Tribal Government

Tribal Adminstration
Enrollment
Self Governance Office
Cultural Resources
Natural Resources
Career and Education
Early Childhood Education
Utilities
Court Administration
Department of Public Safety
Health Services
Child and Family and Elders
Tribal Gaming Agency

S'Klallam Tribal Center

The Tribe is a signatory to the Point No Point Treaty of 1855 with the United States Government and retains all rights not ceded in that treaty. The Tribe exercises its aboriginal, treaty-protected rights to fish at usual and accustomed grounds and stations and to hunt and gather on all open and unclaimed lands. The Tribe protects its natural resources on and off the reservation through careful management and vigorous enforcement.

A six member Tribal Council that was delegated legislative authority by the General Council governs the Tribe. The Tribe’s primary governing document is its Constitution, which was adopted in 1939 and has been subsequently amended. An extensive code of laws with more than 20 chapters regulates fishing, hunting, gaming, traffic, domestic relations, and public health; protects children and vulnerable adults; sets forth the criminal laws of the Tribe, court and appellate procedures; and covers a growing list of other subject matters.

The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe’s judicial branch maintains a Tribal Court with jurisdiction over criminal, civil and juvenile matters. Appeals are heard by a three-judge Court of Appeals. The Tribe’s Police Department emphasizes community policing and protects public safety.

The tribal government has a long established commitment to governmental and economic self-sufficiency, and a reputation for integrity and stability. It provides a wide array of general government services to community residents. In 1992 the Tribe became one of the first Self-Governance tribes in the United States and has assumed control of its BIA and IHS programs. Under Self-Governance, the Tribe has been able to dramatically improve and expand programs and services. Other “firsts” include the first tribal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program in Washington, the first TANF Tribe in the state to operate a federally funded child support program, an award winning health clinic and an acclaimed dental clinic.

The Tribe is proud of its early childhood education programs, career and education services, senior center, utility department, children and family services, natural resources, housing and cultural programs, all located on the reservation.

During 2004, three new facilities have been constructed: a Wellness Center offering substance abuse, mental health and prevention services, and phase 1 of the House of Knowledge project, including a ceremonial Longhouse and a Career and Education Center. By 2007 the Tribe completed the House of Knowledge with the addition of an Elders Center and a new facility for the Little Boston Library. A new and upgraded store, the Gliding Eagle Marketplace, was also constructed.

Also on reservation is a community church and a number of economic enterprises. The Tribe has recreation facilities consisting of: neighborhood mini-parks, two picnic areas, two baseball fields, a full court gym, and two boat ramps.

As of July, 2008, there are 1,131 enrolled tribal members. Over 600 people reside on the reservation and 188 tribal members reside adjacent to the reservation. Major employers for tribal members are: Tribal government, associated agencies of the Tribal government, individual treaty fishing enterprises, and local area businesses.

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