Inslee statement on death of Bill James, hereditary chief of the Lummi Nation

"Trudi and I join Bill's family, the Lummi community and all Coast Salish nations in mourning the loss of Chief Tsi’li’xw (Bill James). Bill was a teacher of all and was a gentle, yet strong voice for the Lummi people. He holds a place alongside other transformative tribal leaders that preceded him in death such as Billy Frank Jr., Stan Jones Sr. and many others.

"Bill helped young people in tribal communities to have a deeper connection to their ancestry and their cultures. He raised awareness of native art and language and his legacy will live on for generations."