SEATTLE UNIVERSITY — This month, Councilmember Virginia Cross joined retired Seattle University professor Fr. Pat Twohy, S.J., to celebrate his 86th birthday and the recent publication of his latest book, syəyaʔaʔ: Coast Salish Sacred Lifeways and the Sacred Lifeways of Jesus.
Twohy dedicated a half century to share the stories, struggles, loss, and joy of Native peoples in the Northwest and was instrumental in establishing the Indigenous Peoples Institute at Seattle University.
He is the author of two other books.
Last year, Seattle University recognized Councilwoman Cross with an Honorary Doctorate degree. Cross has a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Washington and was one of Muckleshoot’s first college graduates. In the 1960s, Cross helped establish Muckleshoot’s Head Start program and served as its first director.
Twohy retired in 2023 after 50 years of working with and supporting Native Peoples.
The Sound Transit Federal Way light rail extension opened December 6, expanding regional transit access in South King County.
Smoke & Cedar at Muckleshoot Casino Resort has been named the No. 1 best casino steakhouse in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Polls, earning national recognitionfrom diners across the country.
The Muckleshoot Tribe’s Annual Christmas Party brought families together for a festive day filled with excitement, tradition, and holiday spirit. The event blended cultural pride with modern fun, creating a jolly good time for all ages.
On December 16 Muckleshoot Indian Tribe hosted Indigenous Peoples’ Night with the Seattle Kraken at the Climate Pledge Arena. It was a reminder that Native peoples are still here.
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.
Official Government Website for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
© Muckleshoot Indian Tribe 2026
