Recent News

“Sovereign One” sets sail on the Salish Sea

“Sovereign One” sets sail on the Salish Sea

By Molly Bryant, Puyallup Tribal News The Puyallup Tribe has obtained a new shellfish monitor boat named the Sovereign One. The boat is better equipped to navigate rough waters than the previous monitor boat, according to Big Bean Flores, a senior shellfish monitor who has been working in the department for more than 10 years. Flores first pitched the idea to Nancy Shippentower, the director of the Shellfish Department. He explained how the old backup boat was beyond new repairs and how the Tribe could benefit from a bigger, more substantial vessel. Flores began his search after receiving approval from…
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Huckleberry Culture Camp creates long-lasting memories for all ages

Huckleberry Culture Camp creates long-lasting memories for all ages

By Molly Bryant, Puyallup Tribal News Nestled at the bottom of the mountains in Randle, Tribal community members attended Huckleberry Culture Camp in late August. Smiling children ran around the campground playing games as adults packed their day’s huckleberry harvest in large Ziploc bags. Organized by the Puyallup Tribal Culture Department, the camp serves as a way for Puyallup Tribal members to connect with their culture. They rented out the Cispus Learning Center. Each day, the department planned fun cultural activities. Attendees spent the days picking huckleberries, crafting, playing games and enjoying the great outdoors. A lack of cell phone…
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Puyallup Tribal Fisheries celebrate return of fall Chinook

Puyallup Tribal Fisheries celebrate return of fall Chinook

By Sarah Bryant, Puyallup Tribal News In a remarkable testament to nature's enduring strength and the unwavering commitment of the Puyallup Tribal Fisheries Department, a momentous milestone was celebrated with the commencement of the fall Chinook spawning season at the Clarks Creek Hatchery. Amid the fish splashing in the acclimation pond, a chorus of voices resonated with excitement, shouting "Buck! Hen! Bingo!" as skilled Fisheries employees carried out their vital work, ensuring the continuity of this remarkable salmon run. Fall Chinook return and spawning The Fall Chinook journey back to the Clarks Creek Hatchery commences in mid-July, extending until the…
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Fish Wars memorial held to commemorate efforts made to secure Tribal treaty fishing rights

Fish Wars memorial held to commemorate efforts made to secure Tribal treaty fishing rights

By Molly Bryant, Puyallup Tribal News The aroma of fire-baked salmon enveloped the Puyallup Canoe Landing site on Saturday, Sept. 9. Elders who witnessed the struggles during the Fish Wars shared their stories at the Fishing Wars Memorial salmon bake as the youth actively listened. The event, a tribute to the past, brought the Puyallup Tribal community together and allowed those in attendance to reflect on the contentious history. The Fish Wars spanned approximately from the late ‘50s to the mid-'70s. Conflicts arose between Indigenous communities and the United States government regarding fishing rights. The Puyallup Tribe, along with several…
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Puyallup Tribal Labor Day Powwow celebrates tradition

Puyallup Tribal Labor Day Powwow celebrates tradition

By Puyallup Tribal News Staff Dancers commanded attention even as they stood still with bold feathers, tassels and jingles stitched to their brightly colored regalia. Then it was impossible to look away as teams twirled and stomped their way around a spacious dance floor, charged by the thunderous rumble of drums. It was time for the 44th annual Puyallup Labor Day Powwow which brought three days of festivity to Chief Leschi Schools, from Sept. 1 to 3. Activity centered on a large tent that was erected on campus for one of the year’s biggest cultural events. Tribes came from near…
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Statement from Puyallup Tribal Council on Maui Wildfires

Statement from Puyallup Tribal Council on Maui Wildfires

September 1, 2023 The Puyallup Tribal Council stands united in expressing our deepest concern for the devastating impact of the recent wildfires that have swept through Maui. Our hearts are with the individuals, families and communities affected by this tragedy. Our Tribe values the importance of community and unity, and we believe that it is our responsibility to offer support during times of crisis. With this in mind, we have donated $30,000 to Maui United Way for wildfire relief efforts. When disasters strike, we encourage anyone who is able to support charities that will help those in need. You can…
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spuyaləpabš Warrior Village reveals possible historic artifacts near Port of Tacoma

spuyaləpabš Warrior Village reveals possible historic artifacts near Port of Tacoma

By Molly Bryant, Puyallup Tribal News For weeks, the Historic Preservation Department has been hard at work digging at an archaeology site situated near the Port of Tacoma. According to oral tradition, the site was once known as a Puyallup Warrior village. Recently, archaeologists discovered an item that has the potential to be a historical artifact. It is a small piece of cloth that may be a part of a blanket, however, adequate testing will be necessary to identify the item accurately. Tribal Council Chairman Bill Sterud recently got a first-hand look at the site. A lover of archaeology and…
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