| Named after | Steilacoom people |
|---|---|
| Type | Nonprofit organization |
| Headquarters | Steilacoom, Washington |
| Location |
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| Membership | 800 |
Chairperson | Rebecca Unzueta |
| Website | steilacoomtribe |
TheSteilacoom Tribe, alsoSteilacoom Tribe of Indians, is anunrecognized tribe based inSteilacoom,Washington which claims descent from the historicSteilacoom people.[1] They are neither afederally recognized tribe,[2] nor astate-recognized tribe.[3]
Beginning in 1929, members embarked on an unsuccessful process of official recognition by the United States government, when they filed a petition in theCourt of Claims, which they eventually dropped. In 1937, theBureau of Indian Affairs suggested their members merge with theNisqually Indian Tribe. However, the Nisqually protested the deal, fearing the loss of their self-determination, as, at the time, the Nisqually were smaller in number.[4]
In 1951, the tribe was run by chairman Lewis Layton, an enrolled member of theConfederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. In 1956, the tribe once again filed a claim under theIndian Claims Commission for the lands ceded during the treaty and won $9,246.32, however, they never accepted the money. They also filed for intervenor status duringUnited States v. Washington (a landmark fishing rights case) but were denied.[4]
The organization is run by a nine-member council, led by a chairperson. From 1975 until her death in 2006, Joan Ortez served as chairperson[5] following the resignation of Lewis Layton.
According to their own claims, 90 percent of the membership descends from Steilacoom people during treaty times.[4] A 2008 investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) found that "only three of them are documented descendants of persons described in 19th and early 20th century documents as Steilacoom Indians" with the remainder having Native ancestry from other sources.[1][note 1]
As of 1986, the group claimed about 615 members. As of 2003 there were 665 members, and as of 2008 there were 800 members.[6]
The group formed theSteilacoom Tribal Museum Association,501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2019.[7] They operate a museum, which contains a snack bar and café,[6] and business office, both in Steilacoom.[4]
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