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.
The Showdown capped three days of Sla-Hal at Muckleshoot and another weekend of bringing people together through songs, competition and community.
The 2026 Skopabsh Powwow was filled with good energy, good relatives, and good songs. Thank you to every dancer, singer, vendor, family, and visitor who came out and helped make this year’s gathering strong.
The Port of Seattle recently hosted Muckleshoot Indian Tribe youth to gain a better understanding of the Port organization and aviation and maritime internships and jobs.
The Muckleshoot Keta Creek Family Fishing Derby in honor of Leeroy Courville Sr. held on Aug. 15 was an opportunity for families to come together, share stories, and pass on traditions to the next generation.
Young Muckleshoot athletes had the opportunity to sharpen their baseball skills this summer as Driveline Baseball brought its training program to the Muckleshoot Athletic Club.
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Please direct Media Inquiries to Muckleshoot Intergovernmental Affairs.
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© Muckleshoot Indian Tribe 2026
