Recognizing Native American Heritage Month
By De’Sean Quinn, King County Metro Assistant General Manager for Strategy and Partnerships
As Native American Heritage Month comes to a close, I invite you to join me in reflecting on the privilege of living in a region shaped by the deep history and enduring contributions of Native American communities.
In Washington state, 29 tribes are part of a network of more than 500 federally recognized tribes across the United States. In King County, we live on the ancestral lands of the Muckleshoot, Snoqualmie, Puyallup, Tulalip, Suquamish, Coast Salish Tribes, and the Duwamish people. For countless generations, these tribes have been stewards of this land. However, this land was acquired through broken treaties and unfulfilled promises, leaving a legacy of displacement and injustice. Recognizing this history is essential to understanding the ongoing challenges Native communities face today.
Native American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to honor the resilience, contributions, and cultures of Native peoples. It is also a chance to reflect on how we can support a future where Native communities are not only acknowledged but thrive.
Did you know? While terms such as Native American, Native, American Indian, Indian, First Peoples and Indigenous are commonly used, many Native people prefer to be identified by their specific community. Incorporating this practice into discussions of history, geography, identity and diversity fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation (This insight is provided by the Burke Museum.)
I encourage you to seek out ways to deepen your understanding of Native histories and contributions—not just this month, but throughout the year. Learning is a gift to be practiced throughout a lifetime.
To get started, consider exploring the Native American Heritage Month Resource Packet from The Burke Museum. This comprehensive guide includes information about Native American history in Washington state, books, helpful links, tribal museums and cultural centers, public art, and Native-owned businesses. The Burke Museum, located on the University of Washington campus, also showcases art from six Pacific Northwest Native artists. It is accessible via Metro bus routes to the University District and Link light rail.
Here are a few other resources and sites to explore:
- Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center: Located on 20 acres in Seattle’s Discovery Park, this cultural hub serves urban Indians throughout the Seattle area. Accessible via Metro bus route 33.
- Snoqualmie Falls: This sacred site holds cultural and spiritual significance for the Snoqualmie Tribe. You can visit via Metro bus route 208, departing from the Issaquah Transit Center Monday through Saturday, with a drop-off just half a mile from the falls.
- The Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center: A vital hub for preserving and sharing the culture, history and traditions of the Duwamish Tribe, Seattle’s first people. The center features exhibits, events, and workshops highlighting the Duwamish Tribe’s contributions and ongoing advocacy. Metro Flex now serves Delridge and South Park, offering affordable, on-demand rides to destinations like the Longhouse, bookable via app or phone.
- Real Rent Duwamish: Discover resources like this holiday placemat, offering ways to honor Native American history and heritage during Thanksgiving.
- Other local resources: Explore Intentionalist’s list of local Indigenous-owned businesses or the Visit Seattle’s list of Native events, heritage sites and businesses.
By learning and building meaningful connections, we can deepen our understanding of the sovereign tribes in Washington and their invaluable contributions to our communities. Let’s continue to honor these legacies with curiosity, respect and action.