The Stillaguamish Tribe and Angel of the Winds Casino Resort have announced an exciting new partnership with University of Washington Athletics, marking a significant milestone for Native American representation in the world of college sports.
The partnership, which was officially revealed at a press conference at Angel of the Winds Casino Resort in Arlington, Washington, will see the Stillaguamish Tribe and the casino resort become official sponsors of University of Washington Athletics. This collaboration represents a groundbreaking moment for the Stillaguamish Tribe, as they have historically been underrepresented in the world of collegiate athletics.
“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with University of Washington Athletics,” said Shawn Yanity, Chairman of the Stillaguamish Tribe. “This collaboration not only highlights the rich cultural heritage of our tribe, but also provides us with an opportunity to support student-athletes and promote our values of community, respect, and integrity.”
As part of the partnership, the Stillaguamish Tribe and Angel of the Winds Casino Resort will have a prominent presence at University of Washington sporting events, including football, basketball, and baseball games. In addition, the tribe will work closely with the university to create unique opportunities for Native American students to engage with the athletics program.
“We are honored to partner with the Stillaguamish Tribe and Angel of the Winds Casino Resort,” said Jen Cohen, Director of Athletics at University of Washington. “This partnership not only provides us with valuable support for our student-athletes, but also opens up new avenues for cultural exchange and mutual learning.”
The announcement of this partnership comes at a time when initiatives to increase diversity and inclusion in college athletics are gaining momentum. The Stillaguamish Tribe and Angel of the Winds Casino Resort are leading the way in showcasing the importance of Native American representation in collegiate sports.
“We are excited to see the positive impact that this partnership will have on the University of Washington Athletics program,” said Travis O’Neil, General Manager of Angel of the Winds Casino Resort. “Together, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and culturally diverse environment for student-athletes and fans alike.”
As the Stillaguamish Tribe and Angel of the Winds Casino Resort embark on this new journey with University of Washington Athletics, they are setting a powerful example for other Native American tribes and businesses to follow. By fostering partnerships with institutions of higher education, they are taking meaningful steps towards greater representation and recognition for Indigenous peoples in the world of sports.
