NOTE: On Sunday, October 11, members of PGS Tribal Council and Leadership attended a fundraising campaign kick-off event for the North Kitsap United sports complex. This news was announced officially at that event.
One of the core values of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe is a commitment to holistic, lifelong health and safety. This includes the support of third spaces—those places that aren’t home, work, or school where people can connect, build relationships, and enrich themselves physically and mentally. Unfortunately, North Kitsap suffers from a lack of free, accessible spaces—especially those that encourage sport and team-building—that everyone can enjoy.
We also place immense value in the responsibility to protect the land and sea. As signatories of the Point No Point Treaty, all our planning looks out seven generations and beyond. What we build today needs to benefit not only our children and grandchildren, but act as a pathway to a sustainable and thriving future for all Port Gamble S’Klallam. What this means is finding a balance between environmental stewardship and responsible growth and development. Change, while sometimes daunting, is often necessary to ensure a more vibrant tomorrow.
The North Kitsap United project has evolved substantially since it was first introduced in 2023. Gone are elements that would fundamentally change the character of this place we call home. What remains is a project that will provide opportunities for community and connection, for youth to become their best selves, for adults to stay active and strengthen friendships, and for the creation of new and unique opportunities to benefit all.
This is why we—the Port Gamble S’Klallam—are proud to support the North Kitsap United sports complex and pledge $1 million over five years. As a legacy supporter, we look forward to working closely with the organization to help influence the balance between development, environmental stewardship, and community need.