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Upper Skagit - Washington (U.S.)

Native American

image by Donald Healy, 1 February 2008

The band
The flag

See also:

The Band

map image by Peter Orenski based on input from Don Healy

Upper Skagit - Washington

The small reservation of the Upper Skagit people is located on the upper reaches of the eastern shore of Puget Sound in Washington. The Upper Skagit people are one of several Coastal Salish Tribes (ENAT, 37-38) who have lived for thousands of years as fishermen and hunters. They supplemented the salmon, essential to their traditional lifestyle, with deer and other animals of the dense forests.

The Flag

Pacific Northwest cultures developed a distinctive carving style seen on totem poles, on masks, in embroidery, and in various other art forms. Their totem poles celebrated family history and honored family members with many animal figures. The eagle symbolizes the Upper Skagit people since both are skilled fishermen who support their families through their prowess.

The flag of the Upper Skagit people depicts a highly stylized eagle in the dramatic style of the totem pole artists. This use of Pacific Northwest artwork appears to be unique to Native tribal flags, and uses a motif dating back thousands of years.

The eagle appears in black, filling most of the red background. Two very large eyes dominate its upper third. From the eyes, its black triangular beak pokes down between two rows of teeth. Below this level, in the widest part of the drawing, the eagle's body aims pair of wings downward. At the center of the lowest level three small rectangular shapes form the tail, and on either side are the sharp talons of the eagle's claws.

© Donald Healy 2008
information provided by Peter Orenski, 1 February 2008