Indigenous Peoples of Whidbey Island

Long before European settlers arrived, Whidbey Island was home to Coast Salish peoples whose villages dotted the shorelines. Archaeological evidence suggests continuous human presence on the island for at least 10,000 years.

The island's protected waters, abundant salmon runs, shellfish beds, and forested uplands provided sustenance for communities that thrived here. The Salish Sea — the interconnected waterways of Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Strait of Georgia — was the center of a rich maritime culture.

Several tribal groups had villages and seasonal camps on Whidbey Island, including ancestors of today's Skagit, Snohomish, Stillaguamish, and Swinomish peoples. These groups shared linguistic and cultural ties as part of the broader Coast Salish family.

The following federally recognized tribes have historical connections to Whidbey Island and the surrounding Salish Sea region. Today, they continue to exercise treaty rights, preserve cultural traditions, and serve their communities.

In 1855, Governor Isaac Stevens negotiated the Point Elliott Treaty with leaders of many Coast Salish tribes. The treaty, signed at Mukilteo, ceded vast territories including Whidbey Island to the United States.

In exchange, tribes retained the right to fish, hunt, and gather in their "usual and accustomed grounds and stations" — rights that remain legally enforceable today. These treaty rights continue to shape fishing regulations, land use, and environmental stewardship throughout the region.

The treaty established reservations for the signatory tribes, though many groups were consolidated onto fewer reservations than originally promised. Today's federally recognized tribes in the region are the successors to the nations that signed the Point Elliott Treaty.

Understanding and respecting indigenous history enriches our community. Here are ways to learn more and support tribal communities:

• 1.Visit tribal museums and cultural centers — Many tribes operate museums that share their history, art, and traditions with the public.
• 2.Attend public events — Powwows, salmon ceremonies, and cultural celebrations are often open to visitors. Check tribal websites for event calendars.
• 3.Support tribal enterprises — Tribes operate casinos, hotels, shops, and other businesses that contribute to their communities' economic wellbeing.
• 4.Learn about treaty rights — Understanding the legal and historical context of treaties helps foster respectful relationships between tribal and non-tribal neighbors.
• 5.Acknowledge the land — Many organizations now include land acknowledgments in their events, recognizing the original stewards of the land we all share.