Seattle's Child

Your guide to a kid-friendly city

Indigenous Peoples Day

Photo from past Indigenous People's Day. Courtesy Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center.

Celebrate Indigenous People’s Day

Honor and learn about Indigenous culture and history at events around Seattle

October 14 is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day to honor the enduring presence, rich histories, and ongoing, vibrant cultures of Native people and communities in Washington and across the country. This year is also the 10th anniversary of the city’s renaming of Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Seattle is located on the unceded, traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples, whose ancestors have lived here and cared for these lands and waters since time immemorial. That’s why organizations throughout the city will commemorate this important holiday with a variety of events, from traditional dances and music to art and educational experiences. Below are ways to celebrate this Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Seattle, as compiled by Visit Seattle.

Head to the Suquamish Museum

Located on the Port Madison Reservation, less than an hour west of Seattle, The Suquamish Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and teaching the living culture and history of the Suquamish Tribe. Enjoy the museum’s permanent exhibits and educational opportunities this October, like theĀ Beading Workshop with Ariana GriggsĀ on October 13.

Join Indigenous Peoples’ Day Citywide Celebration

Celebrate at the 2024 Citywide Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration along the Seattle waterfront from 1-5 p.m. on October 14. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the joyful march of dancing and drumming, honoring the vibrancy of Native communities and culture.

Jam on Indigenous People’s Day at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center

Join Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024 on October 14,Ā  5-9 p.m., at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, where they plan to have incredible activities, food, music, and special guests. They encourage tribal members to wear traditional regalia and bring a drum, rattle, flute, or other instruments for a jam session. The event is free.

Visit Tidelands

One of many opportunities to support Native artists in the community is to visit Tidelands, a new Indigenous-owned art gallery and creative space in downtown Seattle that was launched in September by Mitka Wilbur, a visual storyteller from the Swinomish and Tulalip peoples of Washington. Tidelands provides a platform for Native artists to showcase their work and foster community. Located at 55 University Street in Seattle. Open Wednesday to Sunday 11-5 p.m.

Check out the Burke Museum: Northwest Native Art

Co-curated by six Native artists from the Pacific Northwest, the Northwest Native Art inaugural exhibit at Burke Museum features both historical and newly created basketry, carvings, and multimedia that explores and embraces the heritage of the artists. Hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Roots and Resilience: An Intergenerational Land Care Day

Co-hosted by yəhawĢ“ Indigenous Creatives Collective and The Common Acre, Roots and Resilience: An Intergenerational Land Care Day, is an Indigenous Peoples’ Day event on October 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with community-building activities and conservation workshops meant to underscore the significance of land care and Native land stewardship. This event is exclusively for BIPOC community members.

Read more:

Venting the pressure on parenting

WPZ awaiting birth of baby orangutan

Swim instruction returns to beloved Westlake facility

About the Author

Seattle Child Staff

Send story ideas to editor@seattleschild.com