Who I am
Committed to our People
My name is Danielle Bargala Sanchez. At the very core of who I am is Muckleshoot. I am a descendent of the Daniels Family. My father was Sonny Bargala and my Grandmother was Alice Daniels.
I received my BA at Johns Hopkins University, and my JD at Seattle University. Since 2017, I have been practicing law as a lawyer for our Tribe.
I am committed to keeping the legacy of our ancestors alive, and honoring not just my family - but yours too. My priorities are to strengthen our community from the roots up by investing in our children, supporting our families and youth, restoring trust in our workplaces, and promoting wellness for all - including our leaders. I will continue to advocate fiercely for Muckleshoot sovereignty and representation at every level, ensuring our people’s voices are heard, respected, and protected in every room where decisions are made.
My Values & Vision
My approach involves a deep understanding of Muckleshoot's needs. I grew up Muckleshoot and have watched our needs evolve over time, and I am ready to empower our people. Here are where my priorities lie:
Investing in our Children's Future
I am where I am today because of the leaders who prioritized education. I believe in the strength of our youth and the importance of creating opportunities for everyone to thrive, even if they can't attend private school. When we invest in our children’s future, we honor our ancestors and build a stronger, healthier Muckleshoot Tribe for generations to come. Both our Tribal School and our MCFS system need strong leadership, more resources, and our utmost support. Creating systemic wrap around care for our families is my top priority.
Restoring Trust and Accountability
Our people deserve fairness, respect, and transparency in every department. It’s time to rebuild confidence in our systems by ensuring clear communication, consistent policies, and true accountability at every level. When our Tribal members and employees feel safe and valued, our programs thrive, and so does our Tribe.
Every high level position in our Tribe could be filled with our own people, or have a trainee position for our People.
Caring for our Caretakers
Mental health is important for every member of our Tribe. When our leaders are well, our governance is well, and our sovereignty is at its strongest. When we care for the hearts of those at the table, we create decisions rooted in balance, compassion, and clarity. I believe in promoting mental wellness for all, from our youth to our elders, from our front-line workers to our Tribal Council.
Strong Voices
In today’s political climate, our Tribe needs strong, educated advocates who can stand firm in every room where decisions are made about our people. Sovereignty is not something we can take for granted - it must be protected, spoken for, and upheld at every level of government. I have been advocating for our people without any leadership title, and I will continue to be a strong voice for our people.
Continued Focus on Services
Now more than ever, people around the world are feeling the effects of the economy. Our Tribe has done a wonderful job of focusing on providing member's with assistance to feel stable. Sometimes, it still feels like stability is unattainable. I commit to continuing the work our Tribe has done to provide each and every Tribal member with what they need to survive and to thrive. As the economy provides instability, our Tribe is here to provide a feeling of safety and security for each and every member.
Accomplishments
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2014 Earn Bachelor of Arts, Johns Hopkins University
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2017 Earn Juris Doctorate, Seattle University School of Law
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During law school served as the president of Native American Law Students Association and Editor on American Indian Law Journal
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Represented Muckleshoot two years in a row at National NALSA Moot Court
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2021 through 2023 Indian Law Section (Treasurer, Chair Elect, and then Chair)
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2020 - 2024 Washington Coalition for Police Accountability (Served on the Board 2022 - 2024)
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2023 - Current Board Member, Northwest Justice Project
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2017 to Current, Attorney at Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
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Focus on Higher Education, Land Use and Planning, Health, Culture, Code Writing and Editing
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Get in Touch
Connect with Me
Your voice matters too. Lets talk about what matters to you.