Upper Skagit Indian Tribe facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| Enrolled members: 1,336 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 United States ( Washington) |
|
| Languages | |
| English, Lushootseed dialect (endangered) | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity (incl. syncretistic forms) | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Salishan tribes of coastal Northwest, especially Lower Skagit, |
The Upper Skagit Indian Tribe is a group of Native American people who live in Washington state. The United States government officially recognizes them as a tribe.
Long ago, before Europeans came, the Upper Skagit people lived along the Skagit River. Their villages stretched from what is now Mount Vernon, Washington all the way north to Newhalem. They also lived near the Baker River and the Sauk River.
The Upper Skagit people share many traditions with other tribes. These include the Lower Skagit and the Coast Salish people. They also have things in common with the Plateau Indians who live east of the Cascade Mountains. The Upper Skagit traditionally spoke a language called Lushootseed. This language is part of the Salishan language family. Many coastal tribes in the Northwest spoke it.
The Upper Skagit Reservation
The Upper Skagit Indian Reservation is the land set aside for the tribe. It is made up of three small areas in western Skagit County. The largest part of the reservation is northeast of Sedro Woolley. You can find it at 48°32′31″N 122°11′15″W / 48.54194°N 122.18750°W.
Two smaller parts are located at 48°33′33″N 122°20′42″W / 48.55917°N 122.34500°W and 48°34′07″N 122°20′43″W / 48.56861°N 122.34528°W. These are about halfway between Seattle and Vancouver, BC, along Interstate Highway 5. The total land area of the reservation is about 100 acres. In the year 2000, 238 people lived there.
Tribal Businesses
The Upper Skagit Tribe owns several successful businesses. These businesses help the tribe and its members. Some of their businesses include:
- The Skagit Casino Resort. This resort has restaurants like Encore, The Market Buffet, and Express Eats.
- The Skagit Ridge Hotel.
- Bow Hill Gas and Food Mart.
- The Highway 20 Hometown Pharmacy.
Images for kids
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Sign at the entrance to the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe reservation.
