Does Seattle recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day?

Since time immemorial, the ancestors of Coast Salish peoples lived and cared for the land which we now know as Seattle. Here at STG, we steward three of Seattle's historic theatres: the Paramount, Moore, and Neptune. Far more than just buildings, these are sites that help tell the story of Seattle and who we are as a city.

But we cannot know our own story if we don't know our history. Today, most of us are settlers here on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples—specifically, the ancestral land of the Duwamish, Suquamish, and Muckleshoot Tribes. We invite our fellow Seattleites to learn more about Indigenous Peoples' Day. Celebrated the second Monday in October, this day is an opportunity to educate people, and to recognize and celebrate the cultures and values of the Indigenous peoples of our region. 

Indigenous People's Resource List

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Activities and Events to Celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day:

Burke Museum: Northwest Native Art Exhibit – Features modern and historic basketry, carvings and multimedia art by six Pacific Northwest Native women artists, along with permanent displays including a 35-foot canoe, totem poles and more.

Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center – A land base and community center for Native Americans in the Seattle area, and United Indians' headquarters. Daybreak star will have Indigenous Peoples' Day activities on Oct. 10. The center It is located on 20 acres in Discovery Park in Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood. Daybreak Star owes its existence to Native American activists, including United Indians' founder, Bernie Whitebear. Together with the Indian community, they staged a non-violent takeover and occupation of the land in 1970 after most of the Fort Lawton military base was declared surplus by the U.S. Department of Defense.

The Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center – Serves as tribal headquarters, education center, meeting and ceremonial gathering place for the Duwamish Tribe. Located in West Seattle along the only remaining stretch of the original Duwamish River, the Longhouse sits near the archeological village site where Chief Si'ahl (namesake of the City of Seattle) grew up. Visitors to the Longhouse can explore the Spirit Returns, a Duwamish and Settler story exhibit in the museum, art gallery, and events throughout the year.

KEXP; Indigenous Peoples' Day 2022 | On the air at 90.3 FM Seattle // worldwide at KEXP.ORG – Join KEXP, Nia Tero, and Amplifier for Indigenous Peoples' Day 2022 on Monday October 10th. With special on-air programming all day, and the "Thriving Peoples Thriving Places" installation opening in KEXP's Gathering Space, with artwork featuring Indigenous women leaders who have made significant contributions to Indigenous rights and guardianship, and free posters while supplies last. 

Stonington Gallery – The Stonington Gallery features contemporary masterworks from the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. During October and November, the Fluid in Nature exhibit will be at the Stonington Gallery from Oct. 6 – Nov. 26. "Seattle has a front-row seat to enjoy the fruition of a dynamic art movement: Northwest Native Glass Art. This movement is the result of the fusion of two of the region's most significant art genres—Native Art and Studio Glass Art."

Steinbrueck Native Gallery – Native traditional and contemporary art from the Northwest Coast, Alaska and the Arctic. Steinbrueck Native Gallery is located near Pike Place Market.

Duwamish Tribe exhibit: Spirit Returns 2.0 – A Duwamish and Settler Story celebrates two decades of growth and progress. Collectively we explore the authentic stories of the complex relationships of trade, managed and natural resources, social hierarchy, and the growing relationships between the Duwamish and the settlers who arrived in the 1850's and together melded and transitioned into the Seattle we know today.

2022 Indigenous People's Day Teach-in – The Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) and Teaching for Change will host a virtual online teach-in for educational organizations or people learning to appropriately and accurately teach curriculum. The event will feature keynote speaker Rebecca Eagle and interactive workshops. 

Resources & Educational Tools:

Project 562 book by Matika Wilbur – A photographic and narrative celebration of contemporary Native American life and cultures, alongside an in-depth examination of issues that Native people face, by celebrated photographer and storyteller Matika Wilbur of the Swinomish and Tulalip Tribes.

Native American Graves Protection & Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) – Involves work done by museums and other institutions to identify Native human remains and associated funerary objects, and repatriate them to the modern-day tribes to whom they belong. 

Native American Heritage Guide – Use this guide to learn more about the Native history, special events and ways you can support the community.

Living Maya Time – English and Spanish website from the National Museum of the American Indian that discusses the Mayans' relationship between the sun, corn, and the calendar.

Social Justice Books – A list of books created by Dr. Debbie Reese that provides different perspectives of Indigenous peoples in children's and young adult books, the school curriculum, popular culture, and society.

This Land – A documentary podcast detailing how a string of custody battles over Native children became a federal lawsuit that threatens tribal sovereignty and civil rights.

Molly of Denali – An educational and entertaining PBS Kids website that includes activities, videos, and games following Molly, a 10-year-old Alaskan Native, and her family.

11 Films and Features to Watch for Indigenous People's Day – Watch films about Native peoples and their unique experiences. Explore stories about life on and off the reservation, the healing powers of Native communities, and the fight over tribal lands.

Here's What Indigenous People's Day means to Native Americans – Hear about Indigenous People's day and its origins from the words of different Native individuals. 

Native-owned shops, restaurants, and more:

Restaurants:

Birch Basket – Owner, Hillel Echo-Hawk is an Indigenous chef, caterer and speaker. His food connects with the stories of the people and the land that the food tells.

Via Tribunali – Pizza, pasta and wine! Via Trib also has rotating menus to match the flavors of the season.

Native Soul Cuisine - Chef Jeremy Thunderbird opened his pop-up because of the lack of Indigenous food options and ownership in the area. Jeremy's has moved into catering as well.

Off the Rez Café and Food Truck – Seattle's first Native food truck starring Blackfeet frybread recipes, Indian tacos and more!

Beauty:

Opal Nail Studio – Book your next mani-pedi here!

In Bloom Salon & Beauty Boutique – Color and hair styling services with a variety of cosmetic services available.

Shops:

Native Northwest – Builds everyday connections to Indigenous cultures. 100% of the art featured on Native Northwest products is designed by Indigenous artists.

Native Works – 100% of proceeds support ending Native homelessness in Seattle.

Indian Summer – Add Indian summer to your shopping haul. This Capitol Hill vintage store sells clothing and accessories.

Bauformat Seattle – Have any home renovations coming up? Get your cabinets, vanities, closets and more here!

Sacred Circle Gallery and Gift Shop – Various items can be bought here, and all proceeds go to the United Indians' programs and services which support the urban Native community.

Eighth Generation – A Seattle-based brand that partners with community-based Native artists to design and create art, blankets, and gifts. They have a retail store you can check out in Pike Place Market

Indian Candy – Native-owned family business that offers sustainably caught salmon and wild foods.