Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Seattle: Honoring & Celebrating

Experiences, events, performances and more honor the unique Indigenous peoples, cultures and native-owned businesses of this land

SEATTLE – A city built on Native land, Seattle has strong historical and modern ties to the Coast Salish peoples and cultures. On Oct. 11, the city will celebrate the eighth annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day in honor of Native peoples and communities past and present.
Seattle has a long and innately intertwined history with Native Americans. Since time immemorial, the ancestors of the Coast Salish peoples lived and cared for the land which we now know as Seattle. Visit Seattle recognizes that it inhabits the unceded, traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples, and honors the land itself and the Indigenous people who belong to this place.

From SEA Airport to the city center, there are many ways to engage with and learn from experiences of Indigenous peoples and cultures. Those visiting Seattle will have more opportunities to learn about the rich cultural history and modern realities of the Coast Salish peoples from the moment they step off the plane: The Port of Seattle Commission recently approved an effort proposed by a team of high-school interns to acquire Indigenous art of the Pacific Northwest region for display in the new International Arrivals Facility. This will join an extensive public art collection that already includes pieces by Native artists at the airport, Pier 69 and Centennial Park.

Visitors and residents alike are encouraged to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day this year in Seattle by supporting Native-owned businesses and learning about the city’s cultural heritage through activities and events.

For more suggestions on cultural centers, festivals and arts organizations that center Indigenous voices; a map of public art by Native American artists; and a list of suggested readings, go to Visit Seattle’s Support for Seattle’s Indigenous Community page.

Activities and Events:
Learn about in-person and virtual events to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day:

• Indigenous People Festival – Free virtual event hosted Oct. 12-15 by Seattle Center in celebration of Indigenous creativity and culture through song, dance, performances, art, food and knowledge sharing.
• Duwamish Longhouse & Cultural Center – Traditional Duwamish cedar longhouse, museum and art gallery located adjacent to a visitable archaeological and cultural historic site. Starting Oct. 9, Duwamish Longhouse hosts a new exhibit, SPIRIT RETURNS 2.0.
• 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.
• Seattle Art Museum: Silkscreen Prints from the Colwell Collection – Ongoing installation featuring silkscreen prints dating back to the first four decades of local Indigenous print production.
• Stonington Gallery – Established in 1979, the gallery exhibits contemporary masterworks from the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
• Steinbrueck Native Gallery – Traditional and contemporary Native-made art from the Northwest Coast, Alaska and the Arctic.
• Museum of Northwest Art – Located in LaConner, Wash., take a day trip to see Dan Friday’s solo glass art show, Future Artifacts.

Support Native-Owned Businesses:
Find Native-owned businesses on Intentionalist or in the curated list below:

• Sacred Circle Gifts and Art – Artisan pieces and specialty items designed by local and internationally renowned artists from across the continent.
• Eighth Generation – Art and lifestyle brand owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe partnering with community-based Native artists to create wool blankets and other gifts.
• Native Works – Native art crafted by local apprentices; 100% of proceeds support ending Native homelessness in Seattle as a part of the Chief Seattle Club’s mission.
• In Bloom Salon & Beauty Boutique – Color and hair design studio featuring a variety of cosmetic services.
• Indian Summer – Capitol Hill vintage store selling clothing and accessories; storefront open by-appointment due to COVID, shop their Instagram or Etsy online.
• Off the Rez Cafe and Food Truck – Seattle’s first Native food truck starring Blackfeet frybread recipes, Indian tacos and daily creations.
• Via Tribunali – Neapolitan pizzeria steeped in Italian traditions and crafted by Off the Rez owners.

Learn:
Visit the links below to learn more about Native peoples and cultures in the city, and how you can support their efforts:

• Chief Seattle Club
• United Indians of All Tribes Foundation
• Daybreak Star Radio Network
• Potlatch Fund
• Real Rent Duwamish
• Native American Cultural Heritage | Visit Seattle Resource
• Native American Cultural Guide | Visit Seattle Resource

About Visit Seattle:
Visit Seattle has served as the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Seattle and King County for more than 50 years. A 501(c)(6) organization, Visit Seattle enhances the economic prosperity of the region through global destination branding along with competitive programs and campaigns in leisure travel marketing, convention sales and overseas tourism development. Visit visitseattle.org.

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