Tacoma — Pierce County is recognizing Native American Heritage Month with a display of Medicine Creek Treaty flags inside the Pierce County Council Chambers. The installation honors the Tribal nations whose ancestors signed the Medicine Creek Treaty of 1854, including the Muckleshoot, Nisqually, Puyallup, Squaxin Island, and other affiliated nations.
The flags serve as a visible acknowledgment of the sovereignty, history, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples throughout Pierce County. County leaders say the display reflects a continued commitment to strengthening government-to-government relationships and ensuring that Tribal perspectives remain represented in public spaces.
Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello shared his appreciation for the significance of the display, saying:
County Council Chair Jani Hitchens also emphasized the importance of honoring the Treaty Tribes during Native American Heritage Month, noting:
“Seeing the Muckleshoot, Puyallup, Nisqually, and Squaxin Island flags standing in our Council Chambers for the first time is deeply meaningful to me. It’s a visible reminder that the work we do in Pierce County happens on the ancestral homelands of sovereign Tribal Nations who have cared for this place since time immemorial. I’m grateful every day for the relationships we’ve built, and the guidance Tribal leaders offer as we navigate our future together. I want to thank the Muckleshoot Tribal Council for providing their flag. This moment is about respect, recognition, and a continued commitment to showing up as true partners.”
— Ryan Mello, Pierce County Executive
County Council Chair Jani Hitchens also emphasized the importance of honoring the Treaty Tribes during Native American Heritage Month, noting:
“I was thrilled to finally be able to proudly display all four of our federally recognized tribes that have been stewards of these lands long before there was a Pierce County. They are a visual reminder during this month that we share these lands and must partner with our Tribal leaders. It is an honor, and I thank the Muckleshoot Tribe for honoring us with their flag.”
— Jani Hitchen, Pierce County Council Chair
The display will remain in the chambers throughout November, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to reflect on the region’s Tribal history and the significance of the Medicine Creek Treaty.
The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe believes in supporting the community – and it puts its resources behind those convictions.
This winter, as it has since before anyone can remember, the sweet smell of alder smoke filtered through the air above our village as the community came together to preserve salmon with the ancient “hard smoke” process.
Reflections of ancient weaving traditions are visible on Seattle’s pro soccer pitch in the form of the Seattle Sounders FC's new uniforms this year.
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Tribal Council is actively engaged on the recent actions from D.C. and will continue asserting our treaty rights and trust obligations with our federal partners to ensure that Muckleshoot’s voice is heard.
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.
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