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.

Quick Facts Total population, Regions with significant populations ...
Port Gamble Band
of S'Klallam Indians
Thumb
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
Close

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.[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

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

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

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

References

Wikiwand in your browser!

Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.

Every time you click a link to Wikipedia, Wiktionary or Wikiquote in your browser's search results, it will show the modern Wikiwand interface.

Wikiwand extension is a five stars, simple, with minimum permission required to keep your browsing private, safe and transparent.