University of Washington Athletics And Puyallup Tribe Of Indians Announce Historic Partnership To Highlight Native Culture And Enhance Community Development
November 05, 2025 | General
SEATTLE — The University of Washington Athletics Department and Puyallup Tribal Enterprises (PTE), the economic development arm of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, have launched a first-of-its-kind partnership. The collaboration will celebrate Puyallup culture through Husky game-day and community activations, expand economic collaboration between the University and Tribal enterprises, and create new pathways for Tribal youth to engage in collegiate athletics and leadership development.
This landmark partnership, the first between a Division I athletic program and a sovereign Tribal nation, establishes new avenues for cultural exchange, student achievement, and deeper engagement with Indigenous communities across the Puget Sound region.
Under the agreement, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians becomes an Official Partner of Washington Athletics, with commitments that include:
"Washington Athletics is deeply honored to partner with the Puyallup Tribe," said Pat Chun, Director of Athletics at the University of Washington. "This collaboration enriches our Husky community, strengthens our connection to place, and reminds us that sports can be a powerful platform for learning, inclusion, and respect."
The partnership was officially launched on Saturday, October 25, 2025, during Washington's home football game against Illinois at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. UW unveiled the Puyallup Tribe's presence at the Northwest Stadium Gate, intended to welcome fans and honor the Tribe's legacy as a generous and welcoming people. Before kickoff, Puyallup Tribal Elder and Heritage Division Manager Connie McCloud delivered a traditional blessing on the field, welcoming fans to the stadium, recognizing the Tribe's traditional values, and marking the beginning of this landmark collaboration.
About the Puyallup Tribe of Indians
The Puyallup People have lived along the shores of what is now called Puget Sound since time immemorial. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is a sovereign nation of more than 6,000 members and one of the largest employers in Pierce County. It serves its members and community with generosity and is committed to building a sustainable way of life for future generations. Since 2012, it has donated more than $20 million to local nonprofit organizations through its Charity Trust Board, with Tribal Council donating millions more from its own funding. Learn more about the Puyallup Tribe.
About Puyallup Tribal Enterprises
Puyallup Tribal Enterprises (PTE) drives the economic growth of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. As the Tribe's business and development arm, PTE manages a diverse and expanding portfolio spanning construction and manufacturing, logistics and transportation, health and wellness, hospitality and recreation, consumer goods and retail, and emerging technology. These enterprises build economic strength that sustains the Tribe's people, culture, and long-term prosperity. Through these ventures, PTE creates jobs, fuels regional growth, and reinvests in programs that uphold the Tribe's enduring values of stewardship, generosity, and respect. Learn more at PuyallupTribalEnterprises.com.
About Washington Athletics
Washington athletic teams have claimed 57 team national championships across 11 different sports, beginning with its first titles in 1923 in men's rowing and women's rifle, and counting its most recent national championship, also in men's rowing (2025). Traditions of Washington Athletics include 320 Olympians and Paralympians, originating The Wave during the third quarter of a 1981 football game, the familiar Huskies nickname in 1922, and its iconic Sailgating activities and encompassing view at what is known as The Greatest Setting in college football.
This landmark partnership, the first between a Division I athletic program and a sovereign Tribal nation, establishes new avenues for cultural exchange, student achievement, and deeper engagement with Indigenous communities across the Puget Sound region.
Under the agreement, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians becomes an Official Partner of Washington Athletics, with commitments that include:
- Cultural visibility: Branding and activations across UW Athletics facilities that highlight the Tribe's heritage and traditions.
- Community connection: Programs linking UW student-athletes with local Native youth through education, leadership, and wellness initiatives on campus.
- Creative collaboration: Partnerships with Tribal artists to produce exclusive merchandise for UW Men's and Women's basketball events, with proceeds supporting youth development programs.
- Economic partnership: Integration of Puyallup Tribal Enterprises businesses, including Puyallup Chocolates, Tahoma Print & Manufacturing, and other Tribal logistics services into UW Athletics operations.
"Washington Athletics is deeply honored to partner with the Puyallup Tribe," said Pat Chun, Director of Athletics at the University of Washington. "This collaboration enriches our Husky community, strengthens our connection to place, and reminds us that sports can be a powerful platform for learning, inclusion, and respect."
The partnership was officially launched on Saturday, October 25, 2025, during Washington's home football game against Illinois at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. UW unveiled the Puyallup Tribe's presence at the Northwest Stadium Gate, intended to welcome fans and honor the Tribe's legacy as a generous and welcoming people. Before kickoff, Puyallup Tribal Elder and Heritage Division Manager Connie McCloud delivered a traditional blessing on the field, welcoming fans to the stadium, recognizing the Tribe's traditional values, and marking the beginning of this landmark collaboration.
About the Puyallup Tribe of Indians
The Puyallup People have lived along the shores of what is now called Puget Sound since time immemorial. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is a sovereign nation of more than 6,000 members and one of the largest employers in Pierce County. It serves its members and community with generosity and is committed to building a sustainable way of life for future generations. Since 2012, it has donated more than $20 million to local nonprofit organizations through its Charity Trust Board, with Tribal Council donating millions more from its own funding. Learn more about the Puyallup Tribe.
About Puyallup Tribal Enterprises
Puyallup Tribal Enterprises (PTE) drives the economic growth of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. As the Tribe's business and development arm, PTE manages a diverse and expanding portfolio spanning construction and manufacturing, logistics and transportation, health and wellness, hospitality and recreation, consumer goods and retail, and emerging technology. These enterprises build economic strength that sustains the Tribe's people, culture, and long-term prosperity. Through these ventures, PTE creates jobs, fuels regional growth, and reinvests in programs that uphold the Tribe's enduring values of stewardship, generosity, and respect. Learn more at PuyallupTribalEnterprises.com.
About Washington Athletics
Washington athletic teams have claimed 57 team national championships across 11 different sports, beginning with its first titles in 1923 in men's rowing and women's rifle, and counting its most recent national championship, also in men's rowing (2025). Traditions of Washington Athletics include 320 Olympians and Paralympians, originating The Wave during the third quarter of a 1981 football game, the familiar Huskies nickname in 1922, and its iconic Sailgating activities and encompassing view at what is known as The Greatest Setting in college football.
Head Coach Danny Sprinkle Postgame Press Conference: Denver
Friday, November 07
JJ Mandaquit Highlights | Washington Men's Basketball vs Denver
Friday, November 07
Washington 84, Denver 70 | Huskies Highlights
Friday, November 07
JJ Mandaquit Locks in on Defense
Friday, November 07
