Muckleshoot — Muckleshoot families and employees gathered on a cold November evening for the Tribe’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, an event that continues to grow in community spirit each year. Tribal Government departments lined the walkway, each showcasing their own decorated tree with lights, ornaments, and festive details that reflected their programs. Families moved from tree to tree, taking photos and enjoying the displays.
A bubble machine created a snowfall effect that quickly became one of the most popular spots of the night, with kids running through the bubbles and playing in the “snow.” Balloon animals, face painting, glitter tattoos, and temporary tattoos added to the fun, keeping families smiling as they made their way through the event.
Food trucks provided warm comfort foods throughout the evening. Community members enjoyed hot dogs, burgers, pizza, coffee, and hot cocoa perfect for staying warm in the cold weather.
Carolers filled the area with music, and Santa Claus made an appearance, adding to the festive atmosphere as families enjoyed the start of the holiday season together.
The evening was filled with the warmth of community – a celebration of togetherness, creativity, and the traditions that continue to strengthen the Muckleshoot Tribe.

120 canoes and well over 10,000 people came to our territory for Paddle to Muckleshoot 2023. Enjoy a selection of the many thousands of pictures shared by professional photographers as well as Tribal member attendees.

Chairman Jaison Elkins thanks all involved in making the Paddle to Muckleshoot such a success; John Daniels, Jr. offers words of encouragement and appreciation to Tribal Dads, Donny Stevenson reflects on a new age of Indigenous excellence.

Joseph Martin, Muckleshoot Tribal Education Officer, shares an overview of Muckleshoot graduates including high school and college graduates, and all-time record number of graduates from Muckleshoot Department of Education programs.

The Port of Seattle and Muckleshoot Indian Tribal Government signed a Memorandum of Agreement on June 29, 2023 that will expand their government-to-government relationship, including regular and structured communication between leadership.
The Muckleshoot Messenger is a Tribal publication created by the Muckleshoot Office of Media Services. Tribal community members and Tribal employees are welcome to submit items to the newspaper such as news, calendar items, photos, poems, and artwork.