In June 2022, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribal Council formally declared and recognized June as Pride Month. Through this resolution, Muckleshoot affirmed their commitment to upholding the dignity, rights, and well-being of all Tribal members while continuing to support, honor, and advocate for our LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit relatives.
This ongoing declaration reflects our traditionally held, pre-colonial Muckleshoot teachings of respect, honor, and esteem for members of our LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit community. It serves as a reminder that love, acceptance, and belonging have always been valued within our culture and that we remain committed to fostering a community where everyone is welcomed and celebrated.
As an annual part of this year’s Pride Month observance, the Muckleshoot community came together on June 5, 2026, for the Pride Fun Fair Celebration. The event provided a hopeful opportunity for community members, families, and allies to gather in support of our LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit relatives and celebrate the diversity that strengthens our Tribe.
Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities and attractions, including MIT pride t-shirts, airbrush tattoos, games for children, a photo booth, pride-themed goodies, and informational booths that set an open space of opportunities to connect with community resources. The celebration also featured delicious offerings from a BBQ food truck and a coffee and drink stand, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all who attended.
Connection and learning were the heart of the event as families and friends spent time together celebrating love, inclusion, and community. Events like the Pride Fun Fair helps nurture further understanding, help encourage acceptance, and remind us that every member of our community deserves to be seen, valued, and celebrated for who they are.
The Pride Fun Fair was a wonderful reminder of the importance of community, visibility, and inclusion. Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and the Muckleshoot Health and Wellness who helped make the event a success.
Happy Pride Month, Muckleshoot!
The UW participated in its first Tribal Canoe Journey, with students, faculty, staff, and alums working together as a family — the Shell House Canoe Family, č̓away̓altxʷ ʔiišəd — to make it all happen.
The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe’s first Coho fishery on an Elwha River unimpeded by dams in more than 100 years got underway in mid-October. Tribal member Jonathan Arakawa shares his thoughts.
Rachel Heaton shares her experience leading six other native mountaineers up Tahoma, or Mount Rainier, to increase Native visibility and raise awareness of the ancient relationship between Tahoma and the Indigenous peoples who honor her.
Read the transcription of Muckleshoot Vice-Chairman Donny Stevenson’s keynote address to a large, nearly all-Native gathering celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day after marching from Westlake Park to Seattle City Hall.
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!
Please direct Media Inquiries to Muckleshoot Intergovernmental Affairs.
Official Government Website for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
© Muckleshoot Indian Tribe 2026
