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

• Suquamish tribal website
• People of the Clear Salt Water
• Geography/map of Suquamish Territory
• Tribal History, Culture, Language
• Treaty of Point Elliot 1855

“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