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.

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

August 2026
Edition

Muckleshoot Tribal Council Represents Tribe at Torrey Pines

Muckleshoot Tribal Council Secretary Jessica Garcia-Jones and Councilmember Louie Ungaro traveled to San Diego, California, Aug.7-8 to represent the Tribe at the DCCC Leader’s Circle Weekend and Issues Conference at Torrey Pines.

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August 2026
Edition

Muckleshoot Sobriety Powwow and Coed Softball Tournament Brings Native Communities Together

The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe welcomed dancers, singers, families and visitors from across Indian Country for its annual Sobriety Powwow, held July 24 through 26 at the Muckleshoot Powwow Grounds in Auburn.

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August 2026
Edition

Seahawks Cheerleaders Bring Dance Clinic to Muckleshoot Youth

Muckleshoot Youth and teens had the opportunity to learn from Seattle Seahawks cheerleaders during a special dance clinic Monday, Aug. 3, at the Muckleshoot Community Center.

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August 2026
Edition

Muckleshoot Hosts Native Fitness 20 in First for Tribal Community

The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe welcomed health and wellness professionals from across Indian Country Aug. 4 and 5 for Native Fitness 20, marking the first time the long-running training was hosted at a Tribal entity.

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