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 in 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.

July 2024 (Section II)
Edition

Youth Paddle to Puyallup 2024

Muckleshoot Youths will start out the Youth Paddle to Puyallup at Port Townsend, arriving on Friday, July 26, where they will join canoe families from Vancouver Island and the Olympic Peninsula.

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July 2024 (Section II)
Edition

Saskatchewan Team Captures 2024 Muckleshoot Gold Cup Indian Relay Racing Championship

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July 2024 (Section II)
Edition

Tribal Council Approves Healthcare Incentive Payments for Tribal Members

The Muckleshoot Tribal Council has approved a healthcare incentive payment for enrolled Muckleshoot Tribal members. Learn more about the payment breakdown and what to expect during a wellness visit.

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From the Muckleshoot Messenger

July 2024 (Section II)
Edition

Youth Paddle to Puyallup 2024

Muckleshoot Youths will start out the Youth Paddle to Puyallup at Port Townsend, arriving on Friday, July 26, where they will join canoe families from Vancouver Island and the Olympic Peninsula.

read article
July 2024 (Section II)
Edition

Saskatchewan Team Captures 2024 Muckleshoot Gold Cup Indian Relay Racing Championship

read article
July 2024 (Section II)
Edition

Tribal Council Approves Healthcare Incentive Payments for Tribal Members

The Muckleshoot Tribal Council has approved a healthcare incentive payment for enrolled Muckleshoot Tribal members. Learn more about the payment breakdown and what to expect during a wellness visit.

read article
May 2024
Edition

Battle of the Nations Basketball Tournament

64 tribes from across the country competed in this year’s 5th annual Battle of the Nations basketball tournament located in Spokane, Washington.

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