Our History
For over three decades, the Tahoma Indian Center has been committed to serving as a beacon of hope for the Native American community in the Tacoma area. During this time, we have worked tirelessly to help individuals and families achieve greater prosperity and wellbeing. We recognize the unique challenges faced by indigenous communities in Pierce County, and we are dedicated to addressing them head on through a diverse range of programs and initiatives. From education and holistic care to cultural preservation and advocacy, we strive to uplift our community in every way we can.
2022
Logo Redesign
In February 2022, community elders and board members gathered for a retreat and approved the design of our current logo. The logo was designed by Jack “Jackama” George, an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation. Jack describes himself as a ‘creative native with a deep passion for art,’ and seeks to inspire future generations through storytelling and art.
The logomark takes the form of a portal with cultural elements resembling the medicine wheel.
2013
22 years of service
In January 2013, Joan Staples-Baum (founding director) concluded her nearly 22 years of service at Tahoma Indian Center to join her life partner, Gilbert Moran, and to “pursue arts and crafts, further research family ancestry, and infuse her life with more spiritual direction as well” (tulalipnews.com). Sharing her thoughts on her legacy and hopes for the center’s future, Joan hopes…
“there will not only be a safe place for urban Indians to hang out during the day, to get something to eat, and to have a sense of community, but I hope the center will provide a space where people feel safe to be who they are, feel respected, and to be inspired to make changes themselves.”
2007
21ST ANNUAL CITY OF DESTINY AWARD Winner
In May, the City of Tacoma honored some of its best and most dedicated volunteers during the 21st Annual City of Destiny awards ceremony, including several members of the Neighborhood Councils. The winners were recognized for their contributions of time and energy, not money. Since 1987, almost 200 outstanding volunteers have earned City of Destiny awards (Grapevine Summer 2007 Newsletter, City of Tacoma, Neighborhood Council Office):
Joan Staples and four other Native women noticed that Natives needed a place where they could eat, wash clothes, use the computer, watch TV, get referrals to Tribal services and visit with other Natives in a supportive and comforting environment. The women opened the Tahoma Indian Center for urban Native Americans where 50 to 60 people visit each day to get help with job and housing searches and efforts to return to school. The Puyallup Tribal Government has helped support the drop-in center since 1996 and many individual employees of various Tribal services also have offered their support over the years by donating backpacks filled with personal hygiene items, sponsoring an annual rafting trip to enjoy the wilderness, and hosting community dinners.
1991
Founded
The Tacoma Indian Center was created in October 1991, under the Catholic Community Services, by it’s founding director, Joan Staples-Baum (White Earth Chippewa), and two other Native women, Betty Sampson (Swinomish) and Jeanette DeCoteau (Turtle Mountain Chippewa). Together Joan, Betty, and Jeanette decided to create TIC after their prior experience working at another local support center, where they saw that the cultural and identity needs of urban Native Americans were being neglected.
“We welcome all Indians to the center and we don’t judge. We try to help them find their way. According to the 2010 census, the majority of Natives live in the city today, and most of them for reasons not of their own doing. We’re scattered around. We don’t have a housing section. The center helps us find each other”
Joan Staples-Baum in “Tahoma Indian Center, restoring and sustaining the dignity of urban Indians,” December 13, 2012. tulalipnews.com