The Skokomish Tribe

The Skokomish Indian Reservation boundaries encompass a total of almost 5,000 acres, or approximately 7.5 square miles. The Skokomish River empties into what is called the Great Bend of the Hood Canal on the Olympic Peninsula in Mason County, Washington. To learn more click on this link: The Skokomish Tribe

The Skokomish Indian Tribe provides a comprehensive array of community-based governmental and community services to a population of over 1,395 Skokomish Tribal members, their families, and other Native American and non-Native community members who maintain a close and continuing association economically, socially and culturally with the Skokomish Community.

Tribal History

The Skokomish Indian Tribe was created by the Point-No-Point Treaty, concluded on January 26, 1855, ratified by Congress on March 8, 1895, and subsequently enlarged by Executive Order on February 25, 1874. The Skokomish were one of nine separate groups brought together by a common territory, similar cultures, and the Twana language. “Skokomish” describes the original Twana inhabitants who lived in villages along the Skokomish River and its north fork. Twana is considered part of the Salish language.

Tribal Administrative Structure

A seven-member Tribal Council is elected to serve four-year staggered terms, and meets twice a month, or as needed. Elections are held each June to fill vacant or expiring positions. The Tribal Council itself fills, from its own members, the offices of Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary/Treasurer.

At the annual General Council meeting held in June, Tribal members elect a General Council President. Under the direction of planning strategies and vision statements established by enrolled Skokomish Tribal members and the General Council, the Tribal Council enacts policies and priorities for its staff to carry out the delivery of governmental and community services to the Skokomish People.

The Tribal Council hires staff to oversee the management of the Tribe's overall administrative and operational affairs and to execute Tribal laws and policies, as directed by the elected policy-makers. They are also responsible for the overall management and supervision of all departments and programs.

Information provided courtesy of the Skokomish Tribe –
Additional historical information taken from the
Mason County Tourism Website