A Closer Look at the Squaxin Tribe
Squaxin Island tribal native people originated from the seven inlets of South Puget
Sound. They are the Squaks’Na’Mish of Case Inlet, Steh’Chass of Budd Inlet, T’Peeksin
of Totten Inlet, Squi’Aitt of Eld Inlet, Sa’Heh’Wa’Mish of Hammersley Inlet, Noo’Seh’
Chati of Henderson Inlet and Sa’Hoti’Ma’Mish of Carr Inlet. Combined, they now form
the Squaxin Island tribe, located in Kamilche between Olympia and Shelton.
The Squaxin Island tribal government serves more than 850 tribal members, many of
whom live in or near the reservation at Kamilche near Shelton, Washington. The tribe
hosted the 2012 Paddle to Squaxin, a Tribal Canoe Journey in which more than 100
canoes landed at the Southern Puget Sound region. It is one of the largest Northwest
Tribal Canoe Nations’ gatherings since they first started in 1989.
The Squaxin Island tribe has a strong historical commitment to honoring Mother Earth,
and to the respect and protection of all people. Squaxin seek to maintain the pride,
honor and dignity of the traditional ways.
The Squaxin Island tribe shares historical, traditional teachings of the ancestors. Its
ancestral teachings include a wealth of knowledge from centuries of living with the
land and its abundant resources. Tribal people developed a deep understanding of the
complex ecosystems surrounding us. Native natural science has long been a part of
the tribe’s daily existence throughout the centuries. Because Squaxin live so close to
the natural elements, they understand the holistic perspective and the importance of
upholding the physical, emotional, spiritual and social environmental balance.
Traditional basket weaving
continues to teach a wonderful
reflection of the people’s
connections to natural resources.
In basketry, they learn the
fundamentals of science, math,
technology and engineering.
Knowing the right time to harvest
cedar for a basket requires an
understanding of the elements
of nature, such as: “How cold is
it?” “How much rain fell during
the past winter?” There are other
important scientific observations
of the terrain and elevation of land
to consider, too. For certain dyes
necessary for the designs in baskets, a native student needs to understand
relationships of the roots and barks, and the science and colors hidden within.
The construction of baskets — no matter what type of fiber is used — requires not only
a basic understanding of math and geometry, but an artistic eye to take advantage of
the fiber’s contours and beauty. Many baskets have endured for centuries because of
their engineering; some are crafted so well they can withstand the weight of a
200-pound person.
“They told me stories which would
create in me the desire to become
brave, and good, and strong; to
become a good speaker, a good
leader. They taught me to honor
old people and always do all in my
power to help them.”
— William Shelton,Tulalip Tribal Leader (1868–1938)
Lessons for Life
Where do you go to learn something new? Do you go to your school or library? Do you surf the Internet
or watch TV? There was no Internet for the Tulalip people’s ancestors. One way they taught their children
was through stories. Some stories are owned by particular families — they are handed down generation to
generation within that family. It is important to respect and acknowledge the person who teaches you a story.
Other stories were shared, and all storytellers had the right to tell them. These are stories about the Great
Changer or other beings, and how they created their world.
Storytellers shared more than just stories. Stories were told about history, personal feelings, food gathering
and traveling. They connected the Coast Salish people’s ancestors to the land, culture and language. Stories
also answered questions about life, love and relationships, providing instructions about appropriate behavior
and conduct.
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“Through art, singing, ceremonies, fishing, vocations and traditional medicine, we celebrate … the people we are
today. Our greatest natural resource is our elders … another valued resource is our children. It is the privilege
and the responsibility of the young adults to see that the elders and the children are honored and nurtured.”
— Excerpted for the Squaxin Island Tribe Mission Statement
Two Co-Salish women at Summer Mat House around 1910
Image courtesy of The Hibulb Cultural Center Collections
