
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:
At this year’s Home Team Harvest event, the Muckleshoot Tribe contributed $50,000 to support hunger relief efforts across the region. Councilmembers Virginia Cross and Anita Mitchell attended the event on behalf of the Tribe.

Miss Indian World made a special visit to the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe on Nov. 7, beginning her afternoon at the Tribe’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Pierce County is recognizing Native American Heritage Month with a display of Medicine Creek Treaty flags inside the Pierce County Council Chambers.

Muckleshoot families and employees gathered on a cold November evening for the Tribe’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, an event that continues to grow in community spirit each year.
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!