
The Muckleshoot Easter Weekend Sla-Hal celebration returned to the White River Amphitheatre April 3–5, bringing together families, players, and visitors from across Indian Country for a weekend of community and competition.
Throughout the weekend, the grounds were filled with songs, laughter and visiting as families gathered around the games and spent time together. Saturday’s main stick game tournament drew large crowds as teams competed for cash prizes, while open games continued throughout the weekend.
Sla-Hal, also known as the stick game or bone game, has been played by the Muckleshoot people and other Coast Salish Tribes since time immemorial. Long before modern casinos, the game was one of the earliest traditional forms of gambling among Native people and continues to bring communities together.
Topping things off was Sunday morning’s Easter egg hunt, which brought smiles to all the youth.
Photos from the weekend captured moments of competition, celebration and families enjoying time together during another successful Easter Weekend Sla-Hal gathering.

In June, Muckleshoot witnessed the graduation of 42 Muckleshoot Tribal Members with college degrees and 134 Muckleshoot Tribal Members who earned their technical education and vocational certificates.
Seven determined students were recognized on June 3 at the Muckleshoot Tribal College for completing a rigorous six-month Entrepreneurship certificate program.
On June 26-28, the Muckleshoot community gathered once again for the annual Veterans Powwow, a celebration dedicated to honoring Native Veterans and their families.
Muckleshoot Tribal College proudly hosted its 6th Annual Effective Teaching Institute from June 23–25, bringing together educators, Tribal leaders, students, community members, and partners.
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!