Snohomish
Snohomish is a Native American tribe located primarily in the Lower Snohomish River area and the southern end of Whidbey Island in Washington State. Traditionally, the Snohomish people were deeply connected to the sea, which was central to their diet and way of life. Their societal structure included permanent winter villages and a socioeconomically stratified community, with intermarriage serving as a means to strengthen ties among different groups. European American contact began in 1792, leading to significant changes in their culture, particularly following the establishment of Fort Langley by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1827. Despite facing numerous challenges, including loss of land and status, the Snohomish tribe has actively sought federal recognition since the early 2000s, though these efforts have not yet been successful. In the face of these challenges, the Snohomish continue to preserve their cultural identity through community events and educational initiatives, while also operating various businesses. They advocate for Indigenous rights and environmental protection, reflecting their commitment to sustaining their heritage and community. Some members are affiliated with the larger Tulalip Tribes, contributing to a broader network of Indigenous advocacy in the region.
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Snohomish
- CATEGORY: Tribe
- CULTURE AREA: Northwest Coast
- LANGUAGE GROUP: Salishan
- PRIMARY LOCATION: Lower Snohomish River and south end of Whidbey Island, Washington
- POPULATION SIZE: 497 (US Census, 2010)
The socioeconomically stratified Snohomish were dependent upon the sea for much of their food. The basic residential group was the permanent winter village. Though warfare was essentially defensive, one could gain status as a warrior. Numerous intergroup socioeconomic ties were sustained by intermarriage.
The first European American contact was in 1792 with George Vancouver, who explored Hood Canal and Puget Sound. Sustained contact commenced in 1827 when Hudson’s Bay Company established Fort Langley on the Fraser River. Introduced ideas and technology brought major changes to the traditional cultures of the area, which had already experienced numerous devastating epidemics. Christian missionary work began in 1839 when Jesuit priests used Chinook jargon to deliver prayers and teach doctrine. During the 1950s, the termination of Indigenous land and status was successfully opposed by the Inter-Tribal Council of Western Washington. In 1983, the US government denied the tribe federal recognition. It did so again in 2003 and was denied in 2004. However, the Snohomish have continued to appeal this decision, again seeking federal recognition in 2008. By the mid-2020s, the tribe remained unrecognized by the federal government. Despite this lack of recognition, the Snohomish people remained committed to preserving their culture through community events and educational outreach. They operate businesses such as a casino, hotel, and golf course. The Snohomish also advocate for Indigenous rights and environmental protection. While they appeal their status as a federally unrecognized Indigenous nation, some count the Snohomish as members of the Tulalip Tribes, which had a population of over 5,000 members in the mid-2020s.
Bibliography
“About Us.” Snohomish Tribe of Indians, snohomishtribe.org/about. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.
Buchanan, Wyatt. "Snohomish Tribe Turned Down in New Bid for Federal Recognition." Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 1 Dec. 2003, www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Snohomish-Tribe-turned-down-in-new-bid-for-1131095.php. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.
O'Neill, Eilís. “Unrecognized Tribes Like The Chinook In SW Washington Struggle Without Federal Help In Pandemic.” Northwest Public Broadcasting, 18 Apr. 2021, www.nwpb.org/2021/04/18/unrecognized-tribes-like-the-chinook-in-sw-washington-struggle-without-federal-help-in-pandemic. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.
“Residents.” Tulalip Tribes, www.tulaliptribes-nsn.gov/Residents. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.
Ruby, Robert H., et al. A Guide to the Indian Tribes of the Pacific Northwest. 3rd ed., University of Oklahoma Press, 2010.