Port Angeles – The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal flag will now fly alongside the U.S., state and city flags in the Port Angeles city council chambers.
The city council voted 4-2 last night to approve the move.
Mayor Sissi Bruch who presented the proposal, says it was a way to show cooperation and official recognition of the tribe by the city of Port Angeles. She says it is fitting since the city sits on the historic tribal lands.
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Bruch noted the city used to fly a tribal flag outside, but stopped when it became tattered.
But councilmember Jim Moran opposed bringing the flag inside the council chambers. He says he’s not against the tribe, but picking just the tribe isn’t fair to the other city partnerships.
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Moran suggested a more appropriate place for the tribal flag would be in front of the Carnegie Museum.
The city currently flies the federal, state, city and a flag for its sister city in the council chambers.
Council members Moran and Cherie Kidd voted no on the tribal flag proposal.