Suquamish Tribe

also known as "Suquamish"

Suquamish Tribe (People of the Clear Salt Water)

“The Suquamish and their ancestors have inhabited the Puget Sound area for thousands of years. Before European contact, the region was one of the most populated centers north of what is now Mexico City. Unlike the larger tribes of British Columbia, Alaska, the Plains and the Southwest, the Indians of the Puget Sound lived in relatively small, autonomous villages. Many tribes were affiliated through intermarriage, political agreement, trade, material culture and language.

“The abundance of natural resources and efficient technology for harvesting and preserving food enabled them to develop a rich cultural and spiritual life. The yearly cycle of activities was divided between the harvesting of food from temporary camps in warm months, and communal life in substantial winter houses for social and religious observances and protection against cold weather.” – Tribal website

“The traditional language of the Suquamish people is Lushootseed, a member of the Coast Salish language group spoken by First Peoples from throughout the Northwest, including the areas surrounding the Puget Sound in Washington State and the Strait of Georgia in British Columbia.” – Tribal website

Article 6 of the U.S. Constitution (the Supremacy Clause)

“This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.”