Karen Eileen Boney

Karen Boney was a respected Snoqualmie Tribal Elder, Council member, and the Tribe’s first Chairwoman. She led during a time when the Tribe was fighting to be seen, heard, and re-recognized, and was instrumental in laying the foundation for where the Snoqualmie Tribe stands today.

In the early 1980s, with the guidance of the Elders, Karen participated in drafting and approving the Snoqualmie Tribal Constitution.

During her time as Chairwoman, the Tribe became the first Tribe in Washington State to receive non-profit status, opening doors that did not exist before. Programs followed, including the Learning Center, which helped Tribal and non-Tribal people earn their GEDs so they could gain employment or meet the goal of becoming high school graduates.

Karen was also deeply involved in cultural education and visibility. Through the Tokul Creek Dance Troupe, she helped bring Snoqualmie history and presence into schools, camps, and public spaces. That work took her and others throughout the valley. She believed strongly that the history and story of the Snoqualmie people should be told by Snoqualmie people.

She participated in the 1989 Goodwill Games Paddle to Seattle during the Washington State Centennial, again representing the Tribe in a way that honored both culture and sovereignty. She also worked with Walt Crane of the Evergreen State Fair Board to secure space for salmon bake fundraisers that helped keep the Tribe going during the long fight for federal re-recognition.

Karen spoke publicly as a Tribal leader and advocate, addressing newspapers and local governments about development happening on Snoqualmie lands and throughout the valley. She reminded decision-makers that their actions carried real and lasting impacts on the lands of the Snoqualmie people.

For many years, Karen also worked with the Small Tribes of Western Washington, helping secure grants and resources to move the Tribe’s Federal Acknowledgment Program forward.

Karen Boney was not quiet. She was direct, determined, and deeply committed to her people. At home, in Tribal meetings, or in conversation, Karen spoke her mind openly. You always knew where she stood, and she expected the same honesty from others. Much of what the Snoqualmie Tribe has today exists because of leaders like her, those who did the hard work when there were no guarantees.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Wilma Forgue and Joseph Forgue; her sister, LeAnn Hartmann; her husband, JD Boney; and her sons, John Boney and Jake Boney. She is survived by her sons, Steven Boney and Jerry (Toni) Boney; her grandchildren, Alex, Cheyenne, Jonathan, and Kacie; her great-grandchildren, Jace, True, Everlyn, and Orion; and many friends and extended family, including special nieces and nephews who held a meaningful place in her life.

Services will be held at Floral Hills, 409 Filbert Road, Lynnwood. Inurnment will take place graveside at 12:00 p.m. on January 24th, with a celebration of life to follow.