Snoqualmie, WA. – The Snoqualmie and Muckleshoot Indian Tribes announced an historic agreement to transfer ownership of the Salish Lodge & Spa, as well as the land surrounding Snoqualmie Falls, to the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe. The total purchase encompasses approximately 45 acres of land in the Snoqualmie Tribe’s traditional territory. The purchase price was $125 million.
The Muckleshoot Tribe acquired the Lodge in 2007 to build and diversify the tribe’s economy. Since that acquisition the Muckleshoot Tribe has invested to preserve and enhance the property and maintain its status as one of the top-ranked resorts in the country.
The purchase includes the property north of and across State Route 202, as well as the Salish Lodge & Spa, and the Snoqualmie Falls Gift Shop. The Snoqualmie Tribe said it will continue to operate the Lodge with current management company Columbia Hospitality, Inc., and customers of the Lodge will experience the same high-quality experience they have come to expect. A planned development approved by the City of Snoqualmie last October will no longer advance, Snoqualmie Tribal officials said.
The agreement comes after discussions and negotiations between the two sovereign tribal governments and represents a unique situation in which the Muckleshoot Tribe has supported the restoration of sacred and culturally significant land to the Snoqualmie people.
Snoqualmie Falls and the surrounding area is the most important sacred site to the Snoqualmie Tribe and is central to the history, spiritual practice, and identity of the Snoqualmie people. Its preservation is of the highest importance to the Snoqualmie Tribe.
“This purchase represents the Snoqualmie Tribe’s ongoing work to reclaim its traditional lands and will allow the Snoqualmie people to appropriately care for our sacred Falls and share it with all who wish to experience the powerful connection,” said Snoqualmie Tribal Chairman, Robert de los Angeles. “We are incredibly grateful to the Muckleshoot Tribe for their willingness to partner in our goal of protecting and preserving this sacred area.”
Muckleshoot Tribal Chairman, Jaison Elkins added: “It is a great feeling when Tribes can come together to further enhance both of their organizations. Salish Lodge is a premier resort in the Pacific Northwest. Knowing that its ownership will remain local with our neighbor Tribe is a positive for the region and all Indian Country. This sale is a prime example of Indian Self Determination and how Tribal nations can conduct business in a culturally sensitive way. The Muckleshoot Tribe plans to focus on new facilities and services for our tribal members and customers.”
The transaction was finalized on Thursday, October 31st, with the Snoqualmie Tribe becoming the legal owner of Salish Lodge and the surrounding land. The Snoqualmie Tribe is celebrating this historic achievement in conjunction with its 20th anniversary of federal re-recognition which occurred on October 6th, 1999 after decades of petitioning.
Due to the Snoqualmie Tribe’s success in its first 20 years since being re-recognized, it has been able to diversify economically in a way that upholds Tribal values; secures for all time its most sacred and beloved site; and returns the Falls to the ownership and stewardship of the Snoqualmie people.
Columbia Hospitality will continue to operate the Lodge, providing the same great level of service guests have come to expect and appreciate. “Salish Lodge is one of the most iconic and beloved destinations the Northwest, and we are honored to continue building on its legacy with the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe,” said John Oppenheimer, CEO and founder of Columbia Hospitality, Inc., which has managed Salish Lodge since 2007. “The thoughtful and impassioned service that our team members provide day-in and day-out will continue to be a pillar of the Salish experience, and we look forward to partnering with the Snoqualmie Tribe to find even more ways to connect our guests to the surrounding area and heritage.”
“Snoqualmie Falls is a sacred place and a globally beloved landmark, and the Salish Lodge is an iconic Northwest institution”, said Chairman de los Angeles. “We look forward to enriching the experience for Lodge guests by sharing the Tribe’s story, meaning, and history of the Falls and the Snoqualmie people who have cared for it since time immemorial.”
The Snoqualmie Indian Tribe is a federally recognized tribe in the Puget Sound region of Washington State. Known as the People of the Moon, Snoqualmie were signatories to the Treaty of Point Elliott in 1855. The Tribal Government headquarters are located in East King County. For more information visit www.snoqualmietribe.us.
The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe is a federally recognized Indian tribe whose membership is composed of descendants of the Duwamish and Upper Puyallup people who inhabited Central Puget Sound for thousands of years before non-Indian settlement. For more information visit www.muckleshoot.nsn.us
"This is a historic, inspiring achievement, not only for the Snoqualmie Tribe, but all Indigenous Peoples globally who fight to protect and reclaim their sacred sites and cultural heritage gifted to them when time began."
“I’d like to congratulate the Snoqualmie Tribe on their purchase of their ancestral home. This purchase will ensure that the lands surrounding Snoqualmie Falls, beloved for its natural beauty and importance to our state’s culture and heritage, will be protected for future generations. I know that the tribe will continue to be devoted stewards of the Falls, and I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with them to maintain and preserve this historic site."
“I am honored to recognize both the Snoqualmie Indian and Muckleshoot Tribes for finalizing this historic agreement. The Snoqualmie Tribe secured ownership of an integral and magnificent part of their ancestral land and I join them in celebration today.”
“The Snoqualmie Falls and the surrounding area are a beloved landmark in Washington State. I know the Snoqualmie Tribe will continue to be devoted stewards of this sacred and remarkable area.”
"I want to offer congratulations to the Snoqualmie Tribe on behalf of all Washingtonians for this incredible accomplishment. The tribe’s purchase not only returns its most sacred site to the tribe; this transaction will stand as a shining example of the growing economic success of tribal nations. We all cherish the falls and tourists from around the world make it a destination on their visits to our state. Now they can marvel at the natural beauty of the falls while learning of its spiritual and cultural significance to the Snoqualmie Tribe, its age-old stewards."
“I congratulate the Snoqualmie Tribe for acquiring their most sacred and holy site, and join them in celebrating this historic announcement. Snoqualmie Falls has extraordinary cultural significance for the Snoqualmie people, and is celebrated natural wonder for our state as a whole. Today’s announcement shows the Tribe’s commitment to protecting the falls, and to restoring this important cultural site to the Tribe’s stewardship.”
"Snoqualmie Falls and the surrounding area is a sacred and historic site, one of the true beautiful natural wonders in our state. Today’s announcement is good news – for the Tribe, for tourism, and for the conservation of this land – and I join the Snoqualmie Tribe in celebrating this historic event.”
“The Snoquamie Tribe’s recent acquisition of land surrounding their most sacred site is an incredible opportunity for the tribe and surrounding community. I look forward to partnering with the Snoqualmie Tribe in their work to preserve and share this amazing place.”
“The Snoqualmie Falls and the surrounding area are a beloved landmark and a sacred place to the Snoqualmie Tribe. It’s good to see them become permanent stewards of such a culturally important site. Having access to their ancestral land is the best outcome, and I congratulate them on their success.”
"This is a historic day for the Snoqualmie Tribe with the return of this immensely important ancestral land.
Snoqualmie Falls are a state treasure and global attraction showcasing all the Northwest has to offer, including its sacred importance and central identity to the Snoqualmie Tribe. The Tribe's purchase of Salish Lodge and the lands surrounding the Falls is especially important given the 20th year celebration of the federal re-recognition as a tribe in 1999.
The Falls cared for and showcased by the Snoqualmie People will be a wonderful gateway to the many treasures across the Snoqualmie Valley. I look forward to the Tribe leading the way in partnerships to strengthen the vitality of the whole Snoqualmie Valley, and celebrate with you all today!"