
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.
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!