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:
As part of this year’s Pride Month observance, the Muckleshoot community came together on June 5 for the Pride Fun Fair Celebration. Community members, families, and allies gathered in support of our LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit relatives.
Our first HIYU Sunset Cruise test run on June 14th, 2026 was a success! Our MIT ‘crew’ got a sneak peek at what’s in store for our upcoming events, and the views did not disappoint.
Relay teams from across the United States and Canada gathered at Emerald Downs June 12 through 14 for the 10th Annual Muckleshoot Gold Cup Indian Relay.
Members of the Muckleshoot Tribal Council met with former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland on Thursday, May 14, to discuss her campaign for governor of New Mexico and issues affecting Tribal Nations.
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
