
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!