Consolidated Borough of Quil Ceda Village
Deborah Parker, tsicyalt-sa, is a proud member of the Tulalip Tribes and a lifelong advocate for Indigenous rights, healing, and sovereignty. Deborah, the daughter of Terry Parker and Adelina Berger ("Mrs. Addy"), was raised in a loving and supportive Tulalip family. She is the devoted mother of Cedar (skaluus), Kayah (xáliya), and Wetuah. She honors the memory of her late husband, Myron, whose spirit continues to guide her leadership journey.
With over 30 years of service to Tulalip, she has held impactful roles across numerous departments and organizations, including the Tulalip Legal Department, Family Services, Tulalip Boys & Girls Club, Tulalip Education, KIF Health Clinic, Quil Ceda Village, and the Marysville School District. Deborah served as the CEO of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, where she has led transformative growth and healing initiatives. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing truth, justice, and healing for Native communities impacted by the legacy of boarding schools. As the former Vice Chair of the Tulalip Board, Deborah has prioritized the voices of women, children, and elders. She played a pivotal role in the passage of the 2013 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), securing stronger protections and increased funding for Native communities. She is currently leading federal legislation for the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act, reintroduced in the U.S. Senate, which she helped draft from her home in Tulalip.
Her work defending tribal sovereignty includes securing water rights, protecting sacred lands, and advocating for the return of stolen lands and waterways. Deborah's vision is one of unity, healing, and resilience—honoring the teachings of her ancestors while building a sustainable and empowered future for generations to come.
Ryan Miller brings over 20 years of experience in natural resources, environmental policy, and government affairs to his Tulalip Board of Directors role. A lifelong resident of the Tulalip Reservation and a descendant of Sarah and Robert Sheldon, Ryan is deeply rooted in the community he now serves in an elected leadership role.
Before joining the Board, Ryan led the Treaty Rights Office, coordinating technical and policy teams to defend Tulalip’s treaty-protected resources. He played a key role in government-to-government consultations, ensuring Tulalip’s rights were upheld in decisions affecting tribal lands, waters, and traditional practices.
Ryan holds a degree in Native Environmental Science from Northwest Indian College, focusing on sovereignty, treaty rights, and the government trust relationship. His work has consistently blended traditional knowledge with modern science to protect the natural resources vital to Tulalip’s future.
As a Board member, Ryan is committed to strengthening tribal sovereignty, protecting the environment, and ensuring a vibrant future for the next generations of Tulalip people.