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Since 2015 talks had stalled regarding negotiation of a new master lease between Shelter Bay and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.

Now folks are talking again.

Shelter Bay and Swinomish residents and leaders last week attended the first of planned traditional Native American open floor discussions hosted by lease consultants Dr. Wil James and Ava Goodman at the tribal social services building.

Most came away with a positive view of the three-hour session, which invited a frank but respectful dialogue stressing common ground approaches to solving complex issues.

“The 900-pound gor...