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.

We are Muckleshoot,
the First People of Seattle

Our Duwamish and Upper Puyallup ancestors were the first caretakers of the Puget Sound region. Like Muckleshoot Tribal members today, they lived in the area that is now Seattle as well as communities throughout the Duwamish River drainage.

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.


As a sovereign Tribal nation led by an elected council, we actively invest in our community, sustain our environment, and contribute to the regional economy. The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe is one of South King County’s largest employers, supporting 3,300 direct jobs and providing hundreds of millions of dollars to the regional economy.
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Our people have always depended on rivers, forests, and seas. We hunted and gathered on the land and fished the waterways. We have always seen ourselves as part of the land, not owners of it, and we treat our environment with care and respect. 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 grit, self-reliance, securing our rights, and upholding our sovereignty has never been stronger.

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.

September 2026
Edition

New Year, New Royalty: Skopabsh Powwow 2026

The 2026 Skopabsh Powwow was filled with good energy, good relatives, and good songs. Thank you to every dancer, singer, vendor, family, and visitor who came out and helped make this year’s gathering strong.

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September 2026
Edition

A Day with Our Everyday Heroes: YDP Hero Day

Throughout the day, the youth development program engaged with individuals who dedicate their lives to public service, they met local firefighters, learned about emergency equipment, and gained insight on how quick thinking saves lives.

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September 2026
Edition

Muckleshoot Tribal Council Meets With Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tribal Priorities

Muckleshoot Tribal Council leaders met with Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson at the state Capitol this week for direct government-to-government discussions focused on priorities important to the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and its members.

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From the Muckleshoot Messenger

September 2026
Edition

New Year, New Royalty: Skopabsh Powwow 2026

The 2026 Skopabsh Powwow was filled with good energy, good relatives, and good songs. Thank you to every dancer, singer, vendor, family, and visitor who came out and helped make this year’s gathering strong.

read article
September 2026
Edition

A Day with Our Everyday Heroes: YDP Hero Day

Throughout the day, the youth development program engaged with individuals who dedicate their lives to public service, they met local firefighters, learned about emergency equipment, and gained insight on how quick thinking saves lives.

read article
September 2026
Edition

Muckleshoot Tribal Council Meets With Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tribal Priorities

Muckleshoot Tribal Council leaders met with Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson at the state Capitol this week for direct government-to-government discussions focused on priorities important to the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and its members.

read article
September 2026
Edition

Muckleshoot Walks Together to ‘Change the Narrative’

Suicide Prevention and Overdose Awareness parade brings community together for prevention, recovery and healing.

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