Full slate of events at this weekend’s Chief Seattle Days

Another edition of the Suquamish Tribe’s annual Chief Seattle Days is set to take place Aug. 16-18 with all kinds of activities going on.

The event features a gravesite honoring of Chief Seattle, a parade, Royalty Pageant, powwows, salmon bakes, and plenty of sporting competitions, among other happenings.

The 13th annual Chief Seattle Days golf tournament kicks off the weekend at 9 a.m. Aug. 16. Teams of four will play a shotgun scramble. Proceeds go to Chief Kitsap Academy athletics.

At 3 p.m. is the pageant at the House of Awakened Culture. Royalty positions include Senior Warrior/Miss/Two Spirit (ages 13-18), Junior Warrior/Miss/Two Spirit (ages 8-12) and Tiny Tot Warrior/Miss/Two Spirit (ages 4-7).

“Serving as Chief Seattle Days Royalty is a meaningful opportunity for Suquamish youth that promotes community involvement, kind and respectful choices, and Suquamish youth representation in important spaces,” the tribe’s website states. “Our annual Chief Seattle Days celebration is remembered and honored each time our Suquamish youth wear their crown and sash year around.”

At 6 p.m. Aug. 16, the Coastal Jam takes place where tribal families share songs and dances. Dinner will be served at 5 p.m. with the jam starting shortly after.

From 6-10 p.m. that day, the softball tournament kicks off; it runs through Aug. 18. Ten teams will compete for the title, consisting of players 12 and older. Teams are required to have six men and four women on the field at all times. All teams are made up of tribal members along with one man and one woman who are not tribal. First place will receive jackets, second place hoodies and third place a dri-fit long sleeve. Two MVPs will be awarded— one man and one woman. All games will be played at nearby Totten Road field.

Events Aug. 17 include Chief Seattle’s gravesite honoring at 10 a.m. Chief Seattle Days began in 1911 to honor Chief Seattle and the Suquamish people, per the tribe’s website. As the celebration grew, a gravesite ceremony was added. At the ceremony, the Suquamish people practice their traditions, invite people to tell stories and give a reminder of the history of Chief Seattle and the Suquamish people. There is no admission, and all are welcome.

New this year is the 3-on-3 basketball tournament, which begins Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the nearby athletic center on Totten Road. The event runs through Aug. 18. A 3-point contest will take place Aug. 16. The tournament consists of boys and girls divisions and three categories of 14 and younger, 12 and younger and 10 and younger. Each division is limited to eight teams. Four players are allowed on a team. First place receives hoodies and second place t-shirts.

The Chief Seattle Days parade starts at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 17 followed by a salmon bake at noon. The horseshoe tournament runs from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day. Up to 20 teams are allowed, and participants must be 16 or older. First place receives $300 and t-shirts, second place gets $200 and third place gets $100. A cornhole tournament is also taking place that day from noon-5 p.m. Like horseshoes, up to 20 teams are allowed, and participants must be 16 or older. 1st place gets $300, 2nd place $200 and 3rd place $100.

Another big attraction is the canoe races, which start Aug. 17 from 1-8 p.m. and Aug. 18 at noon. Canoe racing is open to tribal-affiliated canoe clubs. All are welcome to watch. The powwow takes place from 1-10 p.m. Aug. 17. The first grand entry is at 1 p.m., a hoop dancer presentation at 4 p.m. and a second grand entry at 7 p.m. It also takes place Aug. 18 with the awards ceremony and retiring of the colors.

The Teen Dance will end the festivities Aug. 17 from 8-11 p.m. at the athletic center. The free event is open to youth in grades 7-12. Chaperones will be on hand.

The last day of Chief Seattle Days Aug. 18 kicks off with a 5K Fun Run from 8-10:30 a.m. The course passes by historic cultural heritage sites in Suquamish, such as Chief Seattle’s Grave, Old Man House Park, marine water and mountain views, and starts and finishes at the House of Awakened Culture.

The 5K features three divisions for youth (18 and younger), adults (19-54) and elders (55 and older). First place in each division gets a ribbon and commemorative blanket while second place only gets a ribbon.

The Elders Walk will take place at 10 a.m. Each elder will receive a Chief Seattle Days t-shirt. Other events that day include a fish fillet contest and crab race.

For details on the event, visit suquamish.nsn.us/csd-event-schedule/.