Yәhaw̓: ʔəsləqcucid ʔə kʷi tuyəl̕yəlabčəɬ (Honoring the Wisdom of Our Elders) at The Seattle Public Library Nov. 8
release date: October 29, 2018
This fall, The Seattle Public Library is partnering with yəhaw̓, an Indigenous-led arts project, to celebrate Indigenous creativity and environmental equity. Join us for a special program celebrating the wisdom of Indigenous elders from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8 at the Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Level 1, Microsoft Auditorium, 206-386-4636.
Library events are free and everyone is welcome. Registration is not required. Parking is available in the Central Library parking garage for $7 after 5 p.m.
When we listen to the wisdom of our elders who generously share their lived experiences, knowledge and stories with us, we leave space to recognize those who have worked from time immemorial until now to keep Indigenous legacies alive.
Community Curation
"In many Indigenous traditional stories when the people are confronted with a serious problem they cannot solve, they go to sit with the elders of their village. They seek the counsel of the old ones because they know the elders are not just smart, they are also wise. They have lived a long time and know how to solve great problems," said Roger Fernandes, community curator and Native educator (Lower Elwha S'Klallam Tribe). "The broader community wanted to hold space for emphasizing how important it is to honor the wisdom of respected Native elders from tribes around the Seattle area. These elders have accumulated experience and knowledge that allow them to share perspectives on life and meaning that can enrich us all."
"As the Native Advisory Committee Coordinator, I am honored to be involved in this year-long project, and thrilled at the excellence, attention to detail and the incredible partnerships which have been and continue to be critical with and between Indigenous Peoples of the Northwest and beyond," said Ellany Kayce, community curator and Native advisory committee coordinator for the Library (Enrolled Tlingit/Raven-Frog).
SCHEDULE
6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. - Light refreshments
6:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. - Opening blessing and Welcoming song
6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. - Featured speakers will include:
- Jackie Swanson (Muckleshoot/Duwamish)
- Peg Deam (Suquamish)
- John Mullen (Snoqualmie)
This program is made possible through the guidance of our Native Advisory Council and with support from the Seattle Public Library Foundation.
ABOUT YӘHAW̓
Through December 2018, the Central Library is celebrating yәhaw̓, a year-long, Indigenous-led arts project that will culminate in a major exhibition at Seattle Office of Arts & Culture’s ARTS at King Street Station in January 2019. Everyone is invited to take part in community exhibits, artist residencies, and public events across the region. Over 200 Indigenous creatives will take part in yәhaw̓ and the project is designed to Indigenize the city. For more information, visit https://yehawshow.com/
The Library's dynamic approach to building community that enriches lives includes programming that brings people, information and ideas together to respect and embrace the well-being of the people we serve. We celebrate Seattle's many cultures by forming strong partnerships with community organizations.