MUCKLESHOOT MESSENGER

August 2026

Vol. XXVII, No. 8
Muckleshoot indian reservation, wash.
August 2026

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

By Sean Daniels | Photos by Shayna Brown

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.

Through meaningful government-to-government dialogue, we shared how Muckleshoot continues to invest in the health, well-being, infrastructure, and future of our Tribal community while strengthening partnerships that support Tribal sovereignty and growth. During the visit, the HHS delegation toured several key Muckleshoot facilities, including the Muckleshoot Health & Wellness Center, where they learned about the Tribe's comprehensive health services, such as medical care, dental and optical services, pharmacy operations, fitness facilities, and aquatic programs.

The group also visited the Behavioral Health Program building and received an overview of the services and resources available to community members. During their visit to the Behavioral Health Program, the delegation was welcomed with traditional wellness items including nettle tea, sage with a shell, and a medicinal sleep aid. Staff explained the purpose of each item and demonstrated how they are traditionally used.

We are grateful for the opportunity to work together in service to our people. Thank you, Assistant Secretary, Gustav Chiarello, for your time, leadership, and commitment to strengthening Tribal-federal partnerships.

The visiting HHS Delegation included:

  1. Gus Chiarello, Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources, HHS
  2. Norris Cochran, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources, HHS
  3. Ed Heidig, Regional Director, Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs
  4. Devin Delrow, Principal Advisor for Tribal Affairs
  5. Carmela Roybal, Associate Director for Tribal Affairs
  6. Jillian Curtis, Director of Finance, Indian Health Service (IHS)
  7. Hilary Edwards, NPAIHB Director of Legal and Government Affairs
  8. Veronica Smith, NPAIHB Government Affairs
  9. Jason Lovett, NPAIHB Government Affairs

More from This Edition

Vol. XXVII, No. 8

August 2026

view pdf

More from the Messenger

May 2026
Edition

National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Relatives (MMIWR)

On May 5, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe observed the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR), also known as Red Dress Day.

read article
May 2026
Edition

Honoring the Land Through Action: Protect What Protects Us

This Mother Earth Day, the Muckleshoot community came together in a powerful way, not just to celebrate the land, but to care for it with intention and hands‑on stewardship.

read article
May 2026
Edition

Muckleshoot Families Enjoy Mariners’ Field Day at T-Mobile Park

More than 300 Muckleshoot Tribal members and families gathered at T-Mobile Park on Saturday, May 9, for the Muckleshoot Family Mariners’ Field Day, spending the day together surrounded by laughter, sunshine and community.

read article
May 2026
Edition

Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Administrative Appreciation Day

Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Administrative Appreciation Day is a time to honor the dedicated administrative professionals whose commitment, organization, and heart keep our community moving forward.

read article

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!


Muckleshoot messenger Submissions