Alene Moris Women’s Center

Deborah Parker

Women of Courage

Deborah Parker is the Senior Strategist for Pipestem Law, the former Vice- Chairwoman of the Tulalip Tribes Board of Directors, and a nationally recognized advocate and activist for the rights of Native women. During her tenure as Vice Chairwoman, Parker played a prominent role in advocating for the inclusion of the tribal jurisdiction provision in the Violence Against Women Act. She previously served as a Legislative Policy Analyst in the Tulalip Tribes Office of Governmental Affairs.

Parker is a frequent speaker at conferences and symposia related to the restoration of tribal sovereignty and safety for Native women. Most recently, she was named to the Democratic National Convention’s Platform Committee. Parker is a trustee for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, Vice Chairwoman for the National Our Revolution Organization, and on the Board of Trustees for the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center.

Parker has received numerous awards for her leadership and tireless activism including: the National Indian Gaming Association’s John G. Kieffer Memorial “Spirit of Sovereignty” Award (2013), the White House Open Government and Civic Hacking “Champion of Change” Award (2013), the Native Action Network’s “Enduring Spirit” Award (2010), Senator Patty Murray’s “Golden Tennis Shoe” Award (2013), and the Snohomish County “Human Rights Award” (2016). Parker graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Ethnic Studies and Sociology.