Port Gamble Band of S'Klallam Indians

Port Gamble Band
of S'Klallam Indians

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

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

1. "Public Safety." Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
2. "Clallam." Ethnologue. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
3. "Division of Tribal Government Services | Indian Affairs".
4. Pritzker 193
5. "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

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

External links

• Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, official website