After years of community organizing, the Seattle City Council voted unanimously in 2014 to approve legislation designating the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Then Councilmember Bruce Harrell said, “We are not reveling in the pain of our past, but indeed we are rejoicing in the celebration of a triumph…I believe that if we are going to reach our vibrancy as a city that we will not be successful in our social programs, in our outreach, in our education efforts, until we fully recognize the evils of our past.” 

In 2021, Seattle City Councilmember Debora Juarez established the Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC) to advise the Mayor, City Council, and City departments on policies, budgets, programs, services and projects directly affecting American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. The formation of the IAC was monumental and underscores Seattle’s commitment to define and strengthen the City’s unique political relationship with the Coast Salish tribal communities, the original stewards of the land and waters of Seattle. The IAC was the first municipal Native advisory body in the U.S. and has since been emulated in cities across the nation.  

Watch this video to learn more about Seattle’s Indigenous Advisory Council. 

This year, the Indigenous Advisory Council and the Department of Neighborhoods are supporting a flag raising ceremony on Friday, October 9 and events across the city on Monday, October 12, in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The gatherings, organized and hosted by local Indigenous organizations, invite community members to celebrate the rich history, enduring legacy, and invaluable contributions of Native people, who have been an integral part of this region, and beyond, since time immemorial. Get ready for a day filled with festivities and appreciation for the abundance of Native communities, cultures, and history. 

“Every city has a story it tells about itself. In Seattle, that story began with the Native peoples and nations who have called these lands home since time immemorial. Indigenous Peoples’ Day gives us a chance to honor that history, to recognize the people and cultures that continue to enrich our city, and to remember that how we understand our past shapes the kind of city we choose to be in the future.” 
– Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson.

“As one of nine members of the Indigenous Advisory Council, it is an honor to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day in complete unity. We stand together in the understanding that leadership did not begin with us, nor will it end with us. We deeply honor our ancestors who preserved our lifeways and sovereignty, and we carry forward their legacy by making self-determined decisions that protect the next seven generations. Today, we celebrate the enduring strength, profound wisdom, and vibrant cultures of Indigenous nations. We remain dedicated to ensuring our voices are permanently woven into the foundational decisions that shape our nations and communities.” 
–Suzanne Sailto (Snoqualmie Indian Tribe), member of the Indigenous Advisory Council.

“There is something sacred about remembering that we are part of a story that began long before us and will continue long after us. Indigenous Peoples’ Day gives Seattle an opportunity to recognize that Indigenous presence is not a chapter in our history. It is living, it is here, and it is helping shape the future of Seattle. Thank you to all of our partners for inviting us into your space to celebrate this important holiday with you.” 
–Director Quynh Pham, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods.

Planned Events 

Friday, October 9  

12-12:30 PM Indigenous Peoples’ Day flag raising ceremony at Seattle City Hall

 Monday, October 12  

11 AM-3 PM Family Celebration hosted by Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services at Seattle Waterfront’s Pier 58

1 PM-3 PM Fashion Show hosted by Ancestral Sisterhood at North Seattle College

3 PM-9 PM Coastal Jam and Powwow hosted by Mazaska Talks, Seattle Colleges ACO Division, and North Seattle College Ray Flores Wellness Center at North Seattle College

3:30 PM-9 PM Art Reception, Celebration, and Community Dinner hosted by United Indians of All Tribes Foundation at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center

Learn more about Seattle’s Indigenous Advisory Council at www.seattle.gov//indigenous-advisory-council