Welcome

History

The Puyallup Indians have lived along the shores of Puget Sound for thousands of years. In our native language we were known as S'Puyalupubsh, meaning "generous and welcoming behavior to all people (friends and strangers) who enter our lands."

We are part of the Salish speaking people of the Pacific Northwest. Our particular dialect is called the "Lushootseed." Our relatives in the neighboring tribes all spoke the same stock language, but many had different dialects. Many were intimately related by marriage and we were connected by common religion observances, myths and traditions.

The Puyallups were one of the tribes that signed the Treaty of Medicine Creek in 1854 with Territorial Governor Isaac Stevens. This treaty established the boundaries of the Puyallup Reservation and spelled out specific rights for tribal members such as access to traditional hunting and fishing grounds.

In the modern era the Puyallups have been known as a people who stand up for our rights. In the decades the followed Medicine Creek, our rights to fish slowly eroded. Tribal members engaged in actions to demand our traditional rights. These efforts attracted national attention, such as when actor Marlon Brando was arrested during a “fish-in” with tribal leaders along the banks of the Puyallup River in 1964.

Ten years later Federal Judge George Boldt handed down what came to be known as the Boldt decision in the historic case of U.S. vs. Washington. His decision allocated 50 percent of the annual catch to the Puyallups and other treaty tribes in western Washington.

In the 1980s representatives of the Tribe engaged in negotiations with governmental bodies at the local, state and federal level regarding the Tribe’s traditional lands in the Tacoma area. In 1990 the Tribe formally accepted a settlement of $162 million in cash, real estate and economic development programs in exchange for giving up claims to about 18,000 acres along Commencement Bay. This resolved disputes over property titles and allowed Port of Tacoma to develop land for shipping terminals and other industrial uses.

Facilities

Puyallup Tribe’s administration operates out of a building purchased several years ago on Portland Avenue on Tacoma’s East Side. Nearby are the operations of Puyallup Tribal Health Authority, which provides numerous health care services to Indians in the region.

The Tribe has its own police department and court system.

Departments within the Tribe provide services to elders, children and everyone in between.

Between Tacoma and Puyallup is the campus of Chief Leschi Schools, where students from kindergarten through 12th grade receive an education that emphasizes Native American culture and values.

Puyallup Tribe operates two gaming facilities, Emerald Queen Casino I-5 in Tacoma and Emerald Queen Hotel and Casino in Fife.

The Tacoma facility offers a full range of table games and video slot machines (okay???). Dining options range from a full-service restaurant to buffets and snack bars. The event pavilion features professional boxing on a regular basis and several concerts a month from the brightest stars of music and comedy.

The Fife location has a hotel and restaurant. It is currently undergoing a major expansion that includes parking garages, more dining options and a conference center.

Role in the Community

Each year the Tribe provides millions of dollars to the cities of Puyallup, Fife and Tacoma, and Pierce County, to provide funding for infrastructure projects and government services such as police and fire protection. This money comes from 2 percent of profits from the casinos.
In addition, the Tribe allocates 1 percent of casino profits to numerous non-profit organizations from charities to cultural entities. This provides millions of dollars that improve the quality of life for all in the community.

Environmental Stewardship

The Puyallups have a connection to the land and waters of Puget Sound that goes back thousands of years. This connection is evident in the many efforts on the part of the Tribe to preserve the environment. Tribal departments such as Environmental and Natural Resources, Fisheries and Shellfish are committed to improving water quality and habitat for fish and wildlife. The Tribe operates hatcheries and monitors fish runs and an elk herd, and works closely with local governments on a host of environmental issues.

Membership

The membership of the Tribe has grown considerably in recent years, and is now in excess of 3,800 people. A majority of tribal members live in the Puget Sound region; however there are members spread across the country.
Tribal members play vital roles in many aspects of life in the Puget Sound region. Adult members work as attorneys and fisherman, doctors and construction workers. Some are entrepreneurs who operate successful businesses. Many members are active in sharing the rich Puyallup culture with the community through pow wows, art exhibits and other activities.