Quintin Johnson-Swanson
Who Am I?
Dear Tribal Family,
Thank you for taking the time to visit my biography page to learn a bit about me.
My name is Quintin Johnson-Swanson, a devoted member of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe. I am the great-great grandson of Elmer George and Mary (Armstrong) Johnson, great-grandson of Elmer Johnson and June Johnson, grandson of Rob Johnson & Debbie Johnson, and son of Alan Swanson and Lynn Clark.
I have lived in Tokeland all of my life. My partner and I, Taysia, have a son together; his name is Anakin Swanson.
My educational background includes an Associate’s Degree in Education, a Certificate of Specialization in Leadership & Management from Harvard Business School Online, a Certificate in Planning and Land-Use Studies at the United Tribe's Technical College, a Certificate in Grants Management through Falmouth Institute, and a Level 3 Certificate in Tribal Gaming through the National Indian Gaming Association.
These credentials are not just letters on paper; they represent my deep and abiding commitment to education and to utilizing knowledge for the betterment of our community; I am continually striving to learn all that I can.
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As Tribal Council Treasurer and Planning Director, I have spent years building relationships that are invaluable to our tribe. From tribal council members and administrative staff at other tribes, to local, state, and federal government officials and entities, I have been an unwavering advocate for our people and for our Tribe's climate resiliency efforts. I have carried our voice to the halls of Washington D.C., ensuring that our needs and aspirations are heard at the highest levels of government.
I firmly believe in the power of partnerships. These connections are not just for show; they are a critical framework that allows us to bring resources, opportunities, and recognition to our tribe.
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But what is a tribe without its future? That is why I am passionate about our youth. They are the beating heart of our community and the promise of our future. It is imperative that we invest in them—educationally, culturally, and emotionally. One of my top priorities will be to reignite the cultural involvement in our educational programming, ensuring that our children grow up with a strong sense of identity and respect for our traditions.
Moreover, I envision an economy that offers opportunities for our members to thrive, and a governance that is transparent, accountable, and, most importantly, listens to you.
I believe that I can provide strong & compassionate leadership to the Tribe; for I strive to understand our past, am living responsibly in our present, and am deeply committed to a brighter, more sustainable future.
My name is Quintin Johnson-Swanson; together, we can write the next great chapter in the story of the Shoalwater Bay Tribe.
Thank you.
Family
Leadership
Making a Difference
 DC |  Basket Weaving |  White House Tribal Nations Summit |
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All Videos
News
Building Relations
Speaker of the House, Rep. Jinkins
Meeting with the Speaker of the House, Representative Laurie Jinkins, to give her a tour of our reservation and further build upon our relationship with the state.
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Trip To DC
Chairwoman Nelson, Secretary Clark & Treasurer Swanson visiting Washington DC to advocate for funding in regards to climate resilience.
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Department of Agriculture
Meeting with State Director and Deputy State Director of USDA Rural Development, Helen Price-Johnson and Tim O'Connell, to discuss ways that the Tribe can potentially receive funding through their programs.
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White House Tribal Nations Summit
Raising Awareness Around Climate Change
I attended the White House Tribal Nations Summit on December 6th & 7th, 2023. While there, I gave a speech on behalf of the Tribe to raise awareness around our upland relocation project. The speech went as follows:
"It's an honor to be here at the White House Tribal Nations Summit - my name is Quintin Swanson, Council Treasurer and Planning Director for the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe.
The Shoalwater Bay Tribe is located in Tokeland Washington, along the shores of Cape Shoalwater. Cape Shoalwater has been eroding at an alarming rate of approximately 100 feet per year. Since 1884, we have lost over 2.1 miles of our ancestral homeland. Our current reservation, merely 12 feet above sea level, stands on the brink of oblivion.
In the face of this existential threat, we have taken proactive steps. We have secured approximately 4000 acres of upland property, nestled safely between 200-400 feet above sea level, to build our new village. This is not merely a relocation; it is the rebirth of our community, a safeguarding of our future.
However, it's imperative to acknowledge that relocation is an immensely complex process, one that surpasses most tribes' abilities and resources. The logistics, planning, and implementation of such a massive undertaking are daunting, to say the least. This isn't just about moving structures; it's about transplanting the heart and soul of a community. The financial, administrative, and emotional toll it takes on our people is immeasurable.
We are profoundly grateful for the support we have received from our federal partners. Shoalwater Bay was recently awarded a $25 million dollar RAISE grant through the Department of Transportation, which is a beacon of hope for our people. It enables us to construct the vital road into our new community, laying the foundation for our future village. HUD recently awarded the Tribe 6.1 million to assist in our road construction and to build duplexes in our upland area. We are in the final running for a grant through the EDA to help our Tribe to develop a master plan for our relocation project. The Army Corps of Engineers has been instrumental in erecting a berm to protect state route 105, the only way in and out of our community, and to help shield what remains of our land. These efforts, while significant, are merely the first steps in a long journey.
The reality we face is daunting. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the estimated cost of relocating our village stood at approximately $367 million. Today, that figure has escalated beyond $400 million.
We are calling on you, our federal partners, our friends, our allies, to help us and other tribes who are in a similar predicament as Shoalwater Bay; Your support is not just a contribution to a project; it is a lifeline to a people fighting to preserve their way of life, their history, and their identity.
In conclusion, I ask you to stand with the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe, and to all Tribes who are trying to navigate the complex process of relocation and in combatting climate change.
Masi."
I believe it to be important that we have a leader who has no problem speaking on the Tribe's behalf, to ensure that our voice is being heard and that we remain on the federal radar. Our Tribe has received so much attention over the past year, and it's imperative that we keep that momentum going.
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ATNI Presentation
Relocation & Climate Change
One of many presentations that I've given to spread awareness around our resiliency efforts. This presentation was given at ATNI at their Climate Change Summit in 2022.
Campaign Promise
I propose the implementation of a new initiative to record and post all council meetings on a video-sharing platform, such as YouTube. This approach, successfully adopted by tribes like the Winnebago Tribe, ensures that our meetings are not only accessible in real-time but also archived for future reference. This practice allows every tribal member, regardless of their location or schedule, the opportunity to stay informed and engaged with our Council's activities.
In addition to this, I am considering several other initiatives to further enhance transparency and equality within our community:
1. An Online Suggestion Box -- Establishing an online platform where tribal members can anonymously submit their ideas or concerns. This method ensures that everyone has a voice, especially those who may feel hesitant to speak in public settings.
2. Transparency Reports -- Publishing quarterly transparency reports detailing the Council's expenditures, decisions, and the progress of ongoing projects. This level of openness holds us accountable and builds trust within the community.
3. Community Feedback Surveys -- Regularly conducting surveys to gather feedback on various community matters. This data-driven approach would help us to understand the needs and preferences of our tribal members better.
These are just a few ideas that I have in mind which I believe would help to increase transparency - I am open to further suggestions and look forward to working towards a more transparent and equitable community.