Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe

Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe
nəxʷqíyt nəxʷsƛ̕áy̕əm̕ (Klallam)
HeadquartersPort Gamble Tribal Community
LanguagesS'Klallam, English
DemonymPort Gamble S'Klallam
Tribal citizens1,440 (2024)
Domestic dependent nation 
within the United States
Website
pgst.nsn.us
Location of the Port Gamble S'Klallam Reservation

The Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe (Klallam: nəxʷqíyt nəxʷsƛ̕áy̕əm̕), formerly known as the Port Gamble Indian Community of the Port Gamble Reservation or the Port Gamble Band of S'Klallam Indians is a federally recognized tribe of S'Klallam people, located on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington. They are an Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast.

Reservation

The Port Gamble S'Klallam Reservation, located in the northern part of Kitsap County, Washington. It was founded in 1938 and is collectively held by the tribe. The reservation covers 1,303 acres (527 ha). The land is counted by the U.S. Census Bureau as the Port Gamble Tribal Community census-designated place, with an on-site population of 916 as of the 2010 census.

Government

The tribe's headquarters is in Kingston, Washington. The tribe is governed by a democratically elected, six-member tribal council. The current administration is as follows:

The tribe ratified its constitution in 1939. To enroll in the tribe, members must have a 1/8 minimum blood quantum. However, there is debate on lowering to allow further generations so long as an individual can prove direct descent to a "Treaty Signer."

Language

Traditionally, S'Klallam people speak the S'Klallam language, a Central Salish language. It is very similar to the Saanich dialect of the Straits Salish language. A grammar book has been published in the language, and it is taught in elementary and high school.

Economic development

The Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe owns and operates the Point Casino, Market Fresh Buffet, Little Boston Bistro, Point Julia Deli, and Heronswood Garden, all located in Kingston.

The tribe also operates a free shuttle connecting the Kingston ferry terminal, Kitsap Transit’s George’s Corner park and ride, the botanical garden, and the casino.

Notes

  1. 1 2 "Clallam." Ethnologue. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
  2. ↑ "Public Safety." Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
  3. ↑ "Home". pgst.nsn.us. Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe. Retrieved October 21, 2026.
  4. ↑ "Division of Tribal Government Services | Indian Affairs".
  5. 1 2 3 Pritzker 193
  6. 1 2 "Tribal Government: Tribal Council." Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
  7. ↑ "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001), Port Gamble Tribal Community CDP, Washington". American FactFinder. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved July 1, 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  8. ↑ Lin, Peiyu (October 26, 2023). "Tribal councilwoman elected as Port Gamble S'Klallam chair to succeed Sullivan". Kitsap Sun. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  9. ↑ "The Point Casino." 500 Nations. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
  10. ↑ www.goldenshovelagency.com, -Golden Shovel Agency. "The Tribes of Kitsap County: Economic Development and Cultural Preservation". www.kitsapeda.org. Retrieved September 26, 2026.
  11. ↑ "Visit Heronswood Garden". Heronswood Garden. Retrieved September 26, 2026.
  12. ↑ "Casino Shuttle Service". The Point Casino and Hotel. July 7, 2017. Retrieved September 26, 2026.

References