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.

December 2025
Edition

Muckleshoot Hosts Annual Winter Powwow Filled with Dance, Culture, and Community

Hundreds of dancers, singers, families, and visitors gathered at the Muckleshoot Community Center for the annual Winter Powwow – an event that showcased the strength and beauty of many Tribal nations coming together.

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December 2025
Edition

Muckleshoot Employees Hand Out Treats at Annual Halloween Celebration

The Muckleshoot Halloween event brought together Tribal employees and the youngest members of the community for a fun, safe, and memorable morning. Departments lined the buildings with tables offering candy, small toys, and warm greetings.

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December 2025
Edition

Miss Indian World Meets Families and Students During Muckleshoot Visit

Miss Indian World made a special visit to the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe on Nov. 7, beginning her afternoon at the Tribe’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

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From the Muckleshoot Messenger

December 2025
Edition

Muckleshoot Hosts Annual Winter Powwow Filled with Dance, Culture, and Community

Hundreds of dancers, singers, families, and visitors gathered at the Muckleshoot Community Center for the annual Winter Powwow – an event that showcased the strength and beauty of many Tribal nations coming together.

read article
December 2025
Edition

Muckleshoot Employees Hand Out Treats at Annual Halloween Celebration

The Muckleshoot Halloween event brought together Tribal employees and the youngest members of the community for a fun, safe, and memorable morning. Departments lined the buildings with tables offering candy, small toys, and warm greetings.

read article
December 2025
Edition

Miss Indian World Meets Families and Students During Muckleshoot Visit

Miss Indian World made a special visit to the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe on Nov. 7, beginning her afternoon at the Tribe’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

read article
December 2025
Edition

Pierce County Honors Native American Heritage Month with Treaty Flag Display

Pierce County is recognizing Native American Heritage Month with a display of Medicine Creek Treaty flags inside the Pierce County Council Chambers.

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