2019 Indigenous People Festival

Join us to experience a day of traditional and contemporary Native art and culture from an indigenous perspective.

Indigenous People Festival is a free event that provides an opportunity for Native people to celebrate their traditions and for visitors to learn more about indigenous cultures through song, dance, performances, art, food, and the sharing of indigenous knowledge.

Jump to: Program and Schedule | Getting to Seattle Center

Experience traditional and contemporary Native performances

Performances will be held in the Armory Building and on the Mural Amphitheater stage where the Space Needle acts a backdrop and a reminder of the importance of urban Indian culture.

Last year’s festival included a variety of performances, including hip-hop hoop dancers, Aztec Fire Dancers, flutists, dance groups, and indigenous rock bands, among others.

This year, we’re expanding on those to include performances from indigenous artists that some might not consider traditionally “Native”. This allows people to experience indigenous culture in a way that isn’t dependent on social standards or stereotypes.

Engage with Native artists

For years, the festival has provided an opportunity for visitors to purchase authentic Native artwork and engage with artists who’s work is inspired by their own unique indigenous backgrounds.

Learn more about organizations promoting the wellness of Native people

An information fair is open to guests to learn more about Seattle Indian Health Board, other Native organizations in Seattle, and partners, all offering a variety of services to urban American Indians and Alaska Natives throughout King County.

We welcome everyone to experience and celebrate our thriving indigenous cultures

This festival is a collaborative effort of the many Native community groups in the greater Seattle area, bringing together an intertribal showcase of the cultures and traditions of American Indian and Alaska Native people.

For more information please contact Senovia Lehman at senovial@sihb.org.

Program and Schedule

Schedule of Live Performances

Mural Amphitheater Stage (outside)

11:00 a.m.	Opening Ceremony and Prayer
11:10 a.m.	Remarks from Esther Lucero (CEO, Seattle Indian Health Board)
11:15 a.m.	JP Falcon Band
12:20 p.m.	Haan Dei I Jin (Tlingit dance group)
1:25 p.m.	Tracey Nelson (Native blues)
2:10 p.m.	Peter Ali (Native flute)
2:55 p.m.	Indigenize Productions (Circus act, drag performance, food demo, poetry, comedy, rock bands)
5:00 p.m.	Closing

Armory Building Stage (inside)

11:15 a.m.	Vince Redhouse (Native flute)
12:15 p.m.	Alaska Kuteeyaa Dancers
1:20 p.m.	Ryan YellowJohn & Family (Native hoop dancers)
2:05 p.m.	Star Nayea (Vocalist, songwriter, performer)
3:00 p.m.	Randall Kimball (Haida singer/songwriter)
3:55 p.m	Moved By Words (Word performers)
5:00 p.m.	Closing

Art, Demonstrations & Other Activities

Purchase authentic Native art
All day | Armory Building (main floor)
Engage with traditional and contemporary Native artists and learn more about how their various indigenous backgrounds inspired their work.

Listen to Native storytellers
All day | Armory Building (upstairs)
Celebrate the tradition of Native storytelling, which has been a way for many indigenous cultures to carry knowledge across generations about historical events and lessons.

View cultural demonstrations
All day | Armory Building (upstairs)
Check out demonstrations and learn more about traditional Indian medicines, indigenous foods, and the art of beading.

Learn about Native organizations and partners
All day | Armory Building (main floor)
Learn more about Seattle Indian Health Board, other Native organizations in Seattle, and partners, all offering a variety of services to urban American Indians and Alaska Natives throughout King County.

Getting to Seattle Center

Seattle Center’s Armory Building and Mural Amphitheater are located at 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109.
Learn more about your transportation options.

Special Offer from Lyft
Use code FESTALSEATTLE for 25% off a ride to or from Seattle Center.