On Saturday, July 11, Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Vashon Island for the Thunderbird Treatment Center (TTC), a new 92-bed inpatient drug and alcohol treatment center. TTC will be the largest of its kind in King County, increasing the county’s inpatient bed count by 51%. 

The opening ceremony began with a traditional songs, and a blessing from singers and cultural leaders, followed by remarks from SIHB leadership and guests including Representative Pramila Jayapal, King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, and Dr. R. Kim Hartwig (Nimiipuu), Indian Health Service. There were TTC tours, a community feast crafted by Chef Olivia Ford (Nisqually), a canoe pull on Vashon Island, and plenty of celebration.  

“Thunderbird is near and dear to my heart,” said Chris Stearns (Navajo), Washington State Representative for the 47th legislative district and a former board member of SIHB.  

“It has a long history of success with both Native and non-Native people alike by incorporating Indigenous ways of healing within the program. I’m proud that Thunderbird and Seattle Indian Health Board continue to expand and provide life-saving services throughout the region.” 

Phase one renovations are nearing completion and will open 77 beds by late summer or early fall. Phase two will add 15 beds for pregnant and parenting people, along with a public clinic, and is estimated for completion by spring 2027. 

A Brief History of TTC 

Before its current location on Vashon Island, TTC operated 64 beds in South Seattle for more than 30 years. SIHB paused the program in 2020, after determining the outdated facility could no longer meet residents’ needs or support SIHB’s vision to expand.  

In 2023, SIHB purchased a former assisted living facility on Vashon Island for $11 million and invested $25 million in renovations to upgrade the structure, resident rooms, kitchen, and community areas as well as constructing a covered activity space and a traditional healing space. 

“It has been a journey to identify a new home for Thunderbird, and we couldn’t have found a better location than on Vashon Island,” said Tom Warren (Choctaw), SIHB board president. “We couldn’t be more grateful to the Vashon community for welcoming us. We look forward to partnering with the community, not just for Thunderbird’s success, but for the wellbeing of Vashon as a whole.” 

As part of its broader commitment to the Vashon community, SIHB committed in June to donating an estimated $350,000 to construct a new helicopter landing pad at Vashon Municipal Airport, improving access to emergency services on the island. 

“Thunderbird has been a cornerstone of the Seattle Indian Health Board’s work for decades,” said Esther Lucero (Diné), SIHB president and CEO. “I am so proud of all the hard work of our staff, board, and leadership to make this possible. It is truly a dream come true.” 

As phase one renovations and licensing enter their final stages, SIHB is actively hiring staff for the center. Click here for information on open positions and how to apply at TTC. 

Click here for information on open positions and how to apply at TTC. For more information about TTC, see ttc.org.