Nisqually Tribe Opens Market In Lakewood

Nisqually Markets, a new convenience store and full-service fuel station located at 11741 Pacific Highway Southwest in Lakewood, opens for business on Saturday, April 13, 2013.

Nisqually Markets is an economic development initiative of the Nisqually Tribal Council and its Nisqually Board of Economic Development. More than $1 million was invested in redeveloping the property which will employ approximately 25 people in full and part-time positions.

“We are really excited to be opening our newest store in Lakewood,” said Cynthia Iyall, chair of the Nisqually Tribal Council. “This was a big step for our tribe and we are very appreciative of the support and encouragement we have received from the City of Lakewood, Pierce County, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and many others. We look forward to being a good business neighbor and to making a positive contribution to the community.”

Nisqually Markets has a distinctive Native American look, inside and out, and features original artwork including traditional hand-carved canoe paddles that are displayed on a wall. Hand-smoked fish from the Nisqually Seafood Marketing Program are among the unique offerings.

Full service fueling and window washing – a thing of the past for much of the gasoline industry – will be offered at Nisqually Markets. Several grades of gasoline – and diesel – are available.

Last December, the Nisqually Tribe awarded a $20,000 grant to the City of Lakewood’s Healthy Start School Program and $40,000 to perform stream restoration on Clover Creek. The tribe also awarded the West Pierce Fire District $30,000 to expand emergency medical services during peak demand periods.

“The Nisqually Tribe likes to give back to communities where our members live and where we have tribal business enterprises,” Chair Iyall said.