Resources

CAIIS's mission is to grow and strengthen partnerships between the UW, northwest coastal and plateau tribes and nations and other Indigenous peoples through research, teaching, learning, and community engagement.

wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House is a longhouse-style facility on the UW Seattle campus. It provides a multi-service learning and gathering space for American Indian and Alaska Native students, faculty and staff, as well as others from various cultures and communities to come together in a welcoming environment to share knowledge.

The AIS department is the hub for Indigenous Studies in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. AIS faculty bring deep knowledge from our communities, cultures, histories, science, art, and more to their teaching and research. AIS academic programs prepare students for meaningful careers that apply American Indian and Indigenous perspectives to global challenges.

The Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center of the University of Washington is part of The Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity. The Kelly ECC has a wealth of resources and opportunities available to students including student advising, organizational development, personal growth, and referrals to different departments and programs.

The mission of the Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity Instructional Center is to promote the academic achievement, retention and successful graduation of under-represented minority, first-generation college and economically disadvantaged students and to improve their chances of gaining admission to graduate and professional schools. This is achieved by providing both academic support and mentoring, empowering students with the skills and tools for successful life-long learning and providing a supportive and nurturing learning community that embraces diversity, cultivates academic excellence, and fosters collaboration and engagement.

IWRI's mission is to support the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples to achieve full and complete health and wellness by collaborating in decolonizing research and knowledge building and sharing.

The American Indian Student Commission is a University of Washington intertribal organization which exists to promote Native cultures, education and Native students’ interests, needs and welfare. They encourage the expression of Native students’ opinions and interests to the University of Washington and the community at large on issues affecting Native American student life and culture. They also promote non-discriminatory actions in all forms and forums. They provide a physically supportive environment to achieve these objectives. Members are students of a Native American heritage and non-Native Americans who believe in, are interested in and willing to promote the purposes of the commission.

First Nations @ UW is an undergraduate intertribal registered student organization at the University of Washington in Seattle. We host events both on- and off-campus with the intention of educating the community about Native cultures, spreading awareness to issues affecting the Native community and upholding our respective customs and traditions.

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The mission of SACNAS is to encourage Chicano/Latino and Native American students to pursue graduate education and obtain the advanced degrees necessary for science research, leadership and teaching careers at all levels.

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) is a national, nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, First Nations and other indigenous peoples of North America in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) studies and careers.

MWS is a social network among American Indian/Alaska Native medical students, other health professions students, alumni, faculty and friends.

NALSA’s mission is to strengthen the legal community with excellent Indian law students, to better educate our people, protect our lands, and preserve our culture. Activities and special events include recruitment trips in Washington State, powwows, symposia and speakers, and annual trips to the Federal Indian Law Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Students interested in Indian Law and Native American students are highly encouraged to join.

The Native Business Association is a student organization founded at the University of Washington to create a community for Native students with an interest in the Foster School of Business.

The Native Organization of Indigenous Scholars (NOIS) was created to bring together University of Washington graduate and professional students of Indigenous descent. Our goal is to increase awareness of our ongoing research, work, and achievement through building a supportive community in which to socialize, network, share knowledge and disseminate information.

Purple Group is a peer support network of undocumented students that meet weekly to foster community building, connect with allies, share resources, participate in workshops, and discuss issues affecting immigrant communities locally as well as across the country and the world.

Leadership Without Borders (LWB) works to serve and empower undocumented students at the University of Washington. LWB offers leadership development resources, college success navigators, the Husky Lending Library, a space for community building, and connections to other campus and community resources.

They are the People of the Inside, dxʷdəwʔabš.

Real Rent calls on people who live and work in Seattle to make rent payments to the Duwamish Tribe. Though the city named for the Duwamish leader Chief Seattle thrives, the Tribe has yet to be justly compensated for their land, resources, and livelihood.

You can do something today to stand in solidarity with First Peoples of this land by paying Real Rent.

All funds go directly to Duwamish Tribal Services (DTS) to support the revival of Duwamish culture and the vitality of the Duwamish Tribe.

Seattle Indian Health Board is a community health center that provides health and human services to its patients, while specializing in the care of Native people. We are recognized as a leader in the promotion of health improvement for urban American Indians and Alaska Natives, locally and nationally.

The Pacific Islander Health board seeks to cultivate resilience within our communities to achieve health equity through culturally safe and community driven solutions, traditions, advocacy, and policies.

UIATF's mission is to provide educational, cultural and social services that reconnect Indigenous people in the Puget Sound region to their heritage by strengthening their sense of belonging and significance as Native people.

Chief Seattle Club is a 501(c)(3) registered organization dedicated to physically and spiritually supporting American Indian and Alaska Native people. At our Day Center in the Pioneer Square district of downtown Seattle, we provide food, primary heath care, housing assistance, an urban Indian legal clinic, a Native art job training program, as well as frequent outings for members to cultural and community-building events.

Chief Seattle Club is a human service agency that provides basic needs for our members, many of whom are experiencing homelessness. Over 90,000 meals are served every year and members can access quality nursing care, mental health providers, chemical dependency professionals, and traditional healing practices. Native people in urban areas face unique challenges and Chief Seattle Club embraces the cultures, languages, and traditions of American Indians and Alaska Natives as the primary method for healing and transformation.

Mother Nation is a non-profit 501 (C) 3 grassroots Native American organization which offers culturally informed healing services, advocacy, mentorship and homeless prevention in the State of Washington.

Na’ah Illahee Fund (NIF) is firmly rooted in Indigenous-led philanthropy and strategic action as we advance self-determination, cultural health and regenerative economies. We know that innovative solutions lie in the brilliance of our people, and we work to build the capacity of community leaders to draw upon deep resilience and to realize their dreams. Education and skill sharing, strengths and asset mapping, strategic planning, networking, and resourcing are the components of successful community building. NIF serves as a bridge builder, facilitator and resource partner as we work to catalyze a movement toward positive futures.

Our scope of impact includes urban, rural, island, and reservation-based Indigenous communities throughout the Pacific Northwest region and beyond.

Founded in 2005, Indigenous Showcase is a unique cultural program driven by Indigenous philosophies and values. Indigenous Showcase is culturally responsive, Indigenous-run, anti-racist and generous by design. Our mission—to change the narrative by amplifying Indigenous voices—is at the heart of who we are: Storytellers. We provide a platform from which Indigenous people can share their stories through film screenings, post-film discussions with community and industry professionals, art installations, and readings.

We believe that by amplifying Indigenous voices, we undermine stereotypes, racism, and fear, and bring people together to begin the work needed to transform historical relationships and reduce inequality. In addition, we work in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement in support of Black liberation.

Created in 2003 in Seattle, WA with funding provided the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, Seattle, WA, convened a forum to discuss issues facing Urban Indian families nationwide. The group consisted of communities including, philanthropy, national organizations, the federal government and the Executive Directors of 12 Urban Indian organizations. As a result of this convening, the National Urban Indian Family Coalition (NUIFC) was born. Since 2003, the NUIFC added 12 more organizations to the coalition and built partnerships with numerous other organizations and tribes from across the nation.

Today the NUIFC advocates for American Indian families living in urban areas by creating partnerships with tribes, as well as other American Indian organizations, and by conducting research to better understand the barriers, issues, and opportunities facing urban American Indian families.

One of the primary intentions of creating the NUIFC is to ensure access to traditionally excluded organizations and families, and to focus attention on the needs of urban indians. The National Urban Indian Family Coalition is dedicated to remaining an access point for the exchange of ideas and dialogue regarding Urban Indian America.

Native Action Network is a nonprofit organized to promote Native women’s full representation, participation, and leadership in local, state, tribal, and national affairs. NAN achieves this by hosting intergenerational leadership forums, youth academies, professional development cohorts, luncheons, nonprofit capacity building workshops, as well as other community engagement and civic participation activities. All of NAN’s programming and resources are intended to empower Native women of all ages.

Native Action Network’s mission is to enhance the beauty, strength, and integrity of American Indian and Alaskan Native communities through personal empowerment and civic participation.

Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is Washington’s largest publicly funded legal aid program. Each year NJP provides critical civil legal assistance and representation to thousands of low-income people in cases affecting basic human needs such as family safety and security, housing preservation, protection of income, access to health care, education and other basic needs.

NJP works to secure justice through high quality legal advocacy that promotes the long-term well-being of low-income individuals, families, and communities. As a dynamic statewide law firm, we pursue our mission through legal advice and representation, community partnerships, and education to empower clients and combat injustice in all its forms.

The Potlatch Fund is a Native-led non-profit that provides grants and leadership development to Tribal Nations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Nevada.

Potlatch Fund's mission is to build on the Native tradition of giving in two ways: Increasing philanthropy for and among Tribal communities, and empowering community leaders with the tools they need to success.

Red Eagle Soaring Native Youth Theatre (RES) exists to empower American Indian and Alaska Native youth to express themselves with confidence and clarity through traditional and contemporary performing arts.

UNEA offers culturally responsive and relevant support to Native youth and families through social, cultural, and educational support services. UNEA provides consultation, advocacy, support and resources for Native families and students. We are inspired by our 100% graduation and advancement of Native learners participating in Clear Sky program. Our organization is driven by our grass roots community volunteers and we are committed to our core values; Integrity, Interconnectedness, Inclusion, and Service. Our programs are all youth centered, youth driven and designed for promoting health, wellness and academic, socio-cultural success for youth, families and community.

Seattle Urban Native Nonprofits (SUNN) is a leadership roundtable that aims to unite the efforts of Native-led organizations to advocate for policies and positive changes that will improve health and well-being. The partners include the Potlatch Fund, Seattle Indian Health Board, Na’ah Illahee Fund, Chief Seattle Club, and NAWDIM, who all have a long history of engaging in the needs of urban Native families and relatives through a unique cultural lens. SUNN envisions an urban Native community that is united in spirit and practice, trusting and compassionate in our relationships, and fully embracing the ancient wisdom and healing that will sustain us for generations.

As an organization grounded in the Latino community of Washington State, it is the mission of El Centro de la Raza (The Center for People of All Races) to build the Beloved Community through unifying all racial and economic sectors; to organize, empower, and defend the basic human rights of our most vulnerable and marginalized populations; and to bring critical consciousness, justice, dignity, and equity to all the peoples of the world.

Casa Latina is a nonprofit organization that advances the power and well-being of Latino immigrants through employment, education, and community organizing.

Casa Latina's vision is that the Latino community participates fully in the economy and democracy of this country.

Together we are working to end Native homelessness.

100% of proceeds go directly to providing meals, mental healthcare, drug and alcohol counseling, housing referrals, legal consultation and more to those in need within Seattle’s Native community.

Eighth Generation is a Seattle-based art and lifestyle brand owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe. It was founded in 2008 when Louie Gong (Nooksack) — an artist, activist and educator widely known for merging traditional Coast Salish art with influences from his urban environment to make strong statements about identity — started customizing shoes in his living room. Now the first Native-owned company to ever produce wool blankets — with a flagship retail store in Seattle's iconic Pike Place Market — Eighth Generation is a proud participant in the global economy.

Eighth Generation provides a strong, ethical alternative to “Native-inspired” art and products through its artist-centric approach and 100% Native designed products. Our Inspired Natives Project, anchored by the tagline “Inspired Natives, not Native-inspired,” builds business capacity among cultural artists while addressing the economic impact of cultural appropriation.

Sacred Circle Gifts and Art brings together a unique selection of Native American art and specialty items designed by local and internationally known artists from across North America. Our online collections include jewelry, fine art, wearable art, and one of a kind artisan pieces. In our two retail stores, we maintain a larger selection of printed materials including books, accessories, and greeting cards which depict the rich storytelling and imagery found in Native history and myths.

Anja is a two-spirited Mvskoke Creek woman that hails from Florida. They are currently living on Salish land in Seattle, Washington. Their artwork focuses on Mvskoke imagery and language revitalization. Mvto!

Cynthia Masterson (Comanche), born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, now lives and beads in Seattle, Washington. She is a self-taught beadworker doing a traditional bead weaving technique which incorporates Czech seed beads sizes 11 to 15. Cynthia’s early work was gifted to family and friends and included nine walking canes, countless key chains, pens, Gourd Dance shakers, and dance fan handles. She has preserved sacred heirlooms, documented family bead patterns, and revived pawnshop cast-offs that were headed for the trash. In addition to making jewelry from her studio, Blue Dot Beadwork, Cynthia provides lessons for community organizations and schools working to connect Native youth with their culture. She also presents workshops to demonstrate her craft and introduce a broader community to Native art. In recent years, Cynthia has combined household objects with beadwork creating assemblages that story tell her experience. These works have appeared in the 2019 and 2020 In the Spirit exhibitions at the Washington State History Museum, and in yəhaw̓, a 2019 show at King Street Station in Seattle.” She is a 2015 First Peoples Fund Artist in Business Leadership Fellow, a current 2019 First Peoples Fund Cultural Capital Fellow, and has received numerous arts grants from the Potlatch Fund and The Evergreen State College Longhouse.

K’_alaag’aa Jaat hín uu díi kya’áng. Díi Yáalaagang. Díi Kaigani Yahgw jáanaas jan-gáagang. Xúuj duu díi íijang, Hydaburg isgyan Q’ adnas Klinkwan uu hl íijang. Kaagwaantaan yádi áyá Xát, ch’áak’ kudi hít. Angoon Kwáandáx áyá xát. Deisheetan Deishu Hit dachxn yxat.

Native Diamonds founder Samantha Biasca carries the Haida Name of K’_alaag’aa Jaat - Strong Capable Woman, Ambitious. She is Alaskan Haida - Raven Moiety, of the Double Finned Killer Whale Clan, Brown Bear House in Hydaburg & Dogfish Shark House in Klinkwan from the Scott, Morrison, & Vandal families. She is Tlingit- Child of The Eagle Wolf Clan, of the Eagles Nest House in Sitka, grandchild of the Raven Beaver Clan End of the Trail House of Angoon, of the Jackson & Bell families. She is Iñupiaq, Inuit from Shishmaref from the Barr family. She also comes from the Williams, Preusser, and Biasca families from Northern California where she was raised on the Pacific Ocean.

First Citizen is a street wear brand based out of Seattle, WA. Founded in 2019 by Burdette Birdinground and Devin Gros Ventre of the Crow Tribe. Native owned and repping for Indigenous People’s. The brand designs clothing for Natives on the rural roads to the urban streets. First Citizen dons the war bonnet logo, designed by J. Chavez (@stormcloud72), to proudly represent the image of Native Americans. No mascots or no other meaning than Native Pride. Inspired by the Rez, Native American cultures, sports and music First Citizen’s goal is to celebrate Indigenous People’s around the world.

The Williams family has been carved into the history and land of Seattle for generations.

The Williams family are members of the Nu-chah-Nulth of Ditidaht First Nations. They are from the Thunder Bird Longhouse. The family's carving style is that of the Nitinat tradition.

Rick has been able to take the traditional Nitinat style of his father and adapt a variety of colors to blend with his artistic vision.

The Williams family of artists has been carving for many generations. The result of this long family tradition is a style that is not only traditional but a spiritual heritage.

Hand made pottery, inspired by nature and curiosity.

First Nations Artist, Canadian born, currently making work in Seattle, Washington. Making wheel thrown ceramics, balancing rustic and elegant design for the home.

Guahu si Gillian Dueñas and I tell my stories through visual art. By painting, weaving, carving, and jewelry making, I explore my identity as a mixed-race Indigenous Pacific Islander woman born and raised in the diaspora. My art is an act of reclamation, decolonization, and healing. I take inspiration from traditional motifs, legends, and jewelry and reimagine them in a modern context. Overall, I use my art to amplify my stories as well as the stories of my community.

Off the Rez is owned by longtime couple Mark McConnell and Cecilia Rikard. Mark’s mother spent her childhood growing up on the Blackfeet Rez in Browning, Montana and emparted the culture to her children. Mark grew up eating traditional frybread and Indian tacos at family gatherings and powwows. In Seattle, he searched for Native cuisine and came up empty. He and Cecilia then pursued their passion project of opening Seattle's first Native food truck that employed Blackfeet frybread recipes and Indian tacos made true to form. Fortunately, praise and press were quick to follow and they continue to serve up delicious daily creations that have garnered a cult following. They also offer catering from casual to formal for distinct events inspired by a beautiful heritage and culture.

Hillel Echo-Hawk (she/her; Pawnee and Athabaskan) is an Indigenous chef, caterer and speaker born and raised in the interior of Alaska around the Athabaskan village of Mentasta––home to the matriarchal chief and subsistence rights activist, Katie John. Watching John and other Indigenous Peoples’ fight for food sovereignty, as well as seeing her mother strive to make healthy, home-cooked meals for her and her six siblings, has given Hillel a unique and important perspective on diet and wellness. After receiving her degree in Culinary Arts from Seattle Central College, Echo-Hawk has been working as a cook in some of Seattle’s most innovative and popular restaurants for several years.

As the owner of Birch Basket, her food and work has been featured in multiple national and international media sources; Including James Beard, Bon Appetit, Eater, Huffpost, National Geographic, PBS, Vogue, The Seattle Times, and many, many more. Hillel has spoken at various conferences on Indigenous food sovereignty and its intersections with social justice, colonialisms, and environmental injustice. She provides catering and private chef services, with menu’s consisting of pre-colonial, Indigenous ingredients, paired with both traditional and modern techniques, and the stories of the people and the land that the food tells.

Chef, caterer and pop-up Restaurateur, Jeremy Thunderbird, offering a contemporary take on Native American Inspired Soul food and other good stuff.

Seattle Poi Company is offering fresh poi, and other kalo products manufactured right here in Seattle.

Home of The Vegan Otai Jugs & Otai Pops. Tonga’s popular & favorite tropical summer beverage! EST.’18

Cakes of Paradise invites everyone to come and experience the "taste of paradise". Specializing in tropical flavored cakes such as Lilikoi (Passion Fruit), Guava, Mango and Haupia (Coconut)...just to name a few, it’s certain that you’ll taste the essence of Aloha in every bite. Our unique ingredients, combined with island flavors and a bright vibrant visual appeal, sets Cakes of Paradise apart from any other bakery. We pride ourselves in providing quality desserts for all occasions such as Birthdays, Weddings, Baby Showers, Office Parties, Luau’s or any special event.

Cakes of Paradise was established in July 2008; by two Seattle based family members. The origins trace back to the founder of Kauai Desserts, Mary Buza-Sims. In hopes of sharing the Spirit of Aloha and rich Hawaiian culture with everyone, she created the recipes of these great tasting desserts. Once you experience the "taste of paradise" you’ll have a renewed sense of confidence in cakes and pastries and not just any store bought cake will do. So come on out, join in and become a part of the Cakes of Paradise Ohana (Family). We look forward to seeing you soon!

Many Mahalo’s (Thank you’s)!

Oaxacan restaurant and food store.

452 SW 153rd St, Burien, WA 98166