Native Records in the Archives
What's in Our Collections
The Archdiocese of Seattle Archives holds the following records relating to Native communities in Western Washington:
- Registers of baptisms, marriages, and other sacraments (1840s-1920s)
- Financial, student, and cemetery data of St. George Indian School, formerly located near Federal Way, Washington (1888-1936)
- Administrative records and memorabilia of the mission churches of St. Joaquim, Lummi; St. Peter, Suquamish; St. Paul, Swinomish; and St. Anne, Tulalip (1840s-current)
- Correspondence of missionary priests involved with pastoral ministry in Native communities during the 19th and 20th centuries (1840s-1920s)
- Native American subject files and other materials distributed throughout our collections
Access Policy
Access Restrictions: In consultation with local tribes, and to respect their right to manage access to information about their communities, Native sacramental, school, and cemetery records are closed.
Requesting Access: Digital copies of these materials have been shared with the respective tribal archives and cultural heritage offices, where they may be accessed in accordance with their policies. Due to the number of tribes involved and varying governance structures, researchers should contact the relevant tribe directly to determine the appropriate office or staff member for records access. The Archives can provide a list of tribal nations represented in our collections.
Official Copies: When an official copy of a sacramental record is required, Archives staff provide notarized certificates after receiving tribal approval.
Ask an Archivist: For a general description of the types of information contained in these records and their historical context or for assistance in locating the appropriate tribal archives, please email us or call (206) 382-4352.
archives@seattlearch.org
Mailing Address: 710 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104