To celebrate Native American Heritage Month in 2024, the Seattle area offers a range of activities and events. Here are some highlights:
Arts & Culture
- The Burke Museum in Seattle is hosting Passages—Tracing Routes to the Future, a symposium with Native American and First Nations artists and scholars discussing Northwest Indigenous art. This event features prominent artists like Sonny Assu (Ligwiłda’xw) and Shawn Brigman (Spokane), sharing their work and cultural engagement through art. https://www.burkemuseum.org/exhibits/northwest-native-art.
- Stonington Gallery in Seattle’s Pioneer Square showcases Luminosity, a glass art exhibition by regional Native artists blending modern techniques with Indigenous traditions. This exhibit provides a look at glass artworks inspired by cultural symbols and Pacific Northwest themes. https://stoningtongallery.com/.
- Washington State History Museum’s “What is Native Art?”: This exhibit in Tacoma highlights the work of Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe artist Eugene Landry, celebrating his legacy in the art community. https://www.washingtonhistory.org/exhibitions-events/.
- Seattle Art Museum and Eighth Generation (owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe) offer exhibits and Indigenous artwork for viewing and purchase. Eighth Generation’s gift shop features a variety of Native-made products like wool blankets and jewelry, supporting Indigenous artists and craftspeople. https://eighthgeneration.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqjw16wgirAc0ao6g9YWLzhD9jzmx7GVeWEqdnWqKnxIQenTuWJ.
- United Indians Native Art Market: Happening November 23-24, this market at Daybreak Star Cultural Center will showcase Indigenous artisans and their crafts, providing a great opportunity to support Native artists and businesses. https://unitedindians.org/nativeartmarket/.
- Seattle Aquarium’s Native Art Installation: A new exhibit by Dan Friday, a Lummi Nation artist, is featured at the aquarium’s Ocean Pavilion, adding a cultural experience to its exhibits. https://www.seattleaquarium.org/stories/daniel-friday-installation/.
- Off the Rez Café: This Native-owned café in Seattle offers Indigenous-inspired dishes and provides a unique way to celebrate Indigenous culture through cuisine. https://www.offthereztruck.com/.
Educational Websites and Interactive Tools
- Native Knowledge 360° (from the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian): This online resource provides lesson plans, videos, and interactive resources to enhance understanding of Native American history and contemporary life, suitable for K-12 students. Topics include tribal sovereignty, treaties, and Native innovations. https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360.
- PBS Learning Media: PBS offers a collection of videos, articles, and lesson plans focused on Indigenous history and culture. This includes documentaries like *We Shall Remain* and episodes from *Molly of Denali* for younger students, highlighting modern Indigenous stories. https://americanindian.si.edu/.
Podcasts and Videos
- All My Relations” Podcast: This podcast explores Indigenous issues and celebrates Native culture. Episodes cover topics like land stewardship, Indigenous art, and activism, which can foster understanding of modern Indigenous experiences. https://www.allmyrelationspodcast.com/.
- TED Talks by Indigenous Speakers: Talks like “Why Native Americans Make the Best America” by Mark Charles and others on Indigenous rights, environmental stewardship, and cultural resilience provide inspirational and educational insights. https://www.ted.com/topics/indigenous+peoples.
Interactive Maps and Geographic Resources
- Native Land Digital Map: This online tool helps students identify the traditional territories of Indigenous nations worldwide. It’s a great way to connect geography lessons with Indigenous history and show respect for the land’s original stewards. https://native-land.ca/.
- Tribal Nations Map: This map displays the locations and names of tribes across North America before European contact, helping students visualize the breadth and diversity of Native communities. https://www.tribalnationsmaps.com/.
Last Updated December 6, 2024
