Arnold Eyle, Tkwa’Pay’Kish, was born in Toppenish, Washington and raised in Warm Springs, Oregon. During his childhood he faced significant challenges, including spending time in foster care after entering the system in 1973 where he remained until he was 18 years old. At one point, he even lived in Tribal jail for 48 days because the group home was full and there were no available foster families to care for him.

Eyle is the Chairman of the Roads, Irrigation & Land Committee and serves on the following Committees: Timber, Grazing, Overall Economic Development Committee (Secretary); Cultural Committee (Secretary), and Radio/Hazardous Waste Committee (Secretary).

For over forty years, Eyle worked in forestry and Wildland fire management, spending 42 years as a Wildland Firefighter. When he first went to work, he was told he was hired only because of Equal Employment Opportunity. Instead of deterring him, it only inspired him to work harder. “When they told me I was just a number, I figured, if they give me an inch, I’m taking a mile,” said Eyle with a smile.

He advanced from entry-level positions to crew leadership, building a reputation for dedication and reliability. Eyle’s life experiences continue to shape his service. “If you want change, you have to be a part of that change.”

To contact Councilmember Eyle, please feel free to call him at (509) 865-5121 extension 4348 or email him at Arnold_Eyle@yakama.com.  His secretary is Angela Spoone, and she can be reached at (509) 865-5121 extension 4333.

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