The Squaxin Island Tribe is a small tribe located near Shelton, Washington. Historically they are a maritime culture whose people lived and prospered along the shores for centuries - they also are known as the "People of the Water." The Squaxin Island Tribe was one of the first 30 tribes in the nation to undertake the responsibility of self-governance.

The logo of the Squaxin Tribe.

The Tribe envisions a culturally and economically strong community of self-governing, resilient people united by shared values and traditions. Earlier this year, the Squaxin Island Tribe hosted an open house to celebrate another milestone: the completion of the first homes in their new Slocum Ridge Housing Development. Five homes of different sizes and plans were open for inspection. The first phase of the development, 18 rental homes, will be occupied by July. The Tribe intends to review the rental tenants after one year's occupancy and possibly convert them to homebuyers. Tribal Chairman David Lopeman presided over the festivities, and tribal members and invited guests were treated to a barbeque luncheon (below, left) and a tour of the development.

When Slocum Ridge is completed - within two years - it will be a neighborhood of 36 rental and homeownership units (above, right) on a 40-acre site the Tribe acquired in 1998. The Tribe is utilizing HUD/ONAP funds, as well as non-HUD federal, state, and private resources to address their recognized housing shortage and to provide the infrastructure, including water, sewer, roads, and a playground, that are necessary to complete the development.

In addition to the housing development, the Tribe recently completed work on its museum and cultural center. This museum has met the Smithsonian Institution's requirements for preservation of art objects, and the Smithsonian is returning 25 to 30 tribal artifacts from its museums to the Tribe.