The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe

The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe is a Federally-Recognized Indian Tribe composed of descendants of the Duwamish and Upper Puyallup Peoples who inhabited Central Puget Sound for thousands of years before non-Indian settlement.

Our Seattle Heritage Runs Deep.
We are Muckleshoot.

Our Duwamish ancestors were this land’s first caretakers. Like Muckleshoot Tribal members today, they lived in Seattle and communities between the Cascade Mountains and Salish Seas. As a Sovereign Tribal Nation led by an elected council, we actively invest in our community, sustain our environment, and contribute to regional economy.

An aged, black and white photo of a Muckleshoot man standing on a wooden canoe on the water. He holds a long paddle in the water.


Our commitment to protecting our people and communities brought us through the Tribe’s darkest times and continues to guide us today as we move into a new era of prosperity and empowerment. Our dedication to self-reliance, securing our rights, and upholding our sovereignty has never been stronger.

Muckleshoot traditions, arts, and the spirits of our ancestors define where we came from, who we are today, and where we are going. Our survival and continued growth hinges on teaching our children history, culture, and leadership skills so they may carry our mantle for generations to come.

in the news

From the Muckleshoot Messenger

The Muckleshoot Messenger is a Tribal publication created by the Muckleshoot Office of Media Services. Tribal community members and Tribal employees are welcome to submit items to the newspaper such as news, calendar items, photos, poems, and artwork.

February 2024
Edition

Rez Girl Makes Good: Nez Perce Jazz Singer Julia Keefe Hits the Big Time Doing What She Loves

Julia Keefe (Nez Perce) is an internationally acclaimed Native American jazz vocalist, bandleader, actor, and educator. Her story serves as a message to young girls: Dream big, work hard, do it all with love in your heart.

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February 2024
Edition

February 12, 1974: "Boldt Lightning" Strikes in a Tacoma Courtroom

Muckleshoot Tribal Council Treasurer, John Daniels Jr., remarks on the greatest anniversary for Federally Recognized Tribes in Washington State: the historic Boldt Decision of February 12, 1974.

read article
February 2024
Edition

The Seattle Times: How the Boldt Decision 50 Years Ago Remade Pacific Northwest Fishing

The Boldt decision of 1974 was the result of sacrifices made by Native fishers and their families who were jailed and beaten while defending their rights.

read article

From the Muckleshoot Messenger

February 2024
Edition

Rez Girl Makes Good: Nez Perce Jazz Singer Julia Keefe Hits the Big Time Doing What She Loves

Julia Keefe (Nez Perce) is an internationally acclaimed Native American jazz vocalist, bandleader, actor, and educator. Her story serves as a message to young girls: Dream big, work hard, do it all with love in your heart.

read article
February 2024
Edition

February 12, 1974: "Boldt Lightning" Strikes in a Tacoma Courtroom

Muckleshoot Tribal Council Treasurer, John Daniels Jr., remarks on the greatest anniversary for Federally Recognized Tribes in Washington State: the historic Boldt Decision of February 12, 1974.

read article
February 2024
Edition

The Seattle Times: How the Boldt Decision 50 Years Ago Remade Pacific Northwest Fishing

The Boldt decision of 1974 was the result of sacrifices made by Native fishers and their families who were jailed and beaten while defending their rights.

read article
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