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 Jan 10, our community gathered for the Winter Powwow after the event was postponed earlier in the season due to flooding. Coming together again made the day especially meaningful.
The Native American 40 Under 40 award honors Indigenous leaders under the age of 40 from across the United States who are carrying forward the work of their people through leadership, service and commitment to community.
On Saturday, Jan. 24, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe opened the Muckleshoot Athletic Center, marking a major investment in training, skill development and long-term athletic opportunity for Muckleshoot people and future generations.
On Jan. 19, the 2026 Muckleshoot Indian Tribe held its annual elections with the winning results as follows: Virginia Cross: 408; Jessica Garcia: 369; Elieen Richardson: 311. Thank you all who participated in this year’s election.
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!
Official Government Website for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
© Muckleshoot Indian Tribe 2026
