SUQUAMISH — Leaders of Native Nations from Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Southeast Alaska, Northern California and Western Montana are meeting at Suquamish’s Clearwater Casino Resort through Feb. 4 for the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians’ Winter Convention.

The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, or ATNI, was founded in 1953 and is a nonprofit organization representing 57 Northwest Tribal governments. According to ATNI’s website, the organization develops and pursues regional strategies “for the development, protection and advancement of the interests of member Tribes and their people in the areas represented by ATNI committees which include: cultural affairs, economic development, human and social services, natural resources and environment, Tribal governance, and ad hoc task forces.”

ATNI’s president is Fawn Sharp, president of the Quinault Nation. Also participating in the convention is Brian Cladoosby, chairman of the Swinomish Tribe and president of the National Congress of American Indians.

The convention opened Jan. 31 with a meeting on climate change, tours of Suquamish, and a reception hosted by the Native American Caucus of the Washington State Democratic Central Committee.

Gov. Jay Inslee addressed the convention Feb. 1, followed by discussions on state legislation, dual taxation, and Tribal-State retail marijuana compacts.

At 7:30 a.m. Feb. 2, there will be a prayer service at Chief Seattle’s grave site. Events later in the day: a trade show, legislative updates by the Native American Rights Fund, Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, Indigenous Food Sovereignty, and a cultural presentations at the House of Awakened Culture.

On Jan. 3, convention topics will be health and wellness, Dental Health Aid Therapist Program, Seattle’s homeless population, Indian Child Welfare regulations, human trafficking, drug abuse and prevention, and emergency management readiness.

The convention concludes morning Feb. 4 with a review of ATNI resolutions.