A Warm Springs man who has spent years quietly building bridges between tribal communities and state law enforcement is receiving statewide recognition for his efforts.
Glendon Smith, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and a tribal liaison with the Oregon State Police (OSP), received the Public Service Ambassador Award from Gov. Tina Kotek. The award recognizes public employees who have made exceptional contributions to collaboration and public service.
A Career Spent Connecting Two Worlds
In his role with OSP, Smith travels Oregon to maintain relationships between the state police agency and Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes. It is the kind of work that rarely makes headlines but has significant on-the-ground impact — improving communication, trust, and coordination between tribal police departments and state law enforcement on everything from criminal investigations to emergency response.
Smith is a staunch advocate for tribal sovereignty and the protection of wildlife, according to those who nominated him.
“One of the Highest Recognitions I’ve Ever Received”
Smith said he had no idea his colleagues had nominated him until he heard from the governor’s office.
“It’s a great honor. It’s a blessing. It’s something I never imagined would happen — being from a reservation, working for the state and being recognized by state police and the governor for my work is probably one of the highest recognitions I’ve ever received.”
Smith is the first member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs to receive the Public Service Ambassador Award since the program began.
The recognition comes at a time of active tribal engagement in Oregon policy. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, whose reservation covers more than 1,000 square miles of Jefferson County and adjoining territory, has been at the table on issues ranging from wildfire management and water rights to public safety and economic development.