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Tribal Historic Preservation

The Samish Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) provides consultation services to public and private agencies, works with other tribes and museums to implement the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), and maintains and houses the archaeological collections. The THPO strives to build interagency relationships, protect and preserve Samish heritage and resources, and be a resource for local and tribal communities.

The Samish THPO actively participates in local and regional projects, conducts archaeological and project site visits, monitors archaeological sites, and conducts NAGPRA consultation. The THPO stays up-to-date on current happenings in Cultural Resource Management by attending regional conferences, meetings, and trainings and consults on projects at city, county, state, and federal levels.

Do you know what to do if you find an artifact?

It’s exciting to find an artifact and your first impulse will probably be to take it home with you. However, it’s against the law to knowingly disturb an archaeological site and this includes removing artifacts (RCW 27.53.060). Take a photo if you can and note its location so you can inform an archaeologist later. Artifacts are most useful to archaeologists when they’re in context (where they were originally placed/lost/dropped years ago). This is how we can try to determine its function and learn more about past lifeways. If you find an artifact on your own property, it’s legally yours and we still recommend leaving it in place and contacting an archaeologist or the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (https://dahp.wa.gov). 
 

Dinner & Drumming (Fidalgo Bay Resort)

Anacortes, WA

Gather for a potluck dinner followed by Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 12 – 12 Mar, 2026

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Weaving Retreat (Samish Island)


Get away to Samish Island for a weekend of 2-day wool and cedar weaving projects, along with language classes and games.

Dates: 20 – 22 Mar, 2026

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Dinner & Drumming (Fidalgo Bay Resort)

Anacortes, WA

Gather for dinner (meal provided) followed by Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 26 – 26 Mar, 2026

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Samish Elders Virtual & In-Person Spring Gathering


Join us for an afternoon of good conversation, culture talk and bingo.

Dates: 27 – 27 Mar, 2026

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Carving Class (Summit Park)

Anacortes, WA

Learn to finish dorsal fin or rattle carving.

Dates: 04 – 04 Apr, 2026

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2026 Samish Youthfest

Anacortes, WA

Join us on April 4, 2026 for a fun-filled day of activities, raffle prizes, and an Easter Egg Hunt at 11:00 AM. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Indoor activities and egg hunts are available for youth of all ages.

Dates: 04 – 04 Apr, 2026

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Dinner & Drumming (Fidalgo Bay Resort)

Anacortes, WA

Gather for a potluck dinner followed by Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 09 – 09 Apr, 2026

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Baby Moccasins Class (online)


Sew a pair of buckskin baby moccasins.

Dates: 14 – 14 Apr, 2026

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Dinner & Drumming (Fidalgo Bay Resort)

Anacortes, WA

Gather for dinner (meal provided) followed by Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 23 – 23 Apr, 2026

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Tides of Strength

Anacortes, WA

Take a day to prioritize you. This event will be all about wellness - featuring resources, practical tools, and supportive strategies to help you strengthen your mind and nurture your well-being.

Dates: 02 – 02 May, 2026

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Dinner & Drumming (Fidalgo Bay Resort)

Anacortes, WA

Gather for dinner (meal provided) followed by Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 07 – 07 May, 2026

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Potlach Culture Talk (online)


Learn about the history of traditional potlaches

Dates: 12 – 12 May, 2026

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Dinner & Drumming (Fidalgo Bay Resort)

Anacortes, WA

Gather for dinner (meal provided) followed by Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 21 – 21 May, 2026

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Community + Family Teachings Talk (online)


Learn about cultural, community, and family teachings.

Dates: 03 – 03 Jun, 2026

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Thrive & Connect & Samish Play Day

Anacortes, WA

Join us for our Annual Health Fair & Samish Play Day - a celebration of wellness and community! Discover helpful tools and resources to support your health and enjoy a fun-filled day outdoors where kids can laugh, play, and explore.

Dates: 08 – 08 Aug, 2026

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Samish Halloween Party

Anacortes, WA

Join us for our Annual Halloween Party - a spook-tacular day of fun, treats, and community!

Dates: 24 – 24 Oct, 2026

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