Swinomish facts for kids

The Swinomish (say it like SWIN-uh-mish) are a group of Native American people. They have lived in western Washington State for a very long time.

Their home is on Fidalgo Island, which is in northern Puget Sound. This area is close to the San Juan Islands in Skagit County, Washington. Skagit County is about 70 miles (113 km) north of Seattle.

Today, the Swinomish people are part of the federally recognized Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. This group is also called the Swinomish Tribe. Their main office is in Swinomish Village, right across the Swinomish Channel from La Conner.

La Conner, Washington, Swinomish Channel

Language of the Swinomish

The Swinomish people speak a special language called Lushootseed. This language is part of a larger group of languages known as Salishan.

Swinomish Culture and Lifestyle

A skate from the Swinomish fishtrap, Tulalip Indian Agency, Washington, 1938

Like many other Native American groups in the Northwest Coast area, the Swinomish people have always relied on the ocean. Their way of life involves catching salmon and gathering shellfish.

They made sure to keep their right to fish and gather food in their traditional areas. This right was protected in a special agreement called the Point Elliott Treaty of 1855.

Swinomish History and Important Events

The Swinomish people moved to their reservation lands after signing the Point Elliott Treaty in 1855. This treaty helped set aside land for their community.

The Swinomish police department was very important in the United States. It was the second police department in the country to be officially recognized by the state. It was also the very first one in Washington State to get this special recognition.

Native American Advocacy and Leadership

The current leader of the Swinomish Tribe is Chairman Brian Cladoosby. He is also the 21st president of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). The NCAI is a big organization that works to protect the rights and interests of Native American tribes across the United States.

Swinomish Indian Tribal Community

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  "Dr. Joseph," a traditional medicine man of the Swinomish Reservation, La Conner in 1907

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  "Old Joe" of La Conner in 1907

See also

In Spanish: Swinomish (tribu) para niños