
A new flag honoring the Native peoples of the Seattle region was raised outside City Hall on Friday, Oct. 9, ahead of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Muckleshoot Tribal Council Chairman Donny Stevenson joined Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson, U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Suquamish Councilmember Jay Mills, and community representatives for the ceremony. Lummi artist Louie Gong designed the flag, whose image has become a visual symbol of Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Seattle.
The flag-raising was a collaboration among the City of Seattle, the Indigenous Advisory Council, and the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. Wilson said the flag recognizes Native Seattle’s past, present, and future, and pointed to the city’s ongoing work with Tribal governments and Native organizations.
“Speaking to help tell our story, in our own words ... is so important and such an honor,” said Stevenson.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day was observed Monday, Oct. 12.

The Boldt decision of 1974 was the result of sacrifices made by Native fishers and their families who were jailed and beaten while defending their rights.

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.
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!