The Squaxin Island Tribe of the Squaxin Island Reservation stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and cultural richness of the Coast Salish people. Located in the southern Puget Sound region of Washington state, this federally recognized tribe is a confederation of several distinct Lushootseed-speaking clans, each with its own unique history and connection to the land and waters. These clans, bound together by shared ancestry, language, and cultural practices, include the Noo-Seh-Chatl of Henderson Inlet, Steh Chass of Budd Inlet, Squi-Aitl of Eld Inlet, Sawamish/T’Peeksin of Totten Inlet, Sa-Heh-Wa-Mish of Hammersley Inlet, Squawksin of Case Inlet, and S’Hotle-Ma-Mish of Carr Inlet.
A Tapestry of Clans: Understanding the Squaxin Island People
To truly understand the Squaxin Island Tribe of the Squaxin Island Reservation, it is crucial to recognize the individual identities of the clans that comprise it. Each clan represents a distinct community with its own traditional territory, governance structure, and cultural nuances. The inlets of southern Puget Sound served as vital arteries, connecting these communities through trade, social interaction, and shared resource management.
- Noo-Seh-Chatl (Henderson Inlet): The people of Henderson Inlet, known for their intimate knowledge of the local ecosystems, were skilled fishermen and gatherers, relying on the bounty of the inlet for sustenance and trade.
- Steh Chass (Budd Inlet): Living along the shores of Budd Inlet, the Steh Chass were adept at navigating the waterways and utilizing the resources found in the surrounding forests and estuaries.
- Squi-Aitl (Eld Inlet): The Squi-Aitl, residing near Eld Inlet, possessed a deep understanding of the tides and currents, allowing them to effectively harvest shellfish and other marine resources.
- Sawamish/T’Peeksin (Totten Inlet): The Sawamish/T’Peeksin, with their territory encompassing Totten Inlet, were renowned for their craftsmanship, producing intricate baskets, tools, and other essential items.
- Sa-Heh-Wa-Mish (Hammersley Inlet): Inhabitants of Hammersley Inlet, the Sa-Heh-Wa-Mish, were skilled hunters and trappers, utilizing the rich forests surrounding the inlet to provide for their families and communities.
- Squawksin (Case Inlet): The Squawksin, whose name the tribe now bears, occupied the lands around Case Inlet. The name "Squawksin" translates to "in between" or "piece of land to cross over to another bay" in the Lushootseed language, reflecting the strategic location of their territory.
- S’Hotle-Ma-Mish (Carr Inlet): Living along Carr Inlet, the S’Hotle-Ma-Mish were known for their maritime skills, navigating the waters with expertly crafted canoes and harvesting a variety of marine resources.
A Legacy Etched in Language: The Lushootseed Connection
The unifying thread that binds these clans together is their shared language, Lushootseed, a member of the Salishan language family. Lushootseed, also known as Puget Sound Salish, is more than just a means of communication; it is a repository of cultural knowledge, history, and spiritual beliefs. The language encodes intricate understandings of the natural world, traditional practices, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
Today, the Squaxin Island Tribe of the Squaxin Island Reservation is actively involved in Lushootseed revitalization efforts, recognizing the importance of preserving this linguistic heritage for future generations. Language programs are being implemented in schools and communities, ensuring that the sounds and stories of Lushootseed continue to resonate throughout the Puget Sound region.
From Time Immemorial: Traditional Territory and Way of Life
The traditional territory of the Squaxin Island Tribe of the Squaxin Island Reservation encompassed a vast area of the Puget Sound region, stretching from the Cascade Mountains in the east to the Black Hills in the west, and from Mount St. Helens in the south to the Skookumchuck and Chehalis Rivers, Wilkes’s Portage on Vashon Island, and the divide between the Puyallup and White Rivers in the north. This diverse landscape provided a rich array of resources that sustained the Squaxin Island people for millennia.
Their way of life was deeply intertwined with the natural world, relying on fishing, hunting, and gathering for sustenance. Salmon was a staple food, harvested from the rivers and inlets during annual runs. Shellfish, berries, roots, and other plants were also important sources of nourishment. Traditional housing consisted of longhouses, constructed from cedar planks, providing shelter for multiple families.
Treaty of Medicine Creek: A Turning Point
The arrival of European settlers in the 19th century brought profound changes to the lives of the Squaxin Island people. In 1854, the Squaxin Island Tribe of the Squaxin Island Reservation, along with the Nisqually and Puyallup Tribes, were compelled to sign the Treaty of Medicine Creek. This treaty, negotiated under duress and written in Chinook Jargon, a trade language inadequate to convey the complexities of land cession, resulted in the loss of vast ancestral lands.
The treaty confined the tribes to small reservations, disrupting their traditional way of life and severing their connection to many sacred sites and resource areas. Despite these hardships, the Squaxin Island people persevered, maintaining their cultural identity and fighting for their treaty rights.
The Squaxin Island Reservation: A Homeland Reclaimed
The Squaxin Island Reservation, located primarily on Squaxin Island in southeastern Mason County, Washington, serves as the tribal headquarters and a focal point for cultural activities. Although there are no permanent residents on Squaxin Island today, it remains a vital resource for fishing, hunting, shellfish gathering, camping, and other traditional practices. Access to the island is restricted to tribal members, ensuring the preservation of its natural and cultural resources.
In addition to Squaxin Island, the tribe also holds smaller parcels of land in Kamilche, Harstine Island, and other locations, expanding their land base and providing opportunities for economic development.
A Thriving Community: The Squaxin Island Tribe Today
Today, the Squaxin Island Tribe of the Squaxin Island Reservation is a thriving community, actively engaged in preserving its cultural heritage, promoting economic self-sufficiency, and advocating for the well-being of its members. The tribe operates a variety of businesses, including the Little Creek Casino and Resort, Salish Seafoods, and several trading post gas stations and convenience stores. These enterprises provide employment opportunities for tribal members and generate revenue for tribal programs and services.
The Squaxin Island Tribe is also committed to providing quality education, healthcare, and social services to its members. The tribe operates a museum, library, and research center, dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and culture of the Squaxin Island people. Through these efforts, the Squaxin Island Tribe is ensuring that its rich heritage continues to thrive for generations to come.
Key Contact Information:
- Address: 10 SE Squaxin Lane, Shelton, WA 98584
- Phone: 360-426-9781
- Website: squaxinisland.org