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 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.
In preparation of the 2026 Tribal Council Election, Muckleshoot Tribal members should familiarize themselves with the following important dates
On September 16th, Mayor Harrell joined Tribal leaders, City officials, and community partners at the second Biennial City of Seattle and Tribal Nations summit.
Secretary Jessica Garcia-Jones traveled this summer to meet with several important political figures including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY) and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (KY).
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!
Please direct Media Inquiries to Muckleshoot Intergovernmental Affairs.
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© Muckleshoot Indian Tribe 2026
