The Suquamish Tribe opened its new Clearwater Market at the intersection of Bond and Gunderson Roads in North Kitsap Nov. 19, which includes a 5,000-square-foot convenience store, nine-pump gas station and cannabis shop.
The business venture marks the first for the tribe outside the Port Madison Reservation, a news release says. More markets are slated to open in the future in Silverdale, Bremerton and Port Orchard.
“When you shop here, you’re supporting the tribe and its mission, and that’s to protect our treaty rights, invest in long-term health and viability of our community, both from an economic, cultural and environmental perspective,” Suquamish Chairman Leonard Forsman said in a video put out by the tribe. “You’re also contributing to creating more jobs with benefits that not only support our people but a lot of the other people from around the community. For us to get our footprint out here in ancestral territory is a big statement not only economically but culturally and spiritually.”
The cannabis shop, overseen by the Suquamish Evergreen Corporation, is the third Agate Dreams location, the others being in Suquamish and another at White Horse Golf Club in Kingston, which is also owned by the tribe. Port Madison Enterprises, the tribe’s business arm, also runs three gas stations on tribal land: the Masi Shop, Longhouse Texaco and the Chevron at Suquamish Village. PME also operates the Clearwater Casino Resort and Kiana Lodge.
“We’re really excited to be able to start to try to drive additional tax revenue back into the tribal government,” PME CEO Rion Ramirez said in the video.
Suquamish opens 1st Clearwater Market at busy NK intersection
