Seattle — On Saturday, September 6th, Waterfront Park celebrated its historic grand opening. What was once the noisy Alaskan Way Viaduct is now a 20-acre civic waterfront — built for joy, connection, and community.
For the first time, the full 20 acres of Waterfront Park was activated and accessible to the community to enjoy. The day featured performances, art, family activities, and open space to celebrate the rich and vibrant history of the Seattle waterfront.
Tribal Council Chair Jaison Elkins attended and spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony. The new park includes work by Muckleshoot artists and carvers, as well as Pioneer Square Habitat Beach — a space where the Tribe can hold cultural events in the future.
The Friends of Waterfront Park — the non-profit responsible for fundraising, stewarding, and programming at Waterfront Park — hope that the park becomes a place for the community to rest, to play, to gather with loved ones, and to connect with the natural beauty of Elliot Bay.
Chairman Jaison Elkins, Vice Chair John Daniels Jr., and Council Member Ungaro met in Washington, D.C., with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs to advocate on behalf of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe.
Reelected Muckleshoot Tribal Council members Virginia Cross, Jessica Garcia-Jones, and newly elected Eileen Richardson were sworn in April 7, 2026. We are grateful to them for their service to our community!
The annual Muckleshoot Canoe Awakening marks the beginning of the canoe season with blessings, songs, and community gathering. The ceremony honors the Tribe’s relationship with the water and the cultural traditions that guide each journey.
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!
Official Government Website for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
© Muckleshoot Indian Tribe 2026
