Senses (tribe)

The Senses were a Native American tribe historically located in the Puget Sound region of Washington State, USA. They are considered part of the Coast Salish peoples.

Historically, the Senses tribe inhabited areas along the Green River and its tributaries. Their traditional territory encompassed present-day areas near Auburn and Kent, Washington. They were known for their skill in fishing, hunting, and gathering, utilizing the resources abundant in the Puget Sound ecosystem. Salmon was a particularly important staple of their diet, and they employed sophisticated fishing techniques to harvest it.

The Senses spoke a dialect of the Lushootseed language, a branch of the Salishan language family. Like other Coast Salish tribes, the Senses possessed a rich cultural heritage, including oral traditions, intricate art, and elaborate ceremonies.

The tribe's history is intertwined with the broader narrative of Native American displacement and assimilation during the 19th and 20th centuries. Treaties signed with the United States government often resulted in the loss of traditional lands and forced relocation to reservations.

Today, descendants of the Senses tribe are likely enrolled members of larger, federally recognized tribes in the Puget Sound region. Information about the Senses as a distinct and sovereign entity can be limited, reflecting the impacts of historical displacement and the consolidation of smaller tribes into larger, more politically influential groups. Further research through tribal resources and archival materials is recommended for a more comprehensive understanding of their history and contemporary status.