Since Time Immemorial

Prior to the arrival of settlers, the Bigelow Neighborhood and general Olympia area were home primarily to the Squaxin Island Tribe and the Nisqually Indian Tribe. Beginning with the Medicine Creek Treaty, orchestrated by territorial governor Isaac Stephens, the tribes were forced to cede lands, land rights and fishing rights.

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Despite the Stephens government's many efforts to minimize Native American populations and influence, over time, a focus on cultural preservation, environmental stewardship and economic development, has enabled the Squaxin Island and Nisqually tribes to provide awareness, resources and job opportunities for both tribal and non-tribal community members.

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The Squaxin Island Tribe's Tribal Government Office and the Squaxin Museum are located in the Kamilche area to the west of Olympia. The tribe engages in cultural preservation and education, traditional activities like hunting, fishing and shellfish gathering, and various business ventures. In 2012 the Squaxin Island Tribe hosted the 24th Annual Tribal Canoe Journey.

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The Nisqually Indian Tribe offices are located to the east of Lacey. The tribe engages in a variety of community events and programs and the tribe focuses on their connection to the Nisqually River. Locals may be familiar with Billy Frank Jr Park, as well as Billy Frank Jr National Wildlife Refuge, both named for a man who orchestrated many acts of civil disobedience that won back fishing rights for the Nisqually Indian Tribe.