Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2023 at Cascadia College

October 9, 2023

Cascadia College is hosting an Indigenous People’s Day event in partnership with the City of Bothell and Northshore School District on Monday, October 9th at 11:00 am. The event, open to the public, will be held in the Global Learning and the Arts Building on the Cascadia College-University of Washington Bothell joint campus and will feature Warren KingGeorge, Muckleshoot Tribe historian, as the keynote speaker. There will be various discussion tables to connect and build bridges within the community.

Cascadia recently started an American Indian and Indigenous Studies (AIIS) program, the only such program available to students at a community college. Students can learn through multiple classes about indigenous culture and history and connect it to their other studies.

This year’s focus is on bridging experiences within our communities. “Indigenous People’s Day is an opportunity to reflect upon experiences of native people,” said Dr. Victor Begay, American Indian and Indigenous Studies professor. “These conversations are important and timely as we navigate an inclusive world.”

Cascadia College’s values include diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as sustainability. The Global Learning and the Arts building was the second LEED Platinum building in the state, and the college is certified as the only platinum college in the nation for Green Grounds management.

“Our values of sustainability, equity, and inclusion connect with knowledge and cultural identities across communities,” said Stephan Classen, Assistant Director of Sustainable Practices at Cascadia. “When we can invite our communities to come together, we all grow stronger together.”

Digital image: Solo Song sculpture by Tulalip artist Ty Juvinel depicts a figure, facing skyward, singing, drumming, and crying in the Coast Salish native cultural style which gives voice to the isolation and strong spirit of Native cultures.