News

By DuChanté Davis, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous communities, with a particular focus on the tribes of Washington state. This month, we encourage our community to engage with local events, resources, and literature to better understand and appreciate the Native cultures that have shaped our region. Washington state is home to a diverse array of Indigenous tribes, each with a unique cultural legacy. In the Puget Sound area, some prominent tribes include:

• Puyallup Tribe – Known for their significant environmental conservation efforts, including fisheries restoration.

• Tulalip Tribes – Located in Snohomish County, the Tulalip Tribes operate the Hibulb Cultural Center, which offers exhibits on tribal history and traditions.

• Duwamish Tribe – Named after Chief Seattle, this tribe’s historical influence is deeply woven into the Seattle area.

• Nisqually Tribe – Advocated for fishing rights and environmental preservation, led by Billy Frank Jr., whose contributions are celebrated with a statue soon to be placed in Statuary Hall.

Where to Learn More:

• Native Land Digital (native-land.ca) – This online tool allows you to enter your location and discover the Indigenous territories you reside on.

• Hibulb Cultural Center (Tulalip, WA) – Offers extensive exhibits on local Native history, artifacts, and cultural programming. The Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve mission is to “Revive, restore, protect, interpret, collect and enhance the history, traditional cultural values and spiritual beliefs of the Tulalip Tribes who are the successors in interest to the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, and Skykomish tribes and other tribes and bands signatory to the Treaty of Point Elliott.”

• Burke Museum (Seattle, WA) – Known for its collections on Native art, archeology, and history, the museum provides insight into the lives of Indigenous peoples in the Pacific Northwest.

Events in Pierce, King, and Snohomish Counties

1. Eugene Landry: The Alaskan Years at Washington State History Museum (Tacoma, WA) – This exhibit celebrates artist Eugene Landry and his work with the Alaskan Native community, offering insight into Indigenous life in Alaska. Learn more here.

2. Family Day: Native American Heritage Month at White River Valley Museum (Auburn, WA) – On November 11, pop by the museum to explore indigenous foods, traditions, and learn about the Code Talkers. Enjoy a day of family-friendly activities celebrating Native and other veterans, with hands-on exhibits and storytelling.  Event details here.

3. Stories of the Land: Native Stories and Craft Activity – Hosted by Pierce County Library in Sumner on November 4, this event provides a chance for families to learn Native stories and participate in themed crafts. More information here.

4. United Indians of All Tribes Foundation Events – Seattle’s Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, run by the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, will host various events, including Indigenous art exhibits, cultural workshops, and performances throughout the month. These events offer hands-on experiences that highlight Native art and traditions. Visit their website for more details.

5. Billy Frank Jr. Statue on Tour – A bronze statue of Billy Frank Jr. is currently touring Washington and will soon be installed in the U.S. Capitol’s Statuary Hall. Tour details here.

Billy Frank Jr., a member of the Nisqually Tribe, is remembered as a powerful advocate for Native fishing rights and environmental preservation. His activism began in the 1960s, when he organized “fish-ins” to protest restrictions on Indigenous fishing practices. His efforts culminated in the landmark Boldt Decision (1974), which reaffirmed Native American fishing rights and recognized tribes as co-managers of fisheries in Washington state.

The statue of Billy Frank Jr. symbolizes a commitment to Native sovereignty, environmental stewardship, and the protection of treaty rights. Its placement in the U.S. Capitol, where it will represent Washington, is a historic recognition of Frank’s lasting contributions to social justice and environmental activism.

Book Recommendations for Children

1. “We Are Water Protectors” by Carole Lindstrom – A beautifully illustrated book that teaches young readers about the importance of protecting natural resources.

2. “Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story” by Kevin Noble Maillard – A heartwarming story that explores the cultural significance of fry bread in Native American communities.

3. “The People Shall Continue” by Simon Ortiz – This picture book provides a historical overview of Native peoples and their resilience.

Film and Documentary Recommendations

• “Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World” – This documentary explores the influence of Indigenous musicians on the North American music scene.

• “Gather” – A film that highlights the movement among Native communities to reclaim traditional food practices.

• “Molly of Denali” (PBS Kids series) – A children’s show featuring a young Native girl from Alaska, focusing on cultural heritage and contemporary Indigenous life.

This month is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the Indigenous communities who have shaped our region and to honor their legacies. We invite you to attend local events, explore the recommended resources, and join us in recognizing Native American Heritage Month.