The Seahawks Host Muckleshoot Heritage Plaza Blessing Ceremony

The long-standing partnership of between the Seahawks and the Muckleshoot tribe is recognized in honor of Native American Heritage Month.

Nov 20, 2023 at 12:34 PM

Seahawks.com

Muckleshoot Tribal Council members and dignitaries for a blessing ceremony of the Muckleshoot Heritage Plaza new design installations at Lumen Field on November 14, 2023.

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, the Seahawks joined together with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe last week for a special blessing ceremony at Lumen Field, officially dedicating the new tribal artwork and design installations that were added to the Muckleshoot Heritage Plaza for the 2023 Seahawks season.

The Seahawks were joined by Muckleshoot Tribal Council members and dignitaries, where they celebrated with traditional drum music and song, before officially blessing the new elements.

"It's such a pleasure and privilege to be here to unveil this beautiful work representing the Muckleshoot people," said Donny Stevenson, the Vice Chairman of the Muckleshoot Tribal Council, to kickoff the event.

Underneath a new sign with the words "We Are Muckleshoot," fans are now greeted by new traditional cedar Salish welcome statues as they enter the North End of the stadium. A new mural featuring bright, vibrant colors showcases the rich culture history of the Muckleshoot Tribe and the significance of its people, land and water. Also added is new stair railing art, featuring traditional Salish fish designs to represent a school of salmon swimming upstream.

The project emphasizes the Seahawks and Muckleshoot's joint commitment to community, while celebrating the significance and tradition the Muckleshoot Tribe represents in the region.

At the event, Muckleshoot Tribal Historian, Warren King-George, spoke to history of Duwamish Land, while Muckleshoot Artist, Sam Obrovac, shared the meaning behind many of the Coastal Salish design elements. Obrovac also shared how thankful he is that the Muckleshoot Tribe gets to tell their story at Lumen Field.

"To feel represented in front of so many eyes, is an incredible feeling," Obrovac said.

Seahawks President Chuck Arnold also spoke at the event, sharing that the Seahawks and Muckleshoot share common values, and through their partnership, Seahawks fans have had the opportunity to learn more about the Muckleshoot people's history and culture.

"This artwork is seen and celebrated by many," Arnold said.

A few months ago, the Seahawks partnered with the Muckleshoot Tribe to bring a new Tribal Art Collection to the Pro Shop.

The collection honors the tribes' Coast Salish design and benefits the National Alliance on Mental Illness, better known as NAMI.

The Muckleshoot Tribe wanted to share this new logo with the 12s, to have it be a part of the community and give it back to the community with 12 percent of the proceeds from the art collection going to NAMI.

"The Seahawks are proud to partner with NAMI Seattle," Hanna Sanford, Seahawks Community Engagement Manager said. "To help destigmatize the conversation around mental health by spreading awareness on the topic, providing necessary resources, positively engaging with our community, amplifying the voices of experts in this space, and encouraging all people to nurture their mental wellness every day."