On Tuesday, March 24, eleven students officially graduated from the Muckleshoot Tribal College Certified Nursing Assist (CNA) program. MTC partners from the Muckleshoot Elders In-Home Support Services (MEIHSS) and Renton Technical College (RTC) shared a meal and words of congratulations with our graduates. Over the last 5 weeks, students learned the skills necessary for Nursing Assistant Certification in Washington State, culminating in a five-day practicum at Village Concepts senior and assisted living home in Fairwood. Students shadowed professional CNAs, demonstrated their skills on clients, and experienced firsthand the nature of assisting the elderly with a high level of care.
On Friday, March 20th, all cohort members took and passed their skills test. They are now ready for their written test, their last step before obtaining their Nursing Assistant credential. Please join the Muckleshoot Tribal College, RTC, and MEIHSS in congratulating the following students: Kealohi Ahinga, Taumaia Atimalala, Ma’leah Brown, Ramona Elkins, Macoya Haulet, Izreal Judson-Elkins, Kristine Martinez, Jessica Muthandi, Madison Parton, Brenda Suddenbrave, and Aiyanna WhiteEagle.
The ECE program at the Muckleshoot Tribal College primarily consists of an in-person cohort at the Muckleshoot Tribal College. The Washington Statewide ECE Initial Certificate requires students take three classes: Introduction to Early Childhood Education (ECED&105), Health, Safety, and Nutrition (ECED&107), and Practicum 1-Nursing Relationships (ECED&120).
The Muckleshoot Tribal College partners with Green River College’s ECE department to offer these classes at MTC on Wednesdays from 9:00AM-1:00PM. The Muckleshoot ECE division supports students in attending these classes during work hours, ensuring that their staff have the best opportunity to further their education and qualifications. On Wednesday, March 18, the ECE cohort celebrated the end of the quarter with a meal. Two students, Rose Courville and Martina Delgado, earned their Initial Certificate this quarter with their completion of ECED&120. In fall 2025, students took ECED&107, whereupon Shaughnessi Hicks successfully earned her Initial Certificate.
Please join the Muckleshoot Tribal College in congratulating Martina, Rose, and Shaughnessi in joining 11 graduates since the cohort began in fall of 2024! The 2025-2026 ECE Cohort will wrap up this spring with ECED&105, and we will celebrate our Initial Certificate graduates at Muckleshoot’s Adult and Higher Education Honoring Ceremony in June.
No winter cohort for Pre-Apprenticeship Carpentry.
In early January, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe hosted its annual Legislative Reception at T-Mobile Park in the Muckleshoot Diamond Club, welcoming local and regional leaders from King and Pierce counties.
When Laura Rudert talks about leadership, she does not start with titles or credentials. She starts with people. With community. With responsibility to those who come next.
On Jan 10, our community gathered for the Winter Powwow after the event was postponed earlier in the season due to flooding. Coming together again made the day especially meaningful.
The Native American 40 Under 40 award honors Indigenous leaders under the age of 40 from across the United States who are carrying forward the work of their people through leadership, service and commitment to community.
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!
Official Government Website for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
© Muckleshoot Indian Tribe 2026
