Brian Saluskin, Sawyalilx, was born and raised in Toppenish, Washington. After earning his GED, he continued his education at the Haskell Indian Nations University before transferring to Salish Kootenai College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fish and Wildlife Science in 2006.

Saluskin is Sargeant-At-Arms of the Yakama Nation Tribal Council Brian currently serves on the following Committees: Executive Board (Sergeant-At-Arms); Timber, Grazing, Overall Economic Development Committee (Member); Fish and Wildlife Committee (Secretary); Legislative Committee (Secretary); and the Energy Committee (Secretary).

Saluskin’s career with Yakama Nation spans over three decades. Beginning as a member of a forestry thinning crew and later working as a Fisheries Technician, he eventually returned to Yakama Nation Fisheries as a Fish Passage Biologist, a position he has held for more than 18 years.

Among his most significant contributions was his help in reintroducing Sockeye Salmon to the Yakima basin after an absence of over 100 years. He played a role in The Big Fish Passage Project at Lake Cle Elum, a collaboration between the Yakama Nation and the Bureau of Reclamation supported by a Congressional funding totaling $250,000,000. This landmark project is scheduled for completion by 2027.
Saluskin continues to focus on natural resource stewardship, fish and wildlife management, energy issues, and concerns related to the Hanford Site. He has also been a strong advocate for addressing homelessness and substance abuse, serving as a Commissioner on the Yakima County Homeless Coalition and a partner with Opioid/Fentanyl Task Force.

He describes his leadership philosophy in simple terms, “I am here for the People. If someone wants to come in and sit down, I will talk to them.”

To contact Councilmember Saluskin, please feel free to call him at (509) 865-5121 extension 4345 or email him at Brian_Saluskin@yakama.com. His secretary is Erin Marceau, and she can be reached at (509) 865-5121 extension 4339.

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