120 canoes and well over 10,000 people came to our territory as we hosted this year’s Paddle to Muckleshoot. Countless stories were shared, hundreds of people were honored, and the beautiful ancient cultures of the Salish Sea and beyond were celebrated by all, from the eldest elders to the tiniest children. It was a week that will remain in the memories of those who witnessed it for the rest of their lives.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so a thousand pictures should be worth a million words, and many, many thousands were taken. These pages will feature both the work of outstanding professional photographers as well as tribal members who captured precious moments on their cellphones. One Muckleshoot mom posted that her little one always wants to stop and go into the Community Center whenever they drive by, thinking the protocols will still be going on. It was indeed a week to remember, a week to be proud. Enjoy the photos.
“We are unbelievably honored you have accepted our invitation and you have traveled such a long distance to deliver your proud people amongst us. We look forward and are eager to share our home and all it has to offer with you; exchanging our cultures… we will share our drums, our songs, our dances.
“We will celebrate together during this joyous time and we will provide the best of our shelter, our food and our drink to you as one of our own… welcome our friends and relations; you have our utmost permission to come ashore!”
– Tribal Council Vice Chairman, Donny Stevenson
More than 250 people gathered to honor Muckleshoot veterans and their families during the Tribe’s annual Veterans Day Dinner, an event rooted in deep respect for those who served.
Hundreds of dancers, singers, families, and visitors gathered at the Muckleshoot Community Center for the annual Winter Powwow – an event that showcased the strength and beauty of many Tribal nations coming together.
The Muckleshoot Halloween event brought together Tribal employees and the youngest members of the community for a fun, safe, and memorable morning. Departments lined the buildings with tables offering candy, small toys, and warm greetings.
The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe hosted a special luncheon during the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Annual Convention at the Seattle Convention Center, marking the first return of the national gathering to WA in many years.
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.
Official Government Website for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
© Muckleshoot Indian Tribe 2026
