Auburn — In August, Tribal Councilwoman Virginia Cross was honored with the second ever D.R. Hanford Leadership Award at Green River College. This award honors visionary leaders whose impact ripples through their communities, inspiring growth and opportunity for all.
Virginia Cross has been a champion of access and education from an early age, and pioneered a number of firsts as a Muckleshoot Tribal Member. She was the only Muckleshoot student in her graduating high school class in Auburn, the first Muckleshoot Tribal Member to earn a college degree, the first Head Start Director of the Tribe, and the first Indian Education Coordinator in the Auburn School District.
Virginia has been a councilmember of the Muckleshoot Tribe for 40 years, and has been instrumental in the Tribe's path to prosperity, and the ability to provide support for housing, healthcare, and education for Tribal Members.
Denton Hanford served on the Green River College Foundation Board for 15 years and was a devoted champion of education and community service. Denton and his beloved wife, Judy, established the Hanford Family Scholarship, which has been awarded more than 32 times over the past 15 years, empowering students to pursue higher education.
Congratulations, Virginia!
The month of March is Women’s History Month. We celebrate all the women in our lives and our thankful for all the Muckleshoot women who have fought for our Tribal Sovereignty.
The Muckleshoot community filled the floor with love, laughter, and good medicine on Feb. 7 at this year’s Valentine’s Winter Powwow.
On March 8, visitors experienced a rich blend of cultural sharing and environmental learning. As Seattle’s Host Tribe, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe co-hosted a reflection of their partnership with the Seattle Aquarium.
On Feb. 27 Muckleshoot Tribal Council welcomed Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, they shared history of the Tribe and talked about the importance of Native American voter outreach activities and engagement across Indian country.
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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