Seattle Celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day [11 Images]
Yesterday, the City of Seattle celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day. As Chris Stearns said in a piece for ICTMN, the city honored “the important legacy, achievements, and culture of the original People of Seattle, of Puget Sound, and of North America.
RELATED: Reflections on Indigenous Peoples Day
It was in 2014 that a group of Native American leaders, elders, youth, and activists joined forces to convince the Seattle City Council and Mayor to officially recognize Indigenous Peoples Day. The city proclaimed that the day should be used to “celebrate the thriving cultures and values of the Indigenous Peoples of our region” and to “firmly commit to continue its efforts to promote the well-being and growth of Seattle’s American Indian and indigenous community.”
A number of events were held yesterday to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day including a large public celebration near Pike Place Market, a march along Fifth Avenue, a program at City Hall featuring Native author Sherman Alexie, and a community cultural celebration at Daybreak Star Center.
Check out some images from the day’s events below:
Courtesy Chris Stearns
Native Americans from tribes across the United States take part in Indigenous Peoples’ Day as they march down Fifth Avenue in Seattle.
Courtesy Chris Stearns
Native Americans from tribes across the United States take part in Indigenous Peoples’ Day as they march down Fifth Avenue in Seattle.
Courtesy Chris Stearns
Author Sherman Alexie speaks to a packed Seattle City Hall as part of Seattle’s celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Courtesy Chris Stearns
Read More
The Haandei i jin Dancers Tlingit) lead the celebration of Native cultures at Seattle City hall during Indigenous Peoples Day.
Courtesy Chris Stearns
The Haandei i jin Dancers Tlingit) lead the celebration of Native cultures at Seattle City hall during Indigenous Peoples Day.
Courtesy Chris Stearns
Haida Heritage Dancers lead songs and dances at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center during Seattle’s Indigenous Peoples Day celebration.
Courtesy Chris Stearns
Haida Heritage Dancers lead songs and dances at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center during Seattle’s Indigenous Peoples Day celebration.
Courtesy Chris Stearns
Seattle City Council Members Debora Juarez Blackfeet) and Kshama Sawant, and author Sherman Alexie Spokane, Couer d’Alene) are honored by Seattle at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center as part of Indigenous Peoples Day.
Courtesy Chris Stearns
Youth dancers take part in Seattle’s Indigenous Peoples Day celebration at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center.
Courtesy Chris Stearns
A round dance brings everyone together during Seattle’s celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center.
