Summary

King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles on Tuesday awarded Mike Tulee of Shoreline with the Martin Luther King Medal of Distinguished Service, an award that recognizes individuals whose work has answered the question asked by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “What are you doing for others?”

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King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles on Tuesday awarded Mike Tulee of Shoreline with the Martin Luther King Medal of Distinguished Service, an award that recognizes individuals whose work has answered the question asked by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “What are you doing for others?”

Tulee, an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation, has worn many hats during his professional career: high school teacher, university lecturer, Air Force mechanic, and tribal liaison. Today, he serves as Executive Director of United Indians of All Tribes Foundation. Throughout his career, Tulee’s work has focused on helping others, be they students, the community, or his fellow Native Americans.

“I am honored to present this award to an individual who has committed himself to serving others and been on the front lines of the struggles for equity and social justice, especially for indigenous peoples,” Kohl-Welles said. “Dr. Mike Tulee is a model for us all as we strive to embody Dr. King’s lessons and vision, dedicating his lifelong work to educating, serving and uplifting his community. As the Executive Director of the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, Mike has worked tirelessly and effectively in ensuring its mission is strengthened and endures, including reconnecting indigenous people to their heritage and strengthening their sense of belonging and significance as Native people. He has certainly made our County a greater place and therefore also this world a finer place to live.”

Tulee holds a bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Washington in 1993, a Washington State Teacher’s Certificate, a master’s degree in education from Antioch University in 1999, and his Ph.D. in forestry from the University of Washington in 2015.

This marks the seventh year that councilmembers have each selected someone from their district whose work embodies the spirit of King’s question.