By Shanya Brown

This year’s Back to School Bash in partnership with the Youth Health Fair on Aug. 27 was the perfect sendoff to summer – and our community showed up ready to celebrate. The Muckleshoot Powwow Grounds turned into a mini carnival of waterslides, rides, rock climbing, and food vendors. This event kept our youth engaged throughout the afternoon, offering both fun and meaningful opportunities to prepare for the upcoming school year.

Students were able to prepare for the upcoming school year with free haircuts and braiding services, ensuring they headed back to class feeling confident and supported. Local food vendors added to the atmosphere, offering a variety of options that kept the community wellfed as they enjoyed the day’s activities.

The Youth Health Fair provided valuable resources, education, and support for students and families, reinforcing the message that a healthy start leads to a strong school year.

The event also welcomed special guests Dallas Goldtooth and Kasey Nicholson, whose performances brought laughter and entertainment. Their presence added a dynamic element to the celebration and contributed to the overall success of the Bash.

“Muckleshoot is a beautiful community, they are very blessed and fortunate to have all the unity and the beautiful things they have that supports the kids and families, and it’s really cool to see this tribe really thriving and giving back to the community in different forms, whether it be powwows, community functions or leadership.” - Kasey Nicholson

“I think Muckleshoot is a beacon for other tribes and how they should treat their community, how they uplift each other, and how they support the next generation view. I think that the opportunities that this tribe is doing for its own peoples is pretty spectacular.” - Dallas Goldtooth

Together, the Back to School Bash and Youth Health Fair highlighted our community’s commitment to uplifting youth through wellness and helping students begin the school year with positivity and pride. We extend our appreciation to everyone who attended, as well as to the dedicated event committee and the Muckleshoot Health and Wellness Center for their hard work and support for our students as they head into the new school year.

‍