A Coast Salish mural now stretches across the Tacoma Dome's south exterior Exhibition Hall, the product of a partnership between the city and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.

Puyallup Tribal member and artist Anthony Duenas painted the mural, titled "x̌əčulb" (pronounced hutch-ulb). The word means "to tell the story of one's lineage" in Lushootseed. A public ribbon cutting and tribal blessing will take place Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 10 a.m. on the Dome's Northwest Plaza. The Puyallup Tribe is hosting the ceremony. Community members are invited.

The mural is large enough to see from Interstate 5, according to a Puyallup Tribe Facebook post that drew 18,000 views and 1,000 reactions.

Tacoma Venues & Events, which operates the Dome, developed the project with the Puyallup Tribe and the city's Arts and Cultural Vitality division, according to a city press release published Wednesday, Sept. 9. The partners wanted a permanent artwork, visible to passersby, honoring the Puyallup People on whose traditional lands the Dome sits.

The Puyallup Tribe's Heritage Division selected Duenas through a competitive application process that began in summer 2025. The Tribe, a sovereign nation of more than 6,000 members, is one of the largest employers in Pierce County. Duenas blends traditional Coast Salish symbolism with urban art, according to the city.

The artwork depicts a young person seeing their lineage ahead and an elder looking toward the mountain and the youth. In the center, a thunderbird takes flight over two people canoeing toward the viewer.

"This is not only a project, it's a lifelong dream and a deep responsibility," Duenas said in the city's announcement. "I am delighted to bring this vision to life and contribute to the enduring legacy of the Tacoma Dome and my people."

TVE Director Adam Cook said in the press release that the Dome should more visibly reflect the history of the Puyallup People. He called the mural a step toward recognizing the connection between the Puyallup People, the Dome, the land and the community it serves.

The Sept. 16 ceremony is free and open to the public.