This month we are celebrating Native American Heritage Month – a time to recognize and learn about the rich cultural heritage and contributions of all Indigenous & Native American people, and particularly to honor the Coast Salish peoples on whose land we sit. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound recognizes that we stand on land that was taken from Native peoples who lived here for countless generations. We are honored to live and operate in cities which are on the traditional and unceded lands of the Coast Salish people.  

The Coast Salish peoples are many, and their tribal names can be recognized also as today’s city names in many places in our beautiful state. Puyallup, Nisqually, Snoqualmie, Snohomish – these are but a few of the tribal city names you hear regularly. In fact, Seattle’s roots are that of its namesake: Chief Si’ahl, anglicized as “Seattle”, of the Suquamish and Duwamish people.  

While the past cannot be undone, our organization and the entire Puget Sound community can contribute to the recognition and celebration of Native American peoples not just in the month of November, but throughout the year.  

Actions that everyone in our community can take to celebrate and educate ourselves this month are: 

1. Visit a cultural center like the Duwamish Longhouse & Cultural Center, Daybreak Star Cultural Center or a museum such as the Suquamish Museum or Washington State History Museum to learn more about the history of Native peoples in our state. 

2. Attend or host an event such as the story series hosted by the Tacoma Public Library, or the Native Art Market. 

3. Decolonize Thanksgiving and combat erasure by telling the true story of Thanksgiving around the table, serving locally sourced food, and talking about current issues facing Native people.  

4. Read the work of Native American authors & books such as Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, or the History’s version adapted for youth. 

5. Support native-owned businesses and charities.  Here are a few lists: 8^th Gen, The Intentionalist  

6. Find out more about unceded territories and whose land you occupy at https://native-land.ca/ 

To the Native American people on our staff and in our community – we honor you and are honored by your presence on our team and in our community. We recognize and support the ongoing fight to protect Native lands and peoples. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound is with you.