MLS Seattle Sounders FC

Seattle Local Organizing Committee and Puyallup Tribe of Indians Announce Historic Seattle 26 Host City Supporter Agreement

Published on June 20, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Seattle Sounders FC News Release


SEATTLE, WASH. - Backdropped by an impressive red and black mural depicting one of the oldest forms of competition in North America, sləhal, Seattle's local organizing committee and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians announced their Seattle 26 Host City Supporters Agreement Tuesday afternoon. The Puyallup Tribe joins SeattleFWC26 as the Official Legacy Supporter for all Seattle 26 activities and activations. This marks the first time in the history of the international tournament that an indigenous people have entered into an agreement with any host city.

"Selecting a legacy partner was a top priority for us," said Peter Tomozawa, SeattleFWC26 CEO. "This is not just hosting a massive event that the state has never seen before, but an opportunity for us to build a better future for generations to come. In 1962 the World's Fair came to Seattle and laid the groundwork for Seattle to become the city of the future. In 2026, we want to leave behind a people-based legacy impacting our community, culture and children that will strengthen the foundation for the future of humanity and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians is the perfect cultural partner to support our efforts."

The Puyallup Tribe is a federally recognized sovereign nation of more than 5,000 members. The Puyallup People have lived along the shores of what is now called Puget Sound since time immemorial.

"Soccer is the international instrument to bring people together in a good way and for us to have a piece of that is really an honor," said Puyallup Tribal Council Chairman Bill Sterud. "It is important that we arehere, indigenous people. Whether it's in Puyallup, throughout the state, throughout the country or through North and South America, we are here, and we have a culture and it's important. We take care of our people, and we'd like to show that to the world."

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians will work with SeattleFWC26 on a number of massive initiatives throughout the next several years. This will allow the tribe the opportunity to share their story, in their own voice, on the global stage. This aligns with SeattleFWC26's vision that while the FIFA World Cup™ is coming to the city in 2026, this tournament will bring Washington to the world and will find all ways possible to share the things that matter most to Washington residents.

"This agreement puts our Tribe on the global map," said Matt Wadhwani, Financial and Economic Development Officer for the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. "Not only does it give us the opportunity to show the world how far we've come, but it also brings invaluable exposure to our thriving businesses and enterprises we are developing for the future."

Today's announcement was held in front of the renowned sləhal mural depicting the traditional bone games that have been part of the Puyallup Tribe's rich culture since time immemorial. The game would be played for fun, used for ceremonial purposes and to settle arguments.

Puyallup Tribal Council Chairman Bill Sterud was present with the other elected members of the Tribe's governing body: Vice Chairwoman Sylvia Miller and Council Members Annette Bryan, James Rideout, Anna Bean, Monica Miller and Fred Dillon. Heritage staff and students from Chief Leschi Schools performed ceremonial song and dance to commemorate the occasion while 16-year-old Cecilia Dillon preceded the announcement with a prayer in the Puyallup Tribe's Lushootseed language. Chief Leschi Schools language teacher David Sway-la Duenas provided a translation of the prayer.

Host cities for the FIFA World Cup 26™ are the first to be able to engage with strategic partners to include local commercial supporters in the tournament. SeattleFWC26 has created 10 specific involvement opportunities and look to bring on nine additional Host City Supporters.

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Major League Soccer Stories from June 20, 2023


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