The Treaty Of Medicine Creek

In 1851, Washington became its own territory. The appointed governor, Isaac Stevens,drafted treaties for native peoples that left land and resources more available to white settlers than to natives. The Treaty of Medicine Creek was signed with the Nisqually, Puyallup, and Squaxin Island tribes in 1854.

Left: Gen. Isaac Stevens, Center: the Treaty of Medicine Creek site, Right: Nisqually Chief Leschi, who may or may not have signed the treaty

Though the primary function of the treaty was to deny the tribes their right to live as they always had, the provision in Article Three allowed them:
"The right of taking fish, at all usual and accustomed grounds and stations,....in common with all citizens of the territory."

Treaty of Medicine Creek full text