Summary

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer awarded John Daniels, Jr. with the 2022 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?”

Story

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer awarded John Daniels, Jr. with the 2022 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?” 

Daniels was born and raised on the Muckleshoot Reservation. His family, like so many tribal families, struggled to stay on their feet, feed and house their children, and provide them with an education. Now, as a leader of the tribe on the Muckleshoot Tribal Council, he has worked to build long-term partnerships with local school districts, federal, state, and local governments, and community organizations to provide services to both tribal members and the surrounding community. 

With Daniels’ help, the Muckleshoot Tribe has created an economic, educational, and social services portfolio which includes many successful economic development projects, such as the Muckleshoot Casino Resort, Muckleshoot Bingo, Big Nation Station store, to name a few. The Tribe has also expanded its service programs by developing the Muckleshoot Child Development Center, the Muckleshoot Tribal School and Tribal College, and a medical center with clinical services, pharmacy, community health program, behavioral health program, and dental services.

“Through his advocacy for the Muckleshoot Tribe at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as his individual contributions in tribal leadership to improve quality of life for tribal members, John Daniels Jr. has answered Dr. Martin Luther  King Jr.’s question—What are you doing to help others?" said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, who nominated John for this award.  “From improving access to health care and education, to his work establishing long-term economic engines for his community, John has dedicated his life to ensuring that tribal members, no matter their age or station in life, have the opportunity to succeed and prosper.”

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