Charles Adkins

As an advocate and proud enrolled member of the Yurok Tribe, Charles focuses on local and state advocacy. He currently works as a Legislative Policy Analyst for the Tulalip Tribes focusing on Education, Housing, and Indian Child Welfare. Charles also serves as an elected school board member for the Everett School District. From his childhood on the Yurok reservation, he was sent to one of the remaining Indian Boarding Schools where his experiences helped inform his fight for social and economic justice. His father, a decorated combat veteran from Afghanistan, suffered from PTSD which eventually led to Charles leaving home as a teenager and soon finding himself homeless throughout his time in High School. Charles’ passion to help others like himself saw him earn a degree and rise to prominence in the political community.

His experience encompasses roles such as Health Policy Director for the Children's Alliance, Vice President of Federal Affairs for Washington Students Association, Director of Legislative Affairs for Students of the Evergreen State College and as a contract lobbyist. He currently is the Councilmember representing Tribal Nations on the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency’s Advisory Council, he also is the Youth Representative on the State Advisory Council on Homelessness and serves as the Vice-Chair for the City of Everett's Planning Commission, and serves on several boards including the Children’s Campaign fund and previously served on the board of the Washington Student Association. One of his proudest career achievements is authoring and successfully lobbying for the passage of Senate Bill 5800 which launched a pilot program in which colleges provide additional assistance for homeless and food insecure students.

Charles holds a degree in Tribal Administration and resides in Everett, Washington.