By Corvo Rohwer, Puyallup Tribal News
Deputy Administrator Mike Bowechop celebrated his last day of work before retirement with his friends and coworkers on April 15 with a farewell party in the Tribal Administration building.
Bowechop began working with Tribes all the way back in the ‘70s, spending his summers working with the Makah Tribe and Washington State University at the Ozette Archeological Site. After a few years, he was employed directly with the Makah Tribe in its Planning Department, and later transitioned into the same department for the Tulalip Tribe.
Beginning his career with the Puyallup Tribe in 1991, Bowechop was originally hired as a compliance officer. Over the years, however, his responsibilities grew considerably with added duties including legislative analyst, special projects, acting administrative manager and most recently, deputy administrator.
One of Bowechop’s proudest moments in his career was his involvement in the Bureau of Indian Affairs negotiations for Puyallup Tribe self-governance.
“I really see it as an accomplishment to be able to push that across the finish line before I retired,” Bowechop said.
One thing Bowechop looks forward to in retirement is no longer having to drive long distances for work every day. He lives in Olympia and has commuted more than 550,000 miles for work during his career with the Tribe.
“On a good day, you could make that commute in maybe 45 minutes. In the summertime on a Friday, it’s going to be close to two hours,” Bowechop said.
Despite the long drives, the work was always worthwhile in his eyes. Bowechop explained that despite not being a Puyallup Tribal Member, the Tribe always made him feel welcomed, and that seeing the people he worked with every day will be something he misses.
“There’s a feeling that you’re part of the Tribe. You’re part of the family,” Bowechop said.
Before wrapping up the party, a few speakers took the opportunity to give Bowechop a farewell message and thank him for his hard work over the years. Excerpts from their speeches can be read below.
Chairman Bill Sterud
“Everybody has gotten to know you, Mike, to depend on you. I’ve depended on you for the grants and contracts that keep this place alive. … Mike was the person that helped do that. He’s not just a good force, but a good person in our community. He’s been a good role model in our community. Thank you for being a part of that.”
Councilwoman Monica Miller
“You have been here a long time. You stuck with this Tribe, you brought this Tribe in a lot of money. You helped us when we had nothing. You were a part of building us up, and on behalf of the Tribal Members and myself, I appreciate everything you have done.”
Councilman Fred Dillon
“There’s always that saying, that in Indian Country, we don’t ever get to retire. But whatever you choose to do now, you’ve earned it. Enjoy life. … You have the opportunity to get out there and live a little bit, enjoy it.”
Anita Oldbull
“He started here on April 16th in 1991 and has put in 34 years of service, which amounts to half his life. So, I definitely want to thank you for your dedication and service to the Tribe.”
