By Tyler Spencer

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.

Children lined the stocked fishing ponds with rods in hand, eagerly waiting for a bite while family members cheered them on from the shoreline. Throughout the morning, participants celebrated catches big and small, creating memorable moments for both experienced fishers and those casting a line for the very first time.

The derby provided an opportunity for Muckleshoot youth to enjoy the outdoors, learn new skills, and spend quality time with family members and friends. Parents, grandparents, siblings, and extended family members could be seen helping bait hooks, offering encouragement, and sharing in the excitement each time a fish was reeled in.

One of the highlights of the event was the strong sense of community present throughout the morning. Families gathered around the ponds, visiting with one another and enjoying the opportunity to connect while supporting the young participants. Laughter, smiles, and words of encouragement could be heard throughout the event as children moved from one fishing spot to another, excited for the chance to make another catch.

Event staff and volunteers worked throughout the morning to create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance. Their efforts helped ensure participants had the support they needed while allowing families to focus on enjoying the day together.

Beyond the fishing itself, the derby served as a reminder of the importance of community-centered events that bring families together. Opportunities like the Kids Fishing Derby provide youth with positive outdoor experiences while strengthening connections between generations and encouraging healthy, active recreation.

For generations, fishing has sustained Muckleshoot families physically, culturally, and spiritually. The annual Kids Fishing Derby helps ensure that these teachings are passed forward, allowing tribal youth to learn the skills, values, and traditions that connect them to the waters and to their ancestors. Fishing is not only a recreational activity for our community — it is a protected right, a responsibility, and a core part of our identity.  

As the morning continued, many children proudly posed for photos with their catches and shared stories about their fishing successes. For some, the event was a chance to build on previous fishing experience, while for others it provided an opportunity to create new memories with loved ones. Having the opportunity to engage in a living tradition that strengthens our sovereignty, honors our history, and reinforces the Tribe’s ongoing stewardship of the land and waterways is much larger than simply participating in a single morning of fishing.

The annual Kids Fishing Derby continues to be a valued community event that celebrates family, recreation, and togetherness. Through events like these, Muckleshoot youth are able to explore new experiences, build confidence, and create lasting memories with the people who support them most.

The smiles seen throughout the morning reflected the success of the event and the dedication of those who helped make it possible. As families packed up their gear and headed home, many left with more than fish—they left with memories shared alongside family, friends, and community.