MUCKLESHOOT MESSENGER

May 2026

Vol. XXVII, No. 5
Muckleshoot indian reservation, wash.
May 2026

Muckleshoot Easter Weekend Sla-Hal Brings Families Together

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.

More from This Edition

Vol. XXVII, No. 5

May 2026

view pdf

More from the Messenger

July 2026 (Section I)
Edition

Our Community, Our Stories

Tribal members David D'Ambrosio, Denise Opsahl and Tricia Bagley visited the Native American memorial in Middleton, County Cork, Ireland in July, along with their families.

read article
July 2026 (Section I)
Edition

Muckleshoot Family Day Brings Community Together on the Hiyu

The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe welcomed members and staff aboard the Hiyu on July 6 for Family Day, bringing the community together for an evening of soccer, games and family-friendly activities on Lake Union.

read article
July 2026 (Section I)
Edition

At 19, John Daniels Maestas Pushes Through Injury to Complete First 50K Ultramarathon

At an age when many young adults are just beginning to discover new hobbies, 19-year-old John Daniels Maestas has already checked an ultramarathon off his bucket list.

read article
June 2026
Edition

Muckleshoot Kids Fishing Derby Brings Families Together

Families from across the Muckleshoot Community gathered at Keta Creek on June 13 for the annual Kids Fishing Derby, enjoying a morning filled with fishing, outdoor recreation, and time spent together with family and friends.

read article

About the Muckleshoot Messenger

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!


Muckleshoot messenger Submissions