The Skokomish Jubilee
Hundreds of Indigenous people from across the region gather for a major tribal assembly, despite the perils of travel.
During the past ten days, Indians of all sizes, ages, and shades of complexion, both sexes, supplied with wagons or on horseback, have passed through Shelton and after a brief breathing spell they journey onward. All are bound for the grand Siwash jubilee at the Skokomish Reservation this Fourth, and they hail from all reservations in this vicinity, even as far away as Snohomish. Besides those who pass overland, many Indians will be present from the down Sound reservations, coming in their canoes. One family, from the Snohomish, consisting of three, reached town with but one horse, their second animal having stepped into a hole in a corduroy bridge, just beyond the county boundary, and, as its leg was broken, had to be shot. The Indian was bewailing the loss of his animal, upon which, as it was out of the fight, he placed the meager value of $125.00.
“All are bound for the grand Siwash jubilee at the Skokomish Reservation this Fourth.”
The Skokomish Reservation remains a vibrant center of cultural life and tribal governance today. While the 'corduroy bridges' and treacherous travel of 1889 have long since given way to paved highways, the tradition of gathering for tribal events continues as a testament to the endurance of local Indigenous communities.
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