The Tulalip Tribes of Washington represent a significant and vibrant community of South and Central Coast Salish peoples, deeply rooted in the history and traditions of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Federally recognized, the Tulalip Tribes of Washington are a confederation of several distinct Coast Salish groups, each with its own unique heritage and history, united under a common tribal government. These groups include the Duwamish, Samish, Skagit, Snohomish, Snoqualmie, Stillaguamish, and Suiattle peoples. This article delves into the history, culture, governance, and contemporary life of the Tulalip Tribes of Washington.
Historical Overview and Ancestral Lands
The Coast Salish peoples, from whom the Tulalip Tribes descend, have inhabited the Puget Sound region for thousands of years. Their traditional territories encompassed a vast area stretching from the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, and from the Fraser River in British Columbia, Canada, to the southern reaches of Puget Sound. These lands were rich in resources, providing sustenance and materials for shelter, clothing, and tools. The people lived in harmony with the natural environment, developing sophisticated systems of resource management and a deep spiritual connection to the land and water.
The name "Tulalip" itself carries historical significance. Derived from the Snohomish language, it translates to "a bay shaped like a purse," a descriptive reference to a specific geographic location within their traditional territory. This place served as a gathering point and a place of significance for the Snohomish people.
The traditional way of life for these tribes revolved around the seasonal cycles of fishing, hunting, and gathering. Salmon was, and continues to be, a cornerstone of their diet and culture, with elaborate ceremonies and protocols surrounding the annual salmon runs. Other important food sources included shellfish, deer, elk, berries, roots, and various plants.
The Treaty of Point Elliott and the Reservation Era
The arrival of European and American settlers in the 19th century brought profound changes to the lives of the Coast Salish peoples. The Treaty of Point Elliott, signed on January 22, 1855, marked a turning point in their history. This treaty, negotiated between the United States government and several Puget Sound tribes, ceded vast tracts of tribal land to the U.S. in exchange for promises of reserved lands, fishing rights, and other benefits.
The Tulalip Reservation was established as a result of this treaty. The initial years of the reservation era were marked by hardship and injustice. Government policies aimed at assimilation, including the suppression of traditional languages and cultural practices, had a devastating impact on tribal communities. Despite these challenges, the Tulalip people persevered, maintaining their cultural identity and fighting for their rights.
The Tulalip Reservation is situated in Snohomish County, Washington, with the tribal headquarters located in Tulalip. The reservation encompasses approximately 22,000 acres of land.
Governance and Tribal Membership
The Tulalip Tribes of Washington operate under a constitution and bylaws ratified in 1936, following the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. This act encouraged tribal self-governance and provided a framework for tribes to manage their own affairs.
The governing body of the Tulalip Tribes of Washington is the General Council, comprised of all enrolled adult members of the tribe. The General Council elects a Board of Directors, consisting of three board members and executive officers (Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer), who are responsible for the day-to-day administration of tribal government and the implementation of tribal policies. Elections are held regularly to ensure that the tribal government remains accountable to its members.
Tribal membership requirements stipulate that an applicant must be born to a Tulalip Tribal member who was enrolled at the time of the applicant’s birth. Additionally, the tribal member parent must have resided on the Tulalip Reservation for at least 12 continuous months prior to the applicant’s birth and be able to prove it. Applications must be submitted before the age of 25, unless the applicant was adopted by non-tribal parents. Importantly, there is no blood quantum requirement for enrollment.
Language and Cultural Preservation
The ancestral languages of the Tulalip Tribes belong to the Lushootseed language family, a branch of the Coast Salish language group. Lushootseed is a critically endangered language, with only a handful of fluent speakers remaining. The Tulalip Tribes are actively engaged in language revitalization efforts, including language classes, immersion programs, and the development of language resources such as dictionaries and grammars.
Cultural preservation is a high priority for the Tulalip Tribes. The Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve, opened in 2011, serves as a vital institution for preserving and promoting Tulalip history, culture, and traditions. The center features museum exhibits, classrooms, an archaeological repository, a longhouse, and a research library. The attached 50-acre nature preserve provides a space for learning about and connecting with the natural environment.
The Tulalip Tribes host numerous annual events that celebrate their culture and heritage. These events include Treaty Days, commemorating the signing of the Point Elliott Treaty; the First Salmon Ceremony, blessing the fishermen for a successful season; Winter Dancing, a traditional celebration of renewal and community; and a Veteran’s Pow Wow, honoring Native American veterans.
Economy and Contemporary Life
The Tulalip Tribes have developed a diverse and thriving economy, which provides employment and revenue for tribal members and the surrounding community. Quil Ceda Village, a business park and municipality located on the reservation, is a major economic hub. The village is home to several businesses, including the Tulalip Resort Casino, the Quil Ceda Creek Casino, and a large outlet mall.
The Tulalip Tribes own and operate a variety of businesses, including casinos, restaurants, a marina, a liquor and smoke shop, and a broadband internet provider. These businesses employ over 3,200 people, with the majority working in the Tribes’ business enterprises.
The Tulalip Tribes are committed to providing housing, healthcare, education, and other essential services to their members. They operate a tribal school district, a health clinic, and a housing authority. The tribes are also actively involved in environmental protection and natural resource management.
Traditional Culture and Practices
Despite the challenges of colonization and assimilation, the Tulalip Tribes have maintained many of their traditional cultural practices. Arts and crafts, such as basket weaving and carving, continue to be important expressions of cultural identity. Traditional foods, such as salmon, shellfish, and berries, remain central to the tribal diet.
Longhouses, traditional cedar plank dwellings, continue to be important gathering places for ceremonies and cultural events. The Tulalip Tribes are working to revitalize traditional forms of governance, education, and healthcare, incorporating traditional knowledge and values into contemporary systems.
Catastrophic Events and Historical Challenges
The Tulalip Tribes have faced numerous catastrophic events and historical challenges throughout their history. The potential landslide at Camano Head in 1833, which may have buried a Snohomish village, resulted in many deaths. Furthermore, since 1916, logging, dredging, agriculture, industry, dams, sewage systems, and housing developments have contributed to the destruction of fish habitats.
Conclusion
The Tulalip Tribes of Washington stand as a testament to the resilience and strength of the Coast Salish peoples. Despite facing immense challenges, they have persevered in maintaining their cultural identity, exercising their sovereignty, and building a thriving community. The Tulalip Tribes of Washington serve as a vital cultural, economic, and political force in the Pacific Northwest, contributing to the richness and diversity of the region. The Tulalip Tribes of Washington‘s commitment to language preservation, cultural revitalization, and economic development ensures that their legacy will continue to thrive for generations to come.