Culture and History
Located: Skokomish Tribal Center 80 North Tribal Center Road Skokomish, WA 98584
Meeting Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 am. to 5 pm. Phone: (360) 877-6748 Fax: (360) 877-6749
What is now known as the Skokomish Tribe actually was primarily composed of Twana Indians, a Salishan people whose aboriginal territory encompassed the Hood Canal drainage basin in western Washington State. The tribe’s first recorded direct contact with European culture came in 1792 and resulted in a devastating smallpox epidemic that took the lives of many. There were nine Twana communities, the largest being known as the Skokomish, or “big river people.” The Twana subsisted on hunting, fishing and gathering activities, practicing a nomadic life-style during warmer weather and resettling at permanent sites during the winter. Twana descendants live on the Skokomish Reservation, and all have become known as the Skokomish Tribe.
Between 1900 and 1960 the Tribe faced many difficulties. Sometime around 1900, a tycoon from Tacoma acquired the land between the west channel and main channel in the mouth of the Skokomish River. His subsequent diking and ploughing resulted in the loss of various plant species, including the sweetgrass used by the Skokomish for their basketry. At about the same time, the Tribe’s shellfish gathering activities were severely restricted due to the State of Washington’s claims of jurisdiction over tidelands. Furthermore, the City of Tacoma, between 1926 and 1930, constructed two dams on the North Fork of the Skokomish River, resulting in the destruction of important cultural sites and increased restrictions on the Tribe’s saltwater access. Finally, Potlatch State Park was opened in 1960 on a prime piece of shoreline property. All of these actions have been the subject of land claims brought by the Skokomish. An award of about $374,000 in 1965 was directed toward the purchase of a fish processing plant, as well as toward tribal housing. In 1974 the Tribe was successful in regaining disputed fishing rights through the Boldt Decision.
Today, many tribal members continue to work within the region’s fishing and logging industries. In an attempt to diversify its economy, the Tribe has purchased property for economic development and resource enhancement, as well as for housing. The Tribe operates its own businesses including a tribal hatchery and a gas station/convenience store. As for traditional culture, a number of ceremonies that had been dormant for 70 years or more were re-established during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Traditional basketry, carving and dance projects represent other facets of the reemerging interest in traditional arts of the Skokomish Reservation.
Tribe Historic Preservation Office
Functioning under the authority of Section 101(d)(2) of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and Resolution 00-63(78) of the Skokomish Tribal Council, the Skokomish Tribal Historic Preservation Office (STHPO).
The goal of the Skokomish Indian Tribe’s Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) is to protect and maintain the cultural resources of the Twana people. The Skokomish THPO is committed to the preservation and continuation of cultural knowledge in all regards: origins, histories, and stories; land areas, waterways and their uses; traditions, values and beliefs; language, song and dance, mental, physical and spiritual well-being; the cultural uses of animal life, marine life and plant life; and all other aspects of Twana identity.
Members:
- Kris Miller, Cultural Resources Director
Duties of the Tribal Historic Preservation Office:
- To direct and conduct a comprehensive Reservation-wide survey and maintain an inventory of historic and culturally significant properties.
- Identify and nominate eligible properties to the National Register and otherwise administer applications for listing historic properties on the National Register.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive, Reservation-wide historic preservation plan covering historic, archaeological, and traditional cultural properties.
- Advise and assist, as appropriate, Federal and State agencies and local governments in carrying out their historic preservation responsibilities.
- Cooperate with the Secretary, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and other Federal agencies, State agencies, local governments, and organizations and individuals to ensure that historic properties are taken into consideration at all levels of planning and development.
- Provide public information, education and training, and technical assistance in historic preservation.
- Consult with the appropriate Federal agencies in accordance with Section 106 of the Act on:
- Federal undertakings that may affect historic and culturally significant properties within the boundaries of the Reservation.
- The content and sufficiency of any plans to protect, manage, or to reduce or mitigate harm to such properties.