Swinomish

The Swinomish, officially the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, is a federally recognized Coast Salish tribe in the Puget Sound region of western Washington, United States. The tribe is based on the Swinomish Indian Reservation in Skagit County, near La Conner.

Historically, the Swinomish are part of the Lushootseed-speaking peoples who inhabited the Puget Sound area for centuries. They practiced fishing, shellfishing, and maritime trade and relied on the resources of the Salish Sea and surrounding rivers. In 1855, they signed the Treaty of Point Elliott with the United States, establishing a reservation and securing rights to continue fishing and hunting according to the treaty. Today, the reservation serves as the center of tribal government and community life.

The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community is governed by an elected Tribal Council, led by a chair. The council administers programs and services in areas such as natural resources, health, education, housing, and culture, operating under federal recognition and tribal laws.

Enrollment includes several hundred members, with ongoing efforts to revitalize the Lushootseed language and preserve cultural traditions. The community maintains fisheries and shellfishing practices, crafts, and cultural events that reflect Coast Salish heritage. Economic and cultural initiatives emphasize the protection of treaty rights and the stewardship of natural resources, as well as partnerships with regional organizations to support health, education, and environmental programs.

In contemporary affairs, the Swinomish work to safeguard treaty fishing rights, manage lands and waters around the reservation, and participate in intergovernmental collaborations that promote community well-being and cultural continuity.