Our History

At Tahoma Indian Center, we are committed to serving as a beacon of hope for the Native American community. For over three decades, 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.

Mission and Vision

Executive Directors

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Joan Staples Morin

Joan Staples Morin has been an integral part of the Indian Center community for many years. She worked to connect native community with as many helpful programs and resources as she could find. From finding camps for native kids to obtaining bikes and Christmas presents Joan has been a staple of Indian community in pierce county.Through her generous spirit and unwavering commitment, she has helped sustain our efforts to provide access and meals to the community. Even during changes to our facilities, Joan has been a constant source of support, donating her time and participating in our programs and events. Her contributions are invaluable to us and we are grateful to have her as a part of our mission.

Steve Gallion

Steve Gallion was an influential leader and a role model for people who aspire to make a difference. He was driven by his dedication to community safety and access to resources, and he focused on motivating people to achieve their full potential. He believed that motivating and empowering teams that could execute plans was crucial in achieving goals, and he dedicated his life to mentoring people towards that end. Steve was a believer in rules, and he enforced them to ensure accountability and alignment with the organization's mission and vision every time.

Colette August

Colette is dedicated to providing support to the Native community, preserving indigenous culture, and promoting learning opportunities. Since incorporating Tahoma Indian Center and bringing together a supportive team, Colette has been able to expand our reach and impact.From starting a Youth camp to setting up regular sovereignty events her efforts are focused on providing comprehensive services that address the needs of Native people, following indigenous community protocols and traditions. She works closely with elders, youth, and community members to ensure that our efforts are in line with the needs of the community.

Introducing Our Dedicated Elders

Tahoma Indian Center is a non-profit organization that serves Native communities in the Pacific Northwest. Our programs and services are designed to promote health, wellness, cultural practices, and vocational skills. We are grateful to the individuals and groups who have supported us over the years and would like to acknowledge our elders for their contributions to our community. With their support and that of our partners, we will continue to broaden our impact and foster resilience in Native communities.

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Jeanette DeCoteau, Betty Sampson, Joan Staples Morin

At Tahoma Indian Center, we are extremely grateful for the role our elders have played in our growth and continuity. Through their tireless efforts, they ensured that our center remained a vital and valuable resource for our community. From organizing cultural events to providing essential services, they have been an inspiration and backbone to our organization since its inception. Their contributions will always be remembered and celebrated.

Jeanette DeCoteau, Betty Sampson and Joan Staples Morin