MUCKLESHOOT MESSENGER

January 2026

Vol. XXVII, No. 1
Muckleshoot indian reservation, wash.
January 2026
From the Front Page

Smoke & Cedar Named No. 1 Best Casino Steakhouse

Smoke & Cedar at Muckleshoot Casino Resort has been named the No. 1 best casino steakhouse in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Polls, earning national recognitionfrom diners across the country.

Located on the 19th floor of the resort, Smoke & Cedar is known for its Pacific Northwest focused menu.

“Winning the best casino steakhouse award is an incredible honor for Smoke & Cedar. Our team takes pride in crafting an unforgettable dining experience pairing locally sourced ingredients premium meats and seafood and exceptional service with the breathtaking views of Mount Rainier. This recognition reflects our commitment to excellence and our passion for creating a destination where every guest feels truly special. Most importantly, it honors the strength of our Tribal heritage and the dedication of our people, reminding us that every achievement is rooted in our traditions and community.”

— Junior Maldonado, Chief Operating Officer

The 2026 recognition builds on recent praises for Smoke & Cedar. The restaurant was named best steakhouse in 2024 and best fine dining in 2025 in The Seattle Times Best in the Pacific Northwest People’s Choice Awards, reflecting continued excellence and consistency from the culinary and service teams.

Smoke & Cedar’s success also contributes to the community. Revenue from the resort supports Tribal programs like education, health care, housing and cultural preservation while helping fund regional philanthropic efforts from schools to first responders and local nonprofits. Dinner at Smoke & Cedar is not just a night out. It is part of how the Tribe uplifts the community and sustains a legacy of giving back.

More from This Edition

Vol. XXVII, No. 1

January 2026

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August 2026
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National Night Out 2026: MIT Police Department Led a Winning Night of Community Spirit

The Muckleshoot Police Department hosted a successful National Night Out 2026 on Aug. 4, bringing families, youth, and community members together for an evening of connection and fun at the MIT Community Center.

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August 2026
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Muckleshoot Community Center: Celebrating Three Years of Community, Culture & Connection

This June marked three years since the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe opened the doors to the Community Center and Youth & Teen Center – a milestone that celebrates not just a building, but the growth, connection, and strength of our people.

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August 2026
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Visit Muckleshoot Reservation

On Aug. 3, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe was honored to welcome representatives from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board to our homelands.

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August 2026
Edition

Rep. Kim Schrier visits Muckleshoot Early Learning Academy

U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier visited the Muckleshoot Early Learning Academy on Aug. 7, meeting with Muckleshoot leaders and staff to learn more about the Head Start program and the work being done to support the well-being of Muckleshoot children.

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About the Muckleshoot Messenger

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!


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