On December 29, Swinomish Casino & Lodge had a grand opening ceremony for the food court and Carver’s Café. This ceremony celebrated the opening of Fatburger and Carver’s Café. The ceremony followed a traditional Swinomish tribal event structure where several attendees were recognized as well as the key leaders of the Swinomish Renovation project. The grand opening event included a beautiful traditional tribal blessing by the Swinomish Canoe Family. A traditional blessing involves a song with a few musical instruments that hold the beat.

Charles Edwards, a Swinomish tribal member and Swinomish Casino & Lodge team member, emceed the event. He called Josephine Jefferson, Jerry Cayou, Ed Healy and Huge Edwards to be witnesses of the ceremony. Witnesses in the Swinomish culture are called for the purpose of remembering the event so they can tell other community members what happened on that specific day.

We were lucky to have the support of our tribal members and community members as we unveiled and opened Fatburger and Carver’s Café. The blessing and traditional tribal ceremony was beautiful and just what our outlets needed to kick off the grand opening.

After the ceremony concluded, guests got the chance to taste small bites from each new dining outlet, including Manchu Wok. Watch below to see the full ceremony and blessing!