the quality of life in Skagit County.

Beasley, a former La Conner School Board member, has served on a wide range of panels in Skagit County during her lengthy commitment to civic causes. Those include the Skagit Valley College Foundation Board and Project Mother Earth Committee.

For the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Beasley has worked for the planning and legal departments, the health clinic, and as the tribal realty officer and enrollment assistant.

SWAN leaders noted during their program that Beasley's contributions earned her several prestigious honors prior to the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. Those recognitions have included the 2015 SWAN Woman of the Year Award for Community Engagement, 2020 Native Action Network Enduring Spirit Award and 2024 La Conner Soroptimists Ruby Award for Community Service.

Beasley is frequently called upon to deliver bilingual messages in Lushootseed and English at special events and public observances, most recently during the Oct. 26 groundbreaking in La Conner of Skagit Habitat for Humanity's Caledonia Cottages project.

Beasley was specifically saluted by the SWAN board of directors for assuming leadership responsibility in women's mentorship, Native American identity, and community development.

"Janie's life is a testament to selfless leadership, cultural advocacy, and community commitment," SWAN leadership noted in its official awards program pamphlet. "Her legacy of service, advocacy and teaching is inspirational to her tribe and the broader Skagit County community."