The Nisqually Indian Tribe of the Nisqually Reservation is a federally recognized tribe of Nisqually people. They are a Coast Salish people of indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. Their tribe is located in Washington.
Contents
Some of the people of Nisqually descent are enrolled in the Confederated_Tribes_of_the_Chehalis_Reservation but neither tribe allows a Nisqually to be enrolled in both tribes at the same time.
Reservation
The Nisqually Reservation is 1,000-acres large and located in Thurston County, Washington, 15 miles east of Olympia. All of the current reservation land was acquired by the tribe in the last 25 years. The reservation was established by the Treaty of Medicine Creek of 1854. Originally 5,105 acres, the reservation was mostly east of the Nisqually River in Pierce County, Washington. The tribal lands were broken into individual allotments in 1884. In 1917, Pierce County, through the process of condemnation proceedings (eminent domain), took 3,370 acres (14 km²) for the Fort Lewis Military Reserve.
Government
The Nisqually Indian Tribe is headquartered in Olympia, Washington. They ratified their constitution and bylaws on 9 September 1946. These were amended on 28 October 1994. The tribe is governed by a seven-member, democratically elected General Council. The current tribal administration is as follows:
Language
English is commonly spoken on by the tribe. Their traditional language is the Nisqually language, which is a Southern Puget Sound Salish language.
Economic development
The Nisqually Indian Tribe owns and operates Red Wind Casino, Blue Camas Buffet, Squalli-Absch Grille, The Medicine Creek Deli, and Pealo's Landing.