John Washines, Sy’yow, was born in Yakima and raised in the Satus area of Toppenish. He graduated from Toppenish High School in 2002 and continued his education at the University of Idaho and Pawnee Nation College.

Before his election to Yakama Nation Tribal Council, Washines worked for Yakama Nation Fisheries for 14 years. During that time, he worked his way up to departmental lead for Rock Creek and Pine Creek, areas that are part of his ancestral homelands. His work focused on fisheries management and stewardship of natural resources that are central to the Yakama way of life.

Elected to Tribal Council in 2026, Washines serves on the following Committees: Timber, Grazing, Overall Economic Development (Member); Fish and Wildlife (Member); Roads, Irrigation and Land (Member); and Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (Secretary).

Drawing on his experience in fisheries and resource management, Washines is committed to serving the community through responsible and accountable leadership. His priorities include strengthening communication with the People while promoting transparency in government decision-making.

To contact Councilmember Washines, please feel free to call him at (509) 865-5121 extension 4329 or email him at John_Washines@yakama.com. His secretary is Angela Spoone, and she can be reached at (509) 865-5121 extension 4333.

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