Small Tribes of Western Washington

The Small Tribes Organization of Western Washington is an inter-tribal organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Washington. Membership is by tribe, or band. It includes some Indian groups which have no federal land base and receive no federal recognition except for land claim purposes; some whose members have federal trust allotments but are not classified as being reservation-based; some which had reservations in the past but have lost most of the land through allotment and alienation and some whose reservations are essentially intact.

The particular groups own sense of Indian identity is the basis for membership in STOWW. STOWW’s governing body is a board of directors. This board consists of a voting delegate from each member tribe. The board is working toward Indian control of Indian programs.

In 1967, these Indian people from the small tribes came together and united to form a single body. They met to stimulate interest and provide strength from within. This effort also served to shake loose from a dormant state imposed on their psychological health from years of denials and frustrations. These tribes created a new Indian entity in the form of the Small Tribes Organization of Western Washington. The purpose of incorporating in 1968 was primarily to seek participation in the policymaking decisions that affect the destiny of the small tribal groups and their future generations.

The Small Tribes Organization of Western Washington (STOWW) consists of seventeen member tribes constituting distinct communities. In location they range from the Nooksack near the Canadian boundary, to the Cowlitz and the Chinook bordering on the Columbia River; and from Sauk-Suiattle and Stillaguamish at the foothills of the Cascades, westward to the Lower Elwha-Band of Clallams on the north shore of the Olympic Peninsula. The other tribes/bands include Jamestown-Band of Clallams, Marietta-Band of Nooksack, Suquamish, Snohomish, Snoqualmie, Samish, Skagit, Steilacoom, Shoalwater, Duwamish and the Siletz.(These were the originated tribes- most are still part of STOWW).

It is not the intent of STOWW member tribes to isolate themselves from other Indian groups but to be able to participate fully where their voice has been absent. STOWW’s delegates can be in a better position to act and react to common needs to interest that might affect their destinies.

We do not want to duplicate, impair, or diminish the services already provided but to implement better utilization of potential supporters-service agencies, etc.Toward our objectives. The aims of improving the economic and psychological climates of lives. This program could greatly assist the lives and opportunities of those who desperately need help.