SUQUAMISH — The theme to last weekend’s “Imagine Suquamish” meeting centered around how to make the community stronger for residents who live there now and those who will call it home in the future.

After five hours of conversation between the members of various sectors, including neighbors, county government officials, tribal elders and local law enforcement, the answer to that query came down to one thing: improving communication, especially between the tribe and the residents.

Approximately 50 people showed up at the Suquamish Congregational United Church of Christ June 26 to find out how they could improve the area they live in without continuing with the historical animosity that has haunted it for decades.

The day-long event included group meetings on topics ranging from the history of the tribe, better communication within the community and the role of both the county and tribal governments in the area.

Many group discussions ended with lists of ways to improve communication. Ideas included working with the already-established Suquamish Advisory Board, attending tribal council meetings, establishing goals for everyone to work toward to improve the community, linking the tribe’s Web site to the county’s Web site, posting events in a well-known public place for everyone to view and establishing a newsletter for both tribal and Suquamish residents.

Attendees also discussed starting art fairs and garden walks, creating a new community or teen center, learning more about the area’s history, improving streetlights and adding sidewalks.

While discussions covered a wide range of topics, the common theme of the event was an attempt to define who made up the community.

At the same time, residents had a desire to get rid of the line that separates tribal members and residents. Many of those who were not tribal members stated they were offended by the term “non-native” or “non-tribal” when being described as one of the locals.

“I am American. I am Caucasian,” clarified Charmond Adkins.

Kathryn Keve, a member of the Suquamish Olalla Neighbors, said terms used within the community, such as “non-tribal,” need to be redefined and more respectful.

However, while “Suquamish residents” applies to everyone, she said, they need to realize at the same time “there is something to say about the tribal members because of the special status.”

Residents also wanted to know how to interact with Suquamish Tribal Council, how to attain its latest agendas and how they could make their opinions known. Tribal Elder Betty Pasco reiterated the fact that the public was welcome to attend council meetings, however, some were frustrated they couldn’t have a say like they do with the American democratic system.

“There is no vote,” said resident Gina Whiteley.

“But you have a say so,” Pasco replied.

Resident Tom Holts said people have to accept what comes with the territory, especially when living within the boundaries of a checkerboard reservation.

“If you want to treat the community as a whole, you need to realize there are some things you don’t have control (over),” he explained. “By moving here, I realized (the tribe has rules) and I have a serious conscience about it.”

Tribal Elder Ted George said he believes the tribe could do a better job at working with its non-voting public.

“The tribe needs to work on its public relations,” he said. “Instead of reacting to innuendo or a crisis, it needs to make its agenda more well-known.”

Questions about possible incorporation were dismissed as Suquamish Advisory Board member Bruce Goodrich said the concept was pretty much dead and the advisory board idea has more merit.

“I don’t think there is any chance the incorporation project could move forward,” Goodrich said. “We thought with the advisory board maybe we could do more.”

“I think the advisory meeting is a good thing,” added resident Jan Hall. “Kingston gets a lot of perks (because of it).”

Kitsap County Commissioner Chris Endresen, who spearheaded the effort to create “Imagine Suquamish Day,” said she was extremely pleased with the outcome.

“We wanted to have community conversations that (were) in a non-controversial, safe place for people to talk about whatever their issues are,” she said. “I am pleased with the turnout.”

Neighbors having a chance to just sit down and chat for a day was a big step toward building community, she explained.

“The fact that we had so many tribal members here was part of the success,” Endresen added. “I think it’s the beginning of a lot more relationship building.”