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.

January 2026
Edition

2026 Tribal Council Election Results

On Jan. 19, the 2026 Muckleshoot Indian Tribe held its annual elections with the winning results as follows:‍ Virginia Cross: 408; Jessica Garcia: 369; Elieen Richardson: 311. Thank you all who participated in this year’s election.

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January 2026
Edition

Tacoma City Ballet Donates Tickets to the Muckleshoot Tribal Community

Tacoma City Ballet donated 250 tickets on December 12, to members of the Muckleshoot Tribal community offering families and youth the opportunity to experience ballet and the performing arts together.

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January 2026
Edition

Federal Way Lightrail Expansion

The Sound Transit Federal Way light rail extension opened December 6, expanding regional transit access in South King County.

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From the Muckleshoot Messenger

January 2026
Edition

2026 Tribal Council Election Results

On Jan. 19, the 2026 Muckleshoot Indian Tribe held its annual elections with the winning results as follows:‍ Virginia Cross: 408; Jessica Garcia: 369; Elieen Richardson: 311. Thank you all who participated in this year’s election.

read article
January 2026
Edition

Tacoma City Ballet Donates Tickets to the Muckleshoot Tribal Community

Tacoma City Ballet donated 250 tickets on December 12, to members of the Muckleshoot Tribal community offering families and youth the opportunity to experience ballet and the performing arts together.

read article
January 2026
Edition

Federal Way Lightrail Expansion

The Sound Transit Federal Way light rail extension opened December 6, expanding regional transit access in South King County.

read article
January 2026
Edition

Smoke & Cedar Named No. 1 Best Casino Steakhouse

Smoke & Cedar at Muckleshoot Casino Resort has been named the No. 1 best casino steakhouse in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Polls, earning national recognitionfrom diners across the country.

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