Today is Native American Heritage Day, a time to honor and celebrate the cultures, resilience, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples across the country. Here in Seattle, the downtown waterfront—where Waterfront Park now stands—has been the land of the Coast Salish Peoples since time immemorial. This is their ancestral home, a place of deep cultural, spiritual, and practical significance that continues to sustain their traditions and communities today.
Native American Heritage Day reminds us to listen, learn, and take action to ensure Indigenous voices are centered. The Coast Salish Peoples’ history, culture, and resilience in this place is foundational to this region’s identity. Today, we invite everyone to, honor the heritage of the Coast Salish Tribes, and celebrate their ongoing contributions to this region and beyond.
At Friends of Waterfront Park, we are deeply grateful to work in partnership with Indigenous leaders and communities to ensure the park reflects the perspectives and cultures of Native peoples who call Seattle home. Through the guidance of the Pulling Together Committee, we aim to honor Indigenous perspectives in everything from programming and public art, to impact on the community level.
Through our commitments, programming, and partnerships we at Friends have and will continue to center Waterfront Park’s inherent Indigeneity. From programs like Indigiqueer and Salmon Homecoming, to our commitment to celebrating Indigenous art in public spaces like our public art exhibition space at Stadium Plaza, we are grateful to our Indigenous partners and the members of the Pulling Together Committee for their leadership and guidance in this important work.
With humility and respect, we honor the Coast Salish Peoples, their enduring stewardship of this land, and the stories it holds. On this Native American Heritage Day, let us all reflect on the enduring contributions of Indigenous communities and join in fostering a future rooted in understanding, respect, and celebration.
It gladdens my heart to know Friends of the Waterfront is cultivating a protected space in unison with City of Seattle for our Indigenous artists. I think the spirit of Seattle glows more brightly as we pull together for an expansive era of community involvement and social reconciliation. May we be ever mindful of the next seven generations.
– Wesley Edminister (Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe), Pulling Together Committee member.
A few ideas on how you can support Indigenous Tribes, communities, and businesses on Native American Heritage Day and beyond:
- Attend the United Indians Native Art Market: Held at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center on December 21–22, this market features arts and crafts from local artisans.
- Shop at Native-Owned Businesses:
- Eighth Generation: A Snoqualmie Tribe-owned art and lifestyle brand offering beautiful products by Indigenous artists.
- Off the Rez Café: Located at the Burke Museum, this café serves delicious Native-inspired cuisine.
- Visit Cultural Centers and Museums:
- Support Indigenous Media: Tune into Daybreak Star Radio Network for music and programming that highlight Indigenous voices.