This Indigenous Peoples’ Day we gratefully recognize and honor the Suquamish, Duwamish, Nisqually, Snoqualmie, Muckleshoot (Ilalkoamish, Stuckamish, and Skopamish), and other Coast Salish Peoples’, on whose ancestral homelands we live, work, and gather today. In the city, whose very name comes from the Suquamish and Duwamish Leader, Chief Seattle, we know that we could not call this land home without the stewardship of Coast Salish Peoples’.
We celebrate the rich cultures, values, histories, diversity, achievements, presence, and resilience of all our Indigenous Peoples’, past, present, and future. We thank the Indigenous Leaders and Elders who maintain and share knowledge and guidance with the greater community.
Every day can and should be an act of solidarity. We cannot forget the 500+ years of colonialism, racism, and genocide unjustly inflicted on Indigenous Peoples’ and the continued impacts of White supremacy and colonialism on Native communities today. We must collectively honor and advocate for Indigenous Peoples’. True healing and reconciliation require ongoing education, listening to hear, ally-ship, advocacy, and centering/amplifying the voices of Indigenous Peoples’.
Please celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day and prioritize learning about Native and Indigenous Communities here in the Northwest. Center Indigenous Peoples’ voices, continue to educate yourself, be an ally, and advocate all year long. True ally-ship and advocacy is a lifelong commitment.
Local Events:
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day at UIATF – 10/11
- Indigenous People Festival – 10/12 to 10/15
- 2021 SpiritWalk & 5K run – 10/16
- Chilkat Weaving—Present and Future – 10/28
Learn More:
- IllumiNative – increasing visibility of Native Nations and people in American society.
- Indigenous Tribes of Seattle and Washington
- Virtual Storytime: Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story – by Kevin Noble Maillard
- Promised Land Documentary, about the Duwamish and Chinook Tribes fight for treaty rights to be honored.
- The Land is Ours A Tlingit and Haida Indians documentary.
- Princess Angeline, about the Duwamish told thru the story of the daughter of Chief Seattle.
- Visit Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center & Sacred Circle Gallery
- Visit The Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center
Originally Published 10/11/21