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.
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.
Muckleshoot Indian Tribe employees took to the field on Sept. 28 for a softball game. The GS-Cemetery department came away with the win.
"[Columbus'] very own words defending and justifying his rule of cruelty and its root economy directly based in the human trafficking of young Indigenous children and girls… even in his own time, his acts were seen as evil and heinous..."
Muckleshoot Tribal Vice Chairman John Daniels Jr. joined community members, project partners, and local leaders Oct. 15 in Seattle for the groundbreaking of Rainier Rising Early Learning Center, and the Mount Baker Redevelopment.
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.
Official Government Website for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
© Muckleshoot Indian Tribe 2026
