David Barnett, General Council Chairman of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, died suddenly Saturday night.
In a press release, the tribe says Barnett died of an apparent heart attack in his home in Shoreline, Washington, north of Seattle.
“As his spirit soars with the eagles, we ask for you to respect the privacy of Barnett’s family and the Tribe during this time,” the press release reads. “Details for a celebration of life will be forthcoming.”
Barnett was elected chairman in June 2021. He and his father, longtime former Chairman John Barnett, were integral in helping the tribe achieve federal recognition in 2000.
Barnett grew up in Aberdeen on Washington’s northwest coast, according to the tribe’s website.
“Dave risked his life savings and financial future to purchase the land where our reservation now stands,” the website reads. “But he did so at his father’s urging, knowing that they both didn’t want to let any Cowlitz down.”
The Cowlitz Reservation and ilani Casino are located in northern Clark County between the towns of Ridegield and La Center.
In accordance with the tribe’s succession plans, Barnett will be succeeded by Vice Chair Patty Kinswa-Gaiser.
