Introduction / History

The Skagit people are Indigenous to the Skagit River Valley in northwest Washington State. Historically, they were divided into Upper Skagit and Lower Skagit bands, with the Upper Skagit residing inland along the river and the Lower Skagit living closer to Puget Sound. They are part of the Coast Salish cultural group and traditionally spoke Lushootseed, a language shared among many tribes in the region.For thousands of years, the Skagit lived in permanent villages along the river, relying on salmon, shellfish, game, and native plants for sustenance. Their ancestors signed the Treaty of Point Elliott in 1855, ceding land in exchange for fishing and hunting rights. The Upper Skagit Indian Tribe was federally recognized in 1974, and a reservation was established in 1981 near Sedro-Woolley, Washington.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today, the Upper Skagit people live in Skagit County, with tribal headquarters located east of Sedro-Woolley. The tribe operates various services, including health care, education, housing, and natural resource management. Economic development includes the Skagit Valley Casino Resort and other tribal enterprises.Community life emphasizes cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and intergenerational connection. Tribal members participate in canoe journeys, salmon restoration projects, and language revitalization efforts. The Skagit River remains central to their identity and way of life.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Skagit people traditionally practiced animism and seasonal ceremonies tied to nature and ancestral spirits. Today, many blend indigenous spirituality with Christianity, including Catholicism, Pentecostalism, and the Indian Shaker Church. Ceremonial practices such as potlatches and canoe journeys continue to hold spiritual significance.

What Are Their Needs?

Lushootseed is endangered, with few fluent speakers, so language education must continue. Preserving oral traditions, ceremonies, and ancestral knowledge keeps identity alive and supports healing. Many, especially youth, seek a deeper spiritual connection to their roots. Protecting the Skagit River and surrounding lands is vital for both culture and nature. Healing from past trauma and staying united remain ongoing priorities.

Prayer Items

Please pray for the revitalization of the Lushootseed language and the emergence of new fluent speakers.Ask God to bring healing and a Christ -based spiritual renewal to Skagit youth and families.Pray for tribal leaders and educators to guide their communities with godly wisdom and courage.Pray for unity and reconciliation within the tribe and with neighboring nations, while lifting up efforts to protect sacred lands and waters from environmental harm.Finally, pray that the gospel would penetrate the hearts of every Skagit tribe member, leading them to take the name of Christ to those without hope.

Scripture Prayers for the Skagit in United States.

References

AI generated by CopilotUpper Skagit Indian Tribe Official SiteUpper Skagit Indian Tribe - WikipediaUpper Skagit Tribe - U-S-History.com