Owen Oliver (Quinault Indian Nation and Isleta Pueblo), influenced our project this quarter when he laid some of the groundwork for our studies with his Indigenous Walking Tour. A walk that takes you across seven locations on the UW campus which include the Burke Museum, wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ (Intellectual House), the Medicinal Herb Garden, the Ethnic Cultural Center, the Husky Union Building, and Union Bay Natural Area. His work takes you back in time to see the land as it was before settlers from the west arrived. In our search to understand the history and significance of the land that UW was built on we were inspired by the beauty of his words and vision. Unfortunately a timing conflict prevented an interview with him, but we wanted to recognize and make note of his incredible work during his time on campus.
He comes from a line of people who have worked hard to make a difference at UW and increase the visibility of the history of the land we walk on every day during our time at this university. His father was a professor of American Indian Studies at UW and his grandfather was instrumental in founding the Indian student program and the canoe journey. Owen has made an impact in his own right with the walking tour. He shares personal stories and insights into the way the land ought to be seen. He paints a picture of what the land looked like centuries ago and the people who thrived on it.
We want to acknowledge Mr. Oliver and thank him for the amazing work he has done. It is still impacting students years after he graduated and will continue to do so for generations to come.
If you want to learn more about Owen Oliver and take the tour virtually, please visit his website here.