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.

May 2026
Edition

National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Relatives (MMIWR)

On May 5, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe observed the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR), also known as Red Dress Day.

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May 2026
Edition

Honoring the Land Through Action: Protect What Protects Us

This Mother Earth Day, the Muckleshoot community came together in a powerful way, not just to celebrate the land, but to care for it with intention and hands‑on stewardship.

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May 2026
Edition

Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Administrative Appreciation Day

Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Administrative Appreciation Day is a time to honor the dedicated administrative professionals whose commitment, organization, and heart keep our community moving forward.

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From the Muckleshoot Messenger

May 2026
Edition

Muckleshoot Well Represented In Washington, D.C.

Tribal Council and Intergovernmental Affairs representatives spent the week advocating for tribal interests, protecting tribal treaty rights, and meeting with Senators, members of Congress, and federal partners.

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April 2026
Edition

Scholarship Seminar Series: Weaving Workshop & College Tours

As part of the Scholarship Seminar Series, participants recently took part in a hands-on weaving workshop and a tour of Bellingham Technical College.

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April 2026
Edition

Muckleshoot Tribal College Programs

Muckleshoot Tribal College acknowledges the graduation of CNA and Early Childhood Education students from the winter cohorts.

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April 2026
Edition

Muckleshoot Tribal College Students Achieve Milestones in New Business Leadership Program

Ten dedicated students have successfully completed the inaugural term of a newly Entrepreneurship Certificate program at the Muckleshoot Tribal College, marking a significant step toward Tribal career advancement and local entrepreneurship.

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