Where is the Port Madison Indian Reservation?
The Port Madison Indian Reservation is in the Central Puget Sound Region of Washington State on the Kitsap Peninsula. Just a 30-minute ferry ride away from Downtown Seattle, the reservation is approximately 7,657 acres and is allocated in two parcels, the Indianola Parcel and the Suquamish Parcel. Both lands are part of the Port Madison Indian Reservation, home to the Suquamish Tribe.
Who lives on the Port Madison Indian Reservation?
Originally, only Suquamish People lived on the lands. All properties within the boundaries of the Port Madison Indian Reservation were owned by the Suquamish People after the signing of the Point Elliot Treaty. However, failed Federal assimilation policies of the early 20th century resulted in the sale of reservation land out of tribal ownership.
Today, there is a mix of property ownership on the reservation. Approximately 57-percent of the reservation is owned by the Suquamish Tribal Government and Tribal families. The remaining lands are owned by individuals who are not affiliated with the Suquamish Tribe. Reservations with mixed ownership like this are often referred to as “checker boarded”.
The checkerboard of property ownership over the last 80 years has created a village that is economically diverse, with native and non-native residents that includes an eclectic mix of artists, local workers, commuters and retirees.
Where can I find out more about the history of Suquamish?
The Suquamish Tribe opened a new museum in 2012 to share the rich history and culture of the Suquamish People with visitors and local community members. The main exhibit hall of the museum features a large timeline that provides visitors with an in-depth history of the Suquamish People and the creation of the Port Madison Indian Reservation.
Is there a Land Acknowledgement Statement the Suquamish Tribe recommends for local groups, meetings, and events?
The following Land Acknowledgement has been approved by the Suquamish Tribe:
“Every part of this soil is sacred in the estimation of my people. Every hillside, every valley, every plain and grove, has been hallowed by some sad or happy event in days long vanished.”
Chief Seattle 1854
We would like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which we gather is within the ancestral territory of the suq̀ʷabš “People of Clear Salt Water” (Suquamish People). Expert fisherman, canoe builders and basket weavers, the suq̀ʷabš live in harmony with the lands and waterways along Washington’s Central Salish Sea as they have for thousands of years. Here, the suq̀ʷabš live and protect the land and waters of their ancestors for future generations as promised by the Point Elliott Treaty of 1855.
Print versions may be downloaded here:
11 x 17 – poster
8 x 11 – poster
8 x 11 – landscape – green
8 x 11 – landscape – brown
Who do I contact about the Suquamish Tribe participating in my event?
The Suquamish Tribal Cultural Co-op Board manage requests for participation in ceremonial events and activities with the assistance of the Cultural Activities Coordinator. You may email the coordinator directly from the contact page of this website with inquiries. Please note, the Suquamish Tribal Government does not employ performance groups. The Suquamish Song & Dance group is made up of volunteers who are not always available to participate in events and activities.
How do I apply for a grant from the Suquamish Tribe?
Grant applications for schools and non-profit charities are available through the Suquamish Foundation. Individual grants are also available for Suquamish Tribal Members and Suquamish Tribe Programs through the Suquamish Tribal Council. Grants are not available for individuals or community organizations that are not registered non-profit charities.
Where can I find out more about Suquamish Tribe Businesses?
Information about Suquamish Tribe businesses is available on the Port Madison Enterprises website.
Where do I go to pay a traffic ticket?
If you received a traffic ticket from a Suquamish Tribe Police Officer, the Suquamish Tribe Court has a window in the lobby of the Grace Duggan Justice Center, 18490 Suquamish Way where you can pay fines by cash or check, Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also mail checks to the address located on the back of the infraction. More questions about Suquamish Tribe law enforcement can be found on their FAQ Page.
Are Suquamish Government services available to community members who are not affiliated with the Tribe?
Generally, services provided by the Suquamish Tribal Government are for Suquamish Tribal Members and their Families. However, the Suquamish Wellness Center is open to all community members. Applications for enrollment at Chief Kitsap Academy and the Marion Forsman Boushie Early Learning Center are also open to all community members. In addition, the Suquamish Police Department provides services to all community members.