Native American Heritage
With 29 federally recognized Native American tribes, Indigenous culture is visible in a variety of ways throughoutt Washington. The tribes are deeply embedded in the state’s history, and they have contributed to its rich and diverse culture. Each has its own government that works to preserve Native American culture, protect natural resources and invest in community services and the local economy.
The city of Seattle, named after Chief Si’ahl, the leader of the Suquamish and Duwamish tribes, is the only major city named after a Native chief. Visitors are encouraged to explore the museums, open heritage sites and art exhibits to delve into the impact Indigenous people continue to have here.
Travelers can visit the Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve in Snohomish County to see how it revives, protects and enhances the history, traditional cultural values and spiritual beliefs of the Tulalip Tribes. On Bainbridge Island, the Suquamish People open their doors year-round to those who come to the Suquamish Museum to learn about the history and present-day lives of the important stewards of the Salish Sea.
To view contemporary Native American art, guests can attend IN THE SPIRIT, an annual summer celebration where Native artists display their work in a juried exhibition from June through September at the Washington State History Museum. In August, visitors can attend the IN THE SPIRIT Arts Market and Northwest Native Festival, an indoor/outdoor event put on by the history museum, Tacoma Art Museum and Museum of Glass.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Althea Conyers Achem / Taylor Zetlin / Molly Gilbride
Public Relations, GreenRubino for State of Washington Tourism