The Suquamish People continue to live in the place of their ancestors, and practice their traditional life ways on the Port Madison Indian Reservation. The Suquamish Tribal Government supports programs and services that work to carry the culture of the Suquamish People to the next generation and beyond. The Suquamish Tribe funds comprehensive language programs, education and cultural activities for Tribal families as well as educational programs for the public through the Suquamish Museum.
Visiting Suquamish
In the last 20 years, the Suquamish Tribe has experienced a cultural resurgence, devoting time and resources to the creation of a series of culturally significant buildings on the Port Madison Indian Reservation. Suquamish Tribal history and tradition are celebrated throughout the year and are a visible part of the Suquamish experience. Along the waterfront and in Suquamish Village you will find restaurants, local businesses and a number of cultural sites. Visitors can enjoy these sites by walking the streets and paths that join the Suquamish Museum and village neighborhoods.
Old Man House Park
Site of the largest Suquamish winter village and Big House, located on the shoreline of Agate Passage, Old-Man-House was home to siʔał (Chief Seattle) before it was destroyed by the United States government in 1870. Archaeological investigations conducted on the site document habitation over the past 2000+ years. The Park is a short walk down Division Street to the waterfront from the Museum.
Suquamish Museum
Opened in 2012, the new Suquamish Museum is designed to share the history and traditional ways of the Suquamish People. The facility features two galleries, a performance space, museum store and outside learning areas. The largest gallery houses the new permanent exhibit Ancient Shores – Changing Tides, where seven symbolic design elements illustrate an integrated cultural view of the Suquamish Tribe over time: past, present, and future. Objects and artifacts owned by the Suquamish Museum, many never before exhibited, and those on loan from Suquamish families and other museums, will engage visitors to learn about the lives and culture of the Suquamish.
siʔał Grave
siʔał (Chief Seattle), the legendary leader of the Suquamish Tribe, is internationally respected. His ideas remain significant today through their global influence on ethics, spirituality, and environmentalism. The Suquamish Tribe re-built the gravesite monument in 2011 to honor Sealth and to promote Tribal and community knowledge of the great leader. An interpretative kiosk at the cemetery entrance, located on South Street next to the St. Peter’s Catholic Mission and near the Suquamish Museum, speaks of his impact in the Salish Sea region.
Suquamish Veterans Memorial
Built in 2010 to honor all in the community who have served, the Suquamish Veterans Memorial is situated on a hill, overlooking the Suquamish waterfront. The memorial, comprised of cedar and polished granite, depicts the likenesses of two celebrated Suquamish warriors, siʔał (Chief Seattle) and q’sap (Chief Kitsap). The names of veterans from the Suquamish community are carved on granite canoes at the memorial site.
House of Awakened Culture
Emulating the original longhouse of siʔał (Chief Seattle), and located on the waterfront in Downtown Suquamish, the House of Awakened Culture and its adjoining outdoor area are used for a wide variety of community programs that teach and celebrate the living Suquamish culture. Community members participate in Lushootseed language classes, traditional weaving and carving, Youth Canoe Journey trainings, regalia making, and song and dance practice in the house. In addition, the Suquamish use the house as a location for traditional ceremonies and modern celebrations that mark life milestones, such as honorings, graduations, family reunions, weddings and funerals. The house does not have daily operating hours. It is only open during events. Find out when events are happening, and if they are open to the public, on the community calendar!
Suquamish Dock
Suquamish Elders remember when visitors and trades people were welcomed at the old Mosquito Fleet Ferry Dock in downtown Suquamish. In the 1950s, a community pier took the place of the old ferry pier. However, it deteriorated over time and was finally deemed unusable. In 2008, the Suquamish Tribe Department of Community Development removed the old pier and built a new one next to the House of Awakened Culture. The new dock also has an important cultural function; making participation in canoe outings accessible to elderly and disabled tribal members. The new public dock has restored the Tribe’s historical access to the water and the town’s connection to the waterfront. It is a community resource, available to all. It is a quick walk from the museum to enjoy the Dock or dine at the waterfront restaurants.
Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort
Just 1 mile away from Downtown Suquamish, Clearwater Casino Resort offers visitors a luxury 85-room waterfront hotel, the award-winning Angeline Spa and the excitement of casino nightlife. Discover more about Clearwater Casino Resort amenities, including one of the Northwest’s most-celebrated golf courses at www.clearwatercasino.com
Visiting Kitsap
Discover more about visiting the North Kitsap Peninsula, including the towns of Bainbridge, Poulsbo, Port Gamble, Kingston, Hansville and more at www.visitkitsap.com