A group of Puyallup Indians with their longboats (canoes) on the Puget Sound around 1886. Behind them can be seen the Northern Pacific Railroad bridge. The Puyallups were primarily fishermen, hunters and gatherers. The local salmon provided their primary food source, but was also a symbol of reverence to the tribe. In the Medicine Creek Treaty of 1854, they ceded many of their territories but retained their fishing rights. Their village at this time was believed to be at the foot of North 15th. KING-014, TPL 2895.
In this circa 1886 photograph, a Native American family lounges in their long boat near the shore. In the background can be seen the Northern Pacific Railroad bridge. The canoe is loaded with supplies, probably returning or setting off for the family's hunting ground. The Puyallup tribe members were primarily hunters, gatherers and fishermen. During this time period, their village was believed to be located at the foot of North 15th. KING-015, TPL 2894.
This early 1880s photograph by C. E. & Hattie King is of the Tacoma waterfront. Several European Americans are standing near Indian canoes moored along the shoreline. The location is believed to be south of the James Williams salmon cannery in Old Tacoma. The Kings brief period of photographing Tacoma views documents the blending of cultures and history--the presence and traditions of local Native Americans and the presence of newer Americans establishing homes, industries and towns in the West. KING 016, TPL-3746.
In this photograph believed to be from the mid 1880s, a group of Puyallup Indians gathers on the shore of the Puget Sound to gamble. The game they are playing appears to be the bone game, where two teams of 10-12 sit opposite each other. One team has four bones which they pass to the distracting accompaniment of the pounding of sticks and singing of chants. The other team must guess who has the bones. In the background are longboats and a bridge. The Puyallup village during this time period was believed to be at the foot of South 15th St. KING-003, TPL 2897.
"Indian Murals, Mural being painted at Cushman Hospital, Tacoma Arts, 1937." Artist Julius Twohy was photographed as he stood on a scaffold to create a mural across the 72 foot long dining room wall at the Cushman Hospital at 2002 East 28th Street. The artist was a member of the Ute tribe from the Uintah Basin in eastern Utah.
Back of Photo: Seattle Mayor-elect Norm Rice, foreground left, and Tacoma Mayor-elect Karen Vialle, foreground right, answer questions and thank the black collective for the support the group has given both Rice and Vialle. The two Mayor-elects met with the Black Collective Saturday morning at 2316 S. Yakima. (12-2-89 photo by David Brandt) Pierce & S. King County
Two protestors in warm clothing stand in the center of the photograph, holding signs that read "Chunksa Yuha Is Not Our Messanger," and "Hell No Hanta Yo Is Not Our "Roots."
Native American protesters confront author Ruth Beebe Hill over claims her book Hanta Yo is filled with misinformation about Indigenous history, specifically Hill’s saga about two Sioux families.
Back of Photo: Theatrical Group, Order of Vasa, ca. 1912, Tacoma Photograph courtesy of the Vasa Lodge Norden, Tacoma
From In the Footsteps of Nicholas Delin: the Swedish Presence in Pierce County, a photography exhibition tracing the world of Swedish and Swedish-Finnish immigrants in Pierce County from 1887 - 1930, opening Thursday, December 14, 1995 at the Tacoma Public Library's Handforth Gallery (Main Library, 1102 Tacoma Avenue South in downtown Tacoma).
Back of Photo: Scores of men and a couple of women line up, with bags and packs, to gain admission to the Last Chance Shelter on Commerce St. The line often starts forming at 4 o'clock, with the door opening at 6:30. Photo by Peter Haley
Back of Photo: Bill Garst of Tacoma reads on his bunk in the Last Chance Shelter. He lost his job and is looking for another one. He doesn't get unemployment (reason unknown) and because he couldn't make house payments foreclosure forced him out onto the street. Photo by Peter Haley
In a black and white photo, two protestors stand closer to the camera with one person holding an obscured sign behind them. The individual on the left is wearing a patterned wool sweater and matching hat, and holding a sign reading: "Let Our Ancestors Rest They Are Not Here To Defend Themselves."
Native American protesters confront author Ruth Beebe Hill over claims her book Hanta Yo is filled with misinformation about Indigenous history, specifically Hill’s saga about two Sioux families.
Back of Photo: Last Chance Shelter--Downtown Tacoma, Mike Snider, center, and Ed Quarrles, on right, talk with an unidentified man at the overnight shelter Monday night. Many of the other guests were already asleep. Bruce Kellman - Photo
Son Deth, a Cambodian refugee, with two of her nine children. Son Deth moved with her family to Pierce County in 1975 and was sponsored by the Christ Lutheran Church of Lakewood.