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.
Testimonies by the Chairman and Vice Chairman touched on the significance of regional waterways to the Tribe, and the exciting opportunity to educate the public about Muckleshoot heritage and sovereignty through the Seawall Project.
Major accomplishments for the Tribe this year include protecting Tribal gaming, advancing efforts to address MMIWP, and securing state investments in local infrastructure projects in and around the Muckleshoot Reservation.
Ten years after signing the Elliott Bay Seawall Memorandum of Agreement, the city and Muckleshoot Tribe have agreed on a building for a Tribal center, located directly across the street from the Seattle Aquarium and the new Waterfront Park.
Fighting brings Shane White Eagle closer to his culture and helped him grow into a leader. He exemplifies the warrior spirit and represents his family, his team, and the Muckleshoot Tribe. Hear from Shane, in his own words.
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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