By Nate Bisson
64 tribes from across the country competed in this year’s 5th annual Battle of the Nations basketball tournament located in Spokane, Washington. On April 4th, teams met at Spokane Casino for mandatory check-ins, followed by a grand entry ceremony and live drawing for game times.
The grand entry started with an honoring of flags by Indigenous Veterans, followed by songs and dances as all tribes were introduced and welcomed onto the floor.
This basketball tournament is very unique in that Tribal members can only play with the tribe they are enrolled in. Tribal IDs are verified at check ins on the first day. The tournament director and creator is Spokane tribal member Jerry Ford Redbone.
On April 5th, Muckleshoot faced off against Skokomish in the first round and won by more than 20 points. Next, we battled against Blackfeet Nation and won by 20 as well.
On April 6th, we fought hard against Lapwai Nation, but came up short losing by 10. Lapwai ended up finishing 4th place in the tournament. Our final game was also on April 6th, we played a very tough Coeur d’Alene Tribal team and lost.
Out of 64 Tribal Nations, Muckleshoot finished in the top 16 teams in the country. We’re hoping to return next year and improve our ranking.
WINNERS:
MUCKLESHOOT TEAM ROSTER:
On Sunday, September 27, 2026, Muckleshoot families and community members gathered for a heartwarming Grandparents Brunch celebrating the special role grandparents and Elders play in our lives and community.
Fathers and daughters came together for an evening of dancing, laughter, and quality time during Muckleshoot’s first Father-Daughter Dance, held on National Daughters Day at the Muckleshoot Event Center.
The Muckleshoot Canoe Family joined several other Tribes on Sept. 24 for Native American Days at the Washington State Fair in Puyallup.
On September 30, 2026, the Muckleshoot community gathered in solidarity and reflection at the annual Every Child Matters Dinner, an evening dedicated to honoring the survivors of residential and boarding schools.
The Muckleshoot Messenger is a monthly Tribal publication. Tribal community members and Tribal employees are welcome to submit items to the newspaper such as announcements, birth news, birthday shoutouts, community highlights, and more. We want to hear from you!
Please direct Media Inquiries to Muckleshoot Intergovernmental Affairs.
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© Muckleshoot Indian Tribe 2026
