Since time immemorial, The Coast Salish Tribes have lived in the central Puget Sound area, protecting land, knowledge and tradition for generations. While each Tribe is unique, all share in having a deep historical connection and legacy of respect for the land and natural resources.
Through environmental stewardship, cultural heritage, and economic development, and collaboration with local governments, the sovereign Tribal nations in the Puget Sound region shape the region’s future.
Even with the tremendous influence of Native people on the land, it took years of organizing and efforts from activists for Indigenous Peoples’ Day to be formally recognized as a holiday.
From 2009-2014, a group of Native organizers and allies marched and protested in downtown Seattle on Columbus Day, advocating for the designation of the second Monday in November as Indigenous People’s Day. In 2014, the first celebration was held by United Indians.
Although Seattle has informally celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day since then, it wasn’t until this year that, Seattle City Council voted to solidify Indigenous People’s Day and Juneteenth as city holidays. The holiday wasn’t recognized by the federal government until 2021.
As part of PSRC’s work, VISION 2050 supports meaningful, regular, and ongoing exchange of information for better informed decision-making and mutual understanding between Indian Tribes as sovereign nations and PSRC member jurisdictions. VISION 2050 policy directs PSRC members to coordinate with Tribes in regional and local planning, recognizing the mutual benefits and potential for impacts between growth occurring within and outside Tribal boundaries.
PSRC also recently released a guide for members to coordinate with tribes in comprehensive planning. PSRC also developed a webpage on Tribes in the central Puget Sound region with resources and best practices for coordination with Tribes.
Here are a few ways to recognize Indigenous People’s Day in the region:
- There will be a celebratory March in Seattle starting in Westlake Park from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. followed by Time Immemorial at Seattle City Hall from 11:30 a.m – 1:30 p.m.
- The 2022 Indigenous People’s Day celebration on Bainbridge Island will take place October 9-10 and features food, a drum-making workshop, panel discussion and a film screening of Honor Thy Mother: the Untold Story of Aboriginal Women and Their Indipino Children.
- KEXP (90.3 FM or kexp.org) will be playing special on-air programming all day and be displaying “Thriving People Thriving Places” exhibit all day in their Gathering Pace, featuring artwork from Indigenous women leaders.
- All state parks will be open for free.
There’s also traditional and contemporary Native artwork on display at Steinbrueck Native Gallery in West Seattle, as well as the Seattle Art Museum, Burke Museum, and Stonington Gallery.
The Intentionalist has also published a list of native-owned businesses in the region.
For those in the Seattle area, Celebration at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center will be hosting a Indigenous People’s Day celebration featuring a dinner, cultural performances and more.
For more ideas on ways to recognize and observe Indigenous culture and heritage, check out Visit Seattle‘s Native American Cultural Heritage Guide.
