The Steilacoom Tribe's traditional territory included the areas of what are now known as DuPont, Steilacoom, Spanaway, South Tacoma, and University Place. Although the tribe is specifically mentioned in the Medicine Creek Treaty (1854), no reservation was planned for them and it was expected that they would join the Nisqually Indian Tribe. While some Steilacoom did move to the Nisqually Reservation, many refused to move. At this time, the tribe is unrecognized by both the federal government and the State of Washington; yet, they have worked and struggled to maintain their identity and community and own a cultural museum in DuPont.
One of the most important things those of us who are non-Indigenous can do is to unlearn the idea that Native peoples are only part of our past. They are part of our present and respecting them requires that we better understand their place in the world and understand how we impact them even today.
Below are links to resources to learn more about the tribe.
A Guide to the Indian Tribes of the Pacific Northwest by 
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