This means the Steilacoom Tribe signed a Treaty with the United States Government. In December 1854, the Steilacoom Tribe, along with others, signed the Medicine Creek Treaty. Despite signing this Treaty, the Steilacoom Tribe was not given their own Reservation of land. Instead, they were told that they could remain where they were, or chose to live on one of the Reservations given to nearby Tribe
s. Some Steilacoom did choose to move to Reservations; including, Nisqually, Puyallup, and Squaxin Island, to name a few. Many chose not to leave their Homeland. "Now what I want to say is this. My home is at Shilicum [Steilacoom] Creek and there is where I want to live and die . . . I wish to tell the Governor that every Indian loves his native land the best. Every Indian loves his own people best." ~ Sam Young, chief of the Steilacoom Tribe, addressing Governor Stevens on August 4, 1856. Because the Steilacoom Tribe was not given their own Reserved Land, they were not recognized by the federal government. However, the Steilacoom Tribe is alive and well, operating their own Tribal Government, and continuing to strive to meet the needs of their own people. In 1987 the Steilacoom Tribe purchased and began operating a Tribal Cultural Center and Museum in the 1903 Oberlin Congregational Church. That structure is located within the town's 40 block historic district and was placed on the National Register of Historical sites in 1975. The Steilacoom Tribal Museum is operated by a non-profit organization called, "The Steilacoom Tribal Museum Association." The goal of the Tribal Museum is to share Tribal history and Culture with both the Steilacoom People and with our community. We strive to keep Tribal History and Culture alive! The Steilacoom Tribal Museum has an extensive collection of images and objects from the Steilacoom Tribe, as well as other tribes from around the Puget Sound and North America. This includes history, contemporary photographs, jewelry, basketry and more. We also operate a gift shop with items made by both Steilacoom Tribal Citizens and by Native Americans from both North and South America. The shop consists of books, maps, clothing, jewelry and more.
