Port Gamble Band of S'Klallam Indians

Port Gamble Band
of S'Klallam Indians
Seal of the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe
Total population
1,440 (2024)[1]
Regions with significant populations
 United States ( Washington)
Languages
S'Klallam, English[2]
Religion
traditional tribal religion
Related ethnic groups
other S'Klallam people

The Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe,[3] 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.[4] They are an Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast.

Reservation

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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.[5] The reservation covers 1,303 acres (527 ha).[4] 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.[6]

Government

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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:

  • Chairwoman: Amber Caldera[7]
  • Vice-Chairman: Chris Tom
  • Council Member: Donovan Ashworth
  • Council Member: Amber Caldera
  • Council Member: Renee Verregge
  • Council Member: Matt Ives.[5]

The tribe ratified its constitution in 1939.[4] 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

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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.[2]

Economic development

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The Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe owns and operates the Point Casino, Market Fresh Buffet, Little Boston Bistro, and Point Julia Deli, all located in Kingston.[8]

Notes

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  1. ^ "Public Safety." Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
  2. ^ a b "Clallam." Ethnologue. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
  3. ^ "Division of Tribal Government Services | Indian Affairs".
  4. ^ a b c Pritzker 193
  5. ^ a b "Tribal Government: Tribal Council." Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
  6. ^ "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001), Port Gamble Tribal Community CDP, Washington". American FactFinder. U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved July 1, 2019.
  7. ^ Lin, Peiyu (October 26, 2023). "Tribal councilwoman elected as Port Gamble S'Klallam chair to succeed Sullivan". Kitsap Sun. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  8. ^ "The Point Casino." 500 Nations. Retrieved August 4, 2013.

References

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  • Pritzker, Barry M. A Native American Encyclopedia: History, Culture, and Peoples. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000. ISBN 978-0-19-513877-1.
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