Swinomish Indian Tribal Community

The Swinomish Reservation
Historical record: The Swinomish Reservation was established in 1855 by the Treaty of Point Elliott
Standing with Standing Rock
Swinomish congratulates the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' decision to deny Dakota Access Pipeline easement
Indigenous Health Indicators
The IHI project tests a set of indicators of indigenous health specific to tribal communities in the Salish Sea region

Who We AreWe are a community of Coast Salish peoples descended from groups and bands originating from the Skagit and Samish watersheds, and surrounding coastal areas and islands.
GovernmentSwinomish Indian Tribal Community is federally recognized and operates under Constitution and Bylaws adopted in 1936 pursuant to the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934.
EnterprisesThe Tribe is one of the five largest employers in Skagit County with over 260 employees in Tribal government and approximately 450 in its casino and lodge and other economic enterprises.
CommunitySwinomish Indian Tribal Community is comprised of approximately 900 tribal members. The majority live within the Swinomish Reservation and Skagit County.

We honor our ancestors representing four aboriginal bands: Swinomish, Samish, Lower Skagit, and Kikiallus, who joined together to form the present day Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. Seven generations ago, in 1855, Swinomish chiefs along with 81 other tribal chiefs gathered at Múckl-te-óh (present-day Mukilteo, Washington) to sign the Treaty of Point Elliott.

Our ancestors committed to protecting a way of life passed down from generation to generation. The 11 elected members of the Swinomish Senate continue that commitment by strengthening our government so that we may protect our treaty, culture, and collective wellbeing. As a sovereign nation, we engage in local, state, and interstate commerce, manage our natural resources, and exercise power over our homelands and waters.

We value collaboration with fellow tribal and non-tribal governments. Our partnerships spread throughout Washington State, the Pacific Northwest region, and the nation. As a tribal community, we are proud and honored to play leadership roles through partnerships with the Association of Washington Tribes, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, the National Congress of American Indians, and other important institutions advocating for the rights of Native people.