Recent News

By Molly Bryant, Puyallup Tribal News The Puyallup Tribe is often known as the ‘salmon people’ due to the rich cultural connection to the vital food source. There are many ways to prepare salmon, such as baking, smoking, canning and more. In an interview with Puyallup Tribal members Daryle Barnes and Lucia Earl-Mitchell, they detail their approaches to salmon preparation. Daryle Barnes Q: How did you first learn how to prepare salmon and who taught you? A: It’s in my DNA, right? It's in all of our DNA. We're fisher people. One of my earliest memories is catching a monster…

By Molly Bryant, Puyallup Tribal News If you’ve ever walked through the Puyallup Tribal Administration building in October, you’ll know that they take Halloween decorating very seriously. The halls and offices in the Admin building are adorned with various themed decorations. This year, the themes included pirates, Beetlejuice, witches, “Stranger Things” and more. All of this was in preparation for the annual Halloween party, which took place on Oct. 20. In the morning, various departments’ decorations were judged, and the competition was fierce as the prize was a catered meal for the entire department. Later, school buses pulled into the…

By Sarah K. Bryant, Puyallup Tribal News On a sunny day with clear blue skies, against the backdrop of ancestral waters at the canoe landing site — dxʷłalilali ‘place where to come to shore’ — a remarkable event unfolded on Sept. 16. It was a celebration that brought together the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe in a display of unity, culture and tradition. The occasion was the Potlatch at the Point canoe celebration, an event that held deep significance for both Tribes, echoing the spirit of the historic Medicine Creek Treaty of 1854. The centerpiece of…

By Molly Bryant, Puyallup Tribal News The Puyallup Tribe’s Culture Department offers a wide variety of activities and classes for the community. This month, the department hosted two huckleberry jam-making sessions. The Heritage Division’s new location at the Winners Gym, 801 E. Harrison St., in Tacoma, has expedited the jam-making process, as the kitchen is equipped with more ovens. Culture Director Angie Totus served as the instructor. She guided the attendees through the process of jam-making while emphasizing the importance of food safety. It was a sight to witness as traditions were being passed down to the youth in real-time.…

By Hailey Palmer, Puyallup Tribal News The generosity of the Puyallup Tribe and Charity Trust Board will soon be on display within the Key Peninsula Fire Department’s district. After receiving a $50,000 grant from the Tribe in August, the fire department is now gearing up to put those funds to use with the purchase of a rescue boat. A deposit has been placed on the boat, and the fire department is waiting for it to arrive and pass inspection. Key Peninsula Fire Department Assistant Chief Chris Beswick said adding the rescue boat to its fleet will benefit everyone in the…

By Molly Bryant, Puyallup Tribal News The highly anticipated 2023 Northwest Native American Basketweavers Association Gathering is set to take place from Oct. 27 to 28 at the Emerald Queen Casino, hosted by the Puyallup Tribe. This year, twin sisters and master weavers Karen Skyki Reed and Sharron Nelson will be honored at the event for their lifelong achievements and commitment to weaving. The gathering serves as a celebration of Indigenous basket weaving, showcasing traditional techniques from various Northwest Tribes. Attendees can expect hands-on workshops led by experienced presenters, using a variety of materials such as cedar and wool. The…

By Hailey Palmer, Puyallup Tribal News Employees of the Puyallup Tribal Health Authority were honored today at the facility’s Years of Service awards at the Emerald Queen Event Center. Longtime employees were thanked for their service, and those who had retired during the height of the COVID-19 were recognized for their service. Plus, it was a rare opportunity for employees to come together to socialize. PTHA Executive Director David Tonemah said that having an event with everyone in one room is key to fostering relationships. “We work together Monday through Friday, 8 to 5, so, I think it’s important we…