The Yakama Nation filed its lawsuit on November 20, accusing Toppenish of trying to enforce municipal codes to block the shelter’s operation on tribal lands, which it argued would violate its sovereignty and threaten the health and welfare of its members. Tribal Chairman Gerald Lewis expressed gratitude for the court’s ruling, emphasizing the tribe’s commitment to providing shelter for the homeless, especially in cold weather.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, the Yakama Nation maintains that it attempted to collaborate with Toppenish city officials to address health and safety concerns. The tribe claims that Toppenish City Council had not taken a formal stance on supporting or opposing the shelter despite multiple discussions.
After experiencing severe weather conditions in mid-November, the Yakama Nation moved forward with opening the cold weather shelter. On November 20, the tribe notified the city of its decision, and later that day, the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic informed the tribe that the city had prohibited the shelter’s operation until the property dispute was resolved.
