HONORING ELLERY CHOKE

On 2026-09-01, Representative Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING ELLERY CHOKE" in the House.

HONORING ELLERY CHOKE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 138 (Tuesday, September 1, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 138 (Tuesday, September 1, 2026)] [House] [Page H5366] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING ELLERY CHOKE (Ms. STRICKLAND asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. STRICKLAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of Ellery ``Ken'' Choke, the chairman of the Nisqually Indian Tribe, who passed away on August 4, 2026. Chairman Choke was born on February 25, 1964, in Centralia, Washington, and served as chairman of the Nisqually Tribe from 2018 to 2021 and was reelected chairman in 2024. Chairman Choke was a respected and beloved leader who placed his community at the center of service. He was dedicated to protecting the land, water, salmon, and people of the Nisqually Tribe for generations to come. He will be remembered for his tireless service and commitment to his Tribal nation and to the South Sound community at large. I was personally pleased to work with him on our efforts to transfer the Clear Creek Hatchery from U.S. Fish and Wildlife to Tribal ownership. I remain committed to honoring his legacy by moving this project forward and making it reality. I am hopeful that his dedication to ensuring Tribal treaty rights, protecting our natural resources, and boosting salmon species in our region will continue on through those he knew. He made South Sound, the State of Washington, and the Nation better; and he will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife, eight children, and six grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I now ask my colleagues in Congress to join me in a moment of silence and hold Chairman Choke's family, loved ones, and the entire Nisqually Tribe of Indians in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. ____________________