Chehalis: A Small Tribe Doing Big Things

When we launched our NativeAmericans.com mini-series to spotlight tribes across North America, we wanted to highlight communities that honor their culture while building a strong future. Our first visit—to the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation in Washington—did exactly that and more.

A Tribe of 1,000 People Rooted in Their Original Homeland

Chehalis is home to around 1,000 tribal members, yet everything about their presence feels powerful and intentional. They still live on their ancestral lands, where their people have fished, hunted, gathered, woven baskets, and raised families for countless generations.

Racism and outside misconceptions still show up, like they do for many Native communities—but Chehalis pushes forward with strength, pride, and unity.

Fishing, Hunting, and the Traditions That Feed a Community

One of the most meaningful parts of our visit was learning about their traditional fishing practices. The Chehalis people have always relied on the rivers and the salmon—not just for food, but for ceremony, identity, and survival.

We got to experience traditional salmon cooking the old way, over open flame. Watching it was like watching history breathe. No modern restaurant can replace that kind of connection—this is food as culture, food as survival, food as memory.

They also shared stories about their hunting traditions, which have always been tied to respect for nature and ensuring future generations can continue to hunt responsibly. In this community, hunting isn’t sport—it’s stewardship.

And speaking of the forests…

I joked with them that I wanted to see Bigfoot while I was out there.
They laughed and told me, “Yeah, we know him… but you’re not invited to meet him yet.”
So apparently Bigfoot keeps his circle tight. 😂

A Tribe Building a Strong Economic Future

Chairman Dustin Klatush personally gave me a tour of their enterprises—and let me tell you, this tribe is not playing around when it comes to economic development.

They have:

• 🌲 The largest and most successful Great Wolf Lodge in the entire region

• 🎰 Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel, where I stayed

• 🌱 Two tribal-owned cannabis dispensaries

• ⛽ Multiple gas stations and commercial properties

• 🥃 The largest distillery west of the Mississippi and first on tribal lands

For a tribe of 1,000 people, these accomplishments are incredible. But what impressed me most is that every business they build is tied to taking care of their people—not just profit.

A Community That Invests in Its Elders and Youth

Their state-of-the-art Elders Center is something every tribe in the country would be proud of. Elders can gather, eat free meals, watch movies in their theater, and create traditional crafts. It’s more than a building—it’s a promise to honor the people who carried the tribe through generations.

Their arts program celebrates their identity as world-known basket weavers, and they gifted me a handcrafted necklace with a miniature woven basket. The detail and heart in that piece said everything about who they are.

Their Rec Center is equally impressive:

• Full-size pool

• Basketball courts

• Arts & crafts rooms

• Modern playground

• A full skate park

• Golf simulator

• Batting cages

• And a major annual baseball event known as Chehalis Tribal Days 

• Tiny homes to support displaced tribal members

This is a tribe raising strong kids—and preparing tomorrow’s leaders. Every decision the tribe makes is guided by its impact on the next seven generations.

Culture, Landscape, and the Spirit of Chehalis

Chehalis sits in the mountain region of Washington, surrounded by forests, rivers, wildlife, and some of the most stunning scenery you’ll ever see. When you’re out there, you feel how deeply the land and the people are connected.

From traditional fishing to community-centered development, from humor to hospitality, Chehalis is a tribe that stays rooted in its past while building a powerful future.

They welcomed us like family, and this visit set the perfect tone for our Tribal Series. Chehalis isn’t just surviving—they’re thriving.

Here are some of the photos we took while visiting!