Nisqually Tribal Chairman Ellery “Ken” Choke Jr. has died, the Nisqually Tribal Council announced last week.
He passed away at his home in Nisqually the evening of Aug. 3. He was 62.
Choke’s passing occurred partway through the Nisqually Medicine Creek Potlatch that welcomed thousands of canoe journey participants to Nisqually lands.
“Ken was happy to know that all of the Canoe Families had arrived safely and that protocol had begun and has been progressing as we worked so hard to plan,” the Nisqually Tribal Council said in an Aug. 4 news release.
Members of the Nisqually Tribe and visiting nations prayed for Choke and his family throughout the canoe journey and potlatch. The leader of one prayer held at the Sequalitchew Creek beach during the canoe landing on July 31 announced that Choke was battling cancer, but that information has not been confirmed by Choke’s family.
The Nisqually Tribe remained committed to carrying out their role as host for this year’s canoe journey in Choke’s absence.
“This was Ken’s way; to put community first and it has been an honor to help complete his work,” the Nisqually Tribal Council stated.
The Nisqually Tribe passed the totem stick onto next year’s host nation, the Organized Village of Saxman in Alaska, on Thursday, Aug. 6.
A few days later, on Sunday, Aug. 9, the Nisqually Tribe hosted a candlelight vigil for Choke. His funeral took place the following day, Aug. 10, and he was laid to rest at the Nisqually Tribe’s Chief Leschi Cemetery.
Choke was born Feb. 25, 1964, in Centralia to parents Ellery K. Chokee Sr. and Josephine H. Wells, according to an obituary submitted to Coleman Mortuary.
He is survived by his wife, eight children and six grandchildren.
Choke served as chairman of the Nisqually Tribe from 2018 to 2021 and was re-elected chairman in 2024. Willie Frank III served as chairman in the intervening time.
Choke is remembered for his community-first leadership style, his championship of tribal sovereignty, the relationships he helped maintain with other government bodies, and his advocacy of the Nisqually Tribe’s interests on a national stage.
He provided congressional testimony in December 2025 on the threat sea lion predation poses to salmon in the Pacific Northwest, and testified in support of transferring ownership of the Clear Creek Hatchery to the Nisqually Tribe in April 2026.
Congresswoman Rep. Marilyn Strickland, D-WA, declared Saturday that, to honor Choke’s legacy, she would continue working to restore the Nisqually Tribe’s ownership of Clear Creek Hatchery.
“Chairman Choke was a respected and beloved leader. He will be remembered for his tireless service and commitment to his tribal nation, and to the South Sound community at large,” Strickland said in an Aug. 8 statement.
Said fellow Congresswoman Rep. Emily Randall, D-WA, “It was an incredible honor to have known him and to witness his leadership and spirit. Chairman Choke was a tireless advocate for the Nisqually Tribe, ensuring their voices were heard both at home and in Washington, DC. My heart is with his family, loved ones and the entire Nisqually community.”
Washington State Senator T’wina Nobles, who represents the 28th Legislative District, attended the July 31 canoe landing at Sequalitchew Creek beach and shared her condolences to the Nisqually Tribe and Choke’s family on Aug. 10.
“Our region benefited greatly from the Chairman’s leadership. The Chairman’s love for his people and community was evident. His legacy and teachings live on,” Nobles stated.
City officials in Thurston County also expressed their condolences and shared the impact Choke had on their own communities.
“Chairman Choke played an integral role over the past few decades in strengthening the bond between our communities through a steadfast commitment to protecting our natural resources, honoring our shared history, and fostering meaningful collaboration. His leadership and dedication helped advance a relationship that will continue to benefit future generations,” the City of Lacey said in an Aug. 7 statement.
“His leadership and dedication to building relationships among our local communities will be missed,” the City of Tumwater said of Choke on Aug. 10.
“Chairman Choke dedicated his life to serving the Nisqually people and strengthening the relationships that connect our communities. His leadership, wisdom, and commitment to his people will be remembered and deeply missed,” Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne said on behalf of the Olympia City Council and greater Olympia community on Aug. 7.
Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders, who attended the Nisqually Medicine Creek Potlatch on Aug. 8, shared his own condolences to social media the day prior.
“Our region took a major loss this week with the passing of Nisqually Tribal Chairman Ken Choke. Ken was a balanced, respected leader and will be missed sorely. Rest in Peace Chairman,” Sanders stated.
Cowlitz Chairman William “Bill” Iyall issued a statement Aug. 10 extending sympathy to the Nisqually Tribe and honoring Choke’s legacy.
“Chairman Choke’s steady leadership, dedication and commitment to Tribal sovereignty will leave a lasting legacy in his own Tribe and across Indian Country. His contributions will continue to be felt for generations to come,” Iyall stated.
