The Preservation Program archaeology staff work to identify, document, and protect archaeological resources, both on and off of the Muckleshoot reservation. We review proposed projects to ensure that cultural resources are being considered during the planning stages, and work with planners, developers, and construction personnel to mitigate any impacts to resources that may be present. We conduct surveys on the Reservation and visit archaeological digs around Puget Sound, and monitor construction projects to look for any artifacts that may be disturbed during excavation. We have an archaeology lab where we clean, analyze, and process artifacts, as well as collection facilities where we can protect collections that we receive from other archaeologists or that we recover during fieldwork.

The Collections Specialist works to protect, collect, preserve and exhibit  artifacts, photographs, archival and library materials important to the Muckleshoot Tribe. I am entrusted with the care of the program's collections and research library.  The library is here to serve the reference needs of the Tribal Operations staff, enrolled members of the Muckleshoot Tribe, the Muckleshoot Tribal College and research patrons who are authorized by the Director [Collection Policy 3.3.1]. 

The library and archives collections focus on regional topics such as Whulshootseed Language, the Muckleshoot Tribe and other Washington State Tribes, Muckleshoot families, Basketry, Coast Salish Art, Puget Sound History, Maps of the Muckleshoot Reservation and local region, Muckleshoot and Salish photographs, Botany, the Muckleshoot Tribe's Annual Reports, the Muckleshoot Monthly and other newspaper articles, and books and magazines on the professional fields of Archaeology, Anthropology, and Museum Studies. 

The Oral Historian position is under the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Preservation Department.  Primary responsibilities are to collect and record oral history from Tribal and Community Members.  Oral history projects can range from hunting, fishing and clamming stories on the Puget Sound to berry picking trips in the Cascade Mountains.  I Work with various government agencies to ensure Treaty Right access and to create management plans to maintain and enhance our valuable cultural resources.  Additionally, I work with museums, colleges and private collectors on repatriation of ancestral remains and artifacts.

The Preservation committee meets every Monday at 9 A.M. in the Wildlife/Preservation Conference room at the Philip Starr Building.

Preservation Brochure