Squaxin Island Tribe

Quick Facts: Who was Squaxin Island Tribe?

Subject:

Squaxin Island Tribe

Known for:

Federally recognized tribe in Mason County, Washington, descended from Southern Coast Salish peoples.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Squaxin Island Tribe is a federally recognized tribe located in Mason County, Washington. They are descended from several Southern Coast Salish peoples, including the Squaxin, Sahewamish, T'Peeksin, Squiaitl, Stechass, and Nusechatl. Historically, the ancestors of the Squaxin Island Tribe inhabited several inlets of the South Puget Sound.

Career & Major Achievements

The Reservation was created in 1854 by the Treaty of Medicine Creek, comprising the entirety of Squaxin Island. Today, the reservation also includes several small parcels in the nearby area. Tribal members no longer reside on Squaxin Island itself, but 509 residents live on other Reservation and Off-Reservation Trust Land.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Total tribal membership was at 1,022 as of 2010. The Coast Salish clans that became the Squaxin Island Tribe were historically settled along the seven inlets of the South Puget Sound. These were known as the S'hotl-Ma-Mish (Carr Inlet), Noo-Seh-Chatl (Henderson Inlet), Steh-Chass (Budd Inlet, around modern-day Olympia), Squi-Aitl (Eld Inlet), T'Peeksin (Totten Inlet), Sa-Heh-Wa-Mish (Hammersley Inlet), and Squaksin (Case Inlet; which gave the reservation its name).

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1854: 1854 Milestone — The Reservation was created in 1854 by the Treaty of Medicine Creek, comprising the entirety of Squaxin Island.
2. 2010: 2010 Milestone — Total tribal membership was at 1,022 as of 2010.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Squaxin Island Tribe

True or False: “True or false: The Squaxin Island Reservation was originally established by the 1854 Treaty of Medicine Creek.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The Treaty of Medicine Creek in 1854 was the foundational document that created the reservation encompassing Squaxin Island.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Albion Woodbury Small — Historical peer (Born in 1854) (1854): Pioneering American sociologist who established the first independent department of sociology in the US.
• Aletta Jacobs — Historical peer (Born in 1854) (1854): Pioneering Dutch physician and feminist, advocating for women's rights and reproductive health.
• Alex Chilton — Historical peer (Died in 2010) (2010): American musician, best known for his vocal work with The Box Tops and Big Star.
• Alexander McQueen — Historical peer (Died in 2010) (2010): Iconic British fashion designer known for theatrical, boundary-pushing collections.

Frequently Asked Questions about Squaxin Island Tribe