A Month-long Celebration of Heritage, Culture, and Legacy
Mazvita Maraire, SeattleFWC26 Writer
TACOMA, WA. - Seattle World Cup 26 Legacy Supporter, the Puyallup Tribes of Indians continued their celebration of Native American Heritage Month with a Coastal Jam at Winner Gym in Tacoma last Friday. The celebration reinforced the Puyallup Tribe of Indian's historic decision to team up with SeattleFWC26 to become the first indigenous people to formally be part of any FIFA Men's World Cup games.
“The Puyallup Tribe of Indians thinks globally, and there is no bigger international stage than the World Cup. It is important for us to share our values, traditions, and culture, and we will do that by supporting the FIFA World Cup 26 Local Organizing Committee. This isn’t just about the Puyallup Tribe, or the Tribes across the state of Washington,” said Puyallup Tribe of Indians Council Chairmen Bill Sterud in announcing the Seattle World Cup 26 Supporters agreement. “It is about all people. We are known for being generous and welcoming to all who enter our lands, and this cultural partnership will help us extend that spirit to the beautiful game and the world.”
For SeattleFWC26 Chief Legacy Officer Lisa Chin the Puyallup Tribes' desire to support with the World Cup and share their story is a true inspiration. “Over centuries, the Puyallup Tribe has developed and shared their wisdom on everything from environmental stewardship to leadership to socially generous and supportive systems and world-class sporting events are nothing new for our indigenous communities,” said Chin. “Since time immemorial, sovereign indigenous nations have been engaging in celebrations, games, and joy-filled ceremonies of coming together. The World Cup stage is a place for the rest of the world to see how much we all have in common with the Puyallup Tribe and their generous approach to living.“
With the Puyallup Tribe serving as the official legacy supporter of SeattleFWC26, there is an immeasurable opportunity for people worldwide to learn about the Puyallup Tribes of Indians according to Connie McCloud, the Tribes Heritage Division Manager. McCould oversees the PTOI’s language, culture, and history department. “The agreement gives us the ability to have people learn about our culture, our language, and know that our history is alive while empowering our youth and the families, so they can break the circle of violence and promote healthy families, “said McCloud. “Events like Coastal Jams, Potlach, and Canoe Journeys are part of the celebration of our rich heritage during Native American Heritage Month,” McCloud added.
For twenty-year-old Julyssa Coats, an assistant in the PTOI ‘s Language Department the Coastal Jams and Canoe Journeys provided an opportunity for her to reconnect with her culture and her inner self. “These events mean everything to me and allow me to heal the family trauma I have felt. I did not get into my culture until I was 15 years old,” said Coats. “The canoe journeys opened my culture to me, and I was able to lead my family back to our rich, powerful, and alive culture. “
Julyssa’s mother Shirley Bisher of the Chippewa and Turtle Mountain tribe saw a dramatic change in Julyssa once she connected with her culture through events like Canoe Journeys and last Friday’s Coastal Jam. “This kind of event is very important for me and makes me proud of my daughter because it allows her to understand who she is and that she comes from a strong bloodline where women are very strong and important. In the native culture women bring synergy,” said Bisher.
For McCloud, the Puyallup Tribe will continue to sing, dance, and reclaim the rich history of being generous and welcoming to all who enter the land. “When we gather, our songs are our prayers, we dance for the people who cannot dance. Those that can’t be here. When our children and families gather our wealth is measured by how far back generationally we can go back, to our fathers and grandfathers. Our economic and family societies depended on our communities.”
The historic agreement between the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and SeattleFWC26 will allow the two entities to partner on several massive initiatives throughout the next several years. This will allow the tribe the opportunity to share their story, in their own voice, on the global stage. This aligns with SeattleFWC26’s vision that while the FIFA World Cup™ is coming to the city in 2026, this tournament will bring Washington to the world and will find all ways possible to share the things that matter most to Washington residents.
