United Indians of All Tribes Foundation holds blessing at site of future canoe carving center
SEATTLE— United Indians of All Tribes Foundation (UIATF) on January 6, 2023 held a blessing ceremony at the site of the future Northwest Native Canoe Center on the west side of Lake Union.
The 1,200 square-foot building will be a home for canoe carving, storytelling and reconnecting Indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest to their heritage and homelands. The Canoe Center will reclaim a prominent Native presence in the city that once banned Native residents from living on land they have inhabited for millennia.
Canoe of Harry Wong, Jr. and Mike Tulee
“The Canoe Center is a step forward in ensuring our story, our people and our ways of life are sustainable for generations to come—we’re still here and we will continue to stand strong in culture and community,” said Mike Tulee of Yakama Nation and executive director of UIATF. “This project brings a significant addition of Native culture, power and technology to the heart of downtown Seattle.”
The blessing included Native drumming by Willard Bill, Jr. Remarks were delivered by Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, King County Executive Dow Constantine and King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles. U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal sent a video message.
Construction on the site is scheduled to begin in the fall. In addition to a carving space, the center will include room for cultural events, a catering kitchen and gift shop.
ABOUT UNITED INDIANS OF ALL TRIBES FOUNDATION
Founded in 1970, United Indians of All Tribes Foundation provides an extensive array of culturally responsive services and programming to Seattle and King County’s urban Native community. Our headquarters, the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, was completed in 1977, and has become a hub of activity for Native peoples and their supporters locally, nationally and internationally.