"The Swinomish Tribe is sharing part of its traditional tribal lands with the public, thanks to an innovative partnership.

The tribe and the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission have purchased Kiket Island and will manage it together as part of Deception Pass State Park.

The 100-acre island in Similk Bay always has been part of Swinomish tribal lands. For thousands of years before the treaties were signed, the Swinomish people used the island and its tidelands to hunt, fish, gather shellfish and hold cultural ceremonies.

In the late 1800s, Kiket Island was allotted to an individual tribal member. In the 1950s, it was sold out of tribal ownership, but remained within the boundaries of the tribe’s reservation.

About 50 years ago, Seattle City Light and Snohomish County Public Utility District planned to build a nuclear power plant on Kiket Island. Lucky for us, folks had enough sense to throw out that idea after considering what the effects would be on the environment."

Get the Story:
Being Frank: Kiket: An island of cooperation (Indian Country Today 7/16)

Also Today:
Meet the newest Washington state park: Kiket Island (The Seattle Times 7/14)

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