CONNECT WITH LOCAL TRIBAL COMMUNITIES
It’s important to learn directly from tribal communities about the rich and diverse experiences, cultures, and languages of Native peoples in this region throughout history and today.
Visit the websites below to learn more about tribal communities based on the Olympic Peninsula:
- Chemakum People (website coming soon!)
- Hoh Tribe
- Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe
- Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe
- Makah Tribe
- Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe
- Skokomish Indian Tribe
- Squaxin Island Tribe
- Quileute Nation
- Quinault Indian Nation
Additional Resources & Recommended Reading
Native Peoples of the Olympic Peninsula
Published by University of Oklahoma Press, 2015
This book contains essays researched and written by members of the nine federally recognized tribes of the Olympic Peninsula, covering cultural history, contemporary affairs, heritage programs, and tourism information. This collection relates Native peoples’ history in their own words and addresses each tribe’s current cultural and political issues to provide a foundation for readers to engage in further learning about Olympic Peninsula tribes’ unique history with one another and their land.
Washington State Tribal Museums
From the Washington State Governor's Office of Indian Affairs
This directory of museums operated by tribes throughout Washington contains information to help you plan a visit like location, hours, and what you'll find at each museum. The current list of 12 tribal museums includes four located on the Olympic Peninsula.
Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty in Washington State
From the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Passed by the Washington State Legislature in 2015, Senate Bill 5433 requires that the Since Time Immemorial or other tribally developed curriculum be taught in all Washington schools. Learn more about this curriculum that has been endorsed by all 29 federally recognized tribes and access curriculum resources for teachers, librarians, and administrators.
Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission
Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission (NWIFC) was created following the U.S. v. Washington (1974) decision (commonly known as the Boldt Decision) recognizing the right of western Washington treaty tribes to half the catch and co-management of the fisheries with the state. Learn more about NWIFC, its 20 member tribes, and how natural resources are co-managed within the state of Washington.
Tribes of Washington
Sponsored by the Washington Indian Gaming Association
Washingtontribes.org is a public education program raising awareness about how tribal government investments benefit everyone in Washington. Learn how the investments and charitable contributions of tribes in Washington are preserving culture, improving lives, protecting resources, and building community throughout the state.