By Katie Manzanares

Gray skies and rain didn’t stop Sla-Hal players, singers, families and spectators from filling the grounds near Muckleshoot Casino Resort for three days of competition and community Sept. 11-13.

The 2026 Muckleshoot Sla-Hal weekend brought people together for a weekend filled with songs, laughter, visiting and plenty of stick game.

Under the large Muckleshoot tents, spectators surrounded the games as singers and drummers kept songs going throughout the weekend. Players competed while friends and relatives gathered along the sidelines, catching up and spending time together.

This year’s main tournament featured a $30,000 first-place prize, followed by $20,000 for second, $12,500 for third and $7,500 for fourth. Fifth and sixth place each received $2,500.

The tournament offered 13 ways to win, including two consolation prizes, six spotlight games and a prize for the longest winning streak.

But competition was only one part of the weekend.

Sla-Hal has long been a place for Native people to gather, share songs, strengthen relationships and carry traditions forward. That spirit could be seen throughout the weekend as generations sat together around the games and the grounds remained full despite the wet weather.

The weekend culminated Sunday afternoon with the Muckleshoot Showdown between Franky Cayou, Swinomish, and Lyndon Scott, Piikani, with Cayou coming away with the win.

“I’m thankful to be asked to point the Showdown,” Cayou said. “Thanks to the stick game community and the Tribe for asking me to be part of the weekend, and thanks to everyone who trusted me with their bet.”

The Showdown capped three days of Sla-Hal at Muckleshoot and another weekend of bringing people together through songs, competition and community.