By Corvo Rohwer, Puyallup Tribal News
Councilwoman Annette Bryan was welcomed in by Tacoma City Council to perform the swearing-in ceremony for Tacoma Mayor Anders Ibsen on Jan. 7.
The ceremony began with the swearing in of newly elected councilmember Latasha Palmer, along with re-elected councilmembers Sarah Rumbaugh, Sandesh Sadalge and Joe Bushnell.
Tribal Councilwoman Bryan then spoke briefly before swearing in Ibsen, welcoming in a new mayor to the city.
Bryan expressed she was thankful for the inclusion of the Tribe and the efforts that have been made to ensure Native voices are heard.
“You can feel it. It’s a whole different feeling than we did 10 years ago between the Tribe and the citizens,” Bryan said.
Ibsen thanked all attendees for being present before starting the first Tacoma City Council meeting of 2026.
“Speaking to so many friends here in this room, some newly established, some long time, I just want to express my profoundest gratitude for the opportunity to serve you,” Ibsen said.
Councilwoman’s Bryan invitation to swear in Mayor Ibsen falls in line with other efforts made by local governments to strengthen relations with the Tribe, such as including the Puyallup Tribal Flag in Tacoma City Council chambers in 2018, the proclamation of November as Native American Heritage Month and the more recent inclusion of the Tribal flag in Pierce County Council chambers in 2024.
Tacoma City Council also thanked the Tribe for its leadership and representation at the event, with the hopes of more partnership opportunities developing in the future.
