On March 26, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe welcomed Elders from across the region to the Muckleshoot Community Center for the Intertribal Elders Luncheon, a day centered on honoring Elders, culture, and community.

Elders are the most respected members of our communities. They carry the wisdom of our ancestors, and gatherings like this are a way to recognize, uplift, and care for those who have carried so much for all of us.

The event opened with the posting of the colors by Muckleshoot veterans and color guard. Students from the Muckleshoot Early Learning Academy Head Start program followed with a performance, reflecting the connection between generations. The Muckleshoot Canoe Family shared songs that honored tradition, followed by a high energy performance from The Illusion of Elvis, featuring Danny Vernon and his assistant, Marsha.

The day was led by co-emcees Madrienne White and her niece, Olivia Courville, who kept the event moving and helped ensure a great time was had by the Elders.

Muckleshoot recognizes and thanks the many Tribes and Native communities who traveled to be part of the day, including the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, Blackfeet Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Swinomish Tribe, Squaxin Island Tribe, Inupiat, Nez Perce Tribe, Yakama Nation, Haida, Alaska Native communities, Lummi Nation, Walla Walla, Colville Tribes, Quinault Indian Nation, Tlingit, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Cowlitz Indian Tribe, and Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe. Your presence continues to strengthen Intertribal relationships across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

This gathering came together through the work of many. The Muckleshoot Elders Center, Community Center, and Casino staff made the day possible. With special recognition to the cooks who prepared traditionally smoked salmon and shellfish, bringing cultural foods to the table.

Health and Wellness Center staff were also there to support Elders throughout the event, ensuring care when it was needed.

Additionally, our hands are raised to the Elders who contributed their time and effort to prepare raffle and giveaway items, adding to the generosity of the day.Muckleshoot also recognizes the Elders Committee and Tribal leadership for their continued guidance and support in making gatherings like this possible. Encouraging intertribal and intergenerational engagement, learning, and sharing.

Photos courtesy of Moonlight Media.