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

February 2026
Edition

Elders Celebrate a New Year

Elders from the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and their loved ones gathered together on Jan 16 at the Elders complex to celebrate the New Year. The gathering was a joyful and welcoming community celebration.

read article
February 2026
Edition

Muckleshoot Tribe Hosts Legislative Reception at T-Mobile Park

In early January, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe hosted its annual Legislative Reception at T-Mobile Park in the Muckleshoot Diamond Club, welcoming local and regional leaders from King and Pierce counties.

read article
February 2026
Edition

Laura Rudert Joins Muckleshoot as Chief Operating Officer

When Laura Rudert talks about leadership, she does not start with titles or credentials. She starts with people. With community. With responsibility to those who come next.

read article
February 2026
Edition

Winter Powwow Brings Community Together

On Jan 10, our community gathered for the Winter Powwow after the event was postponed earlier in the season due to flooding. Coming together again made the day especially meaningful.

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