Learn more about upcoming events

Current and upcoming programs provide students, faculty & staff and the public with a range of immersive indigenous cultural experiences and information.

  1. Indigenous Peoples Institute
  2. Upcoming Events
Indigenous Peoples Institute

Lushootseed Speaker Series

This series invites tribal members, Indigenous people, and other scholars to speak about the Lushootseed language, its cultural importance and what it has to teach us.  Past topics have included “"Living Legends: Lushootseed Stories in My Work and Life", “On Rich Soil” and “Walking in the Footsteps of the Ancestors: Coast Salish Artists".

Explore our Winter 2026 guest speakers in the "Past Events" section below.

Elders in Residence Program

Many cultures are gifted with the strong presence of Aunties and Uncles. Men and women who support younger people, offer up wisdom and pass on traditions. You may have grown up with the care and counsel of elders. We know that often Native American and Indigenous students feel adrift from their families and their roots as they attend university. Our Elders in Residence are our local Aunties and Uncles – can provide you with wisdom and a sense of home. Elders also work with students on projects and have collaborated on creating shawls and beadwork in the past. 

 

Upcoming Events

All Events

Past Events

Missed an event or want to revisit one? Browse our previous events below.

An Evening with Ramona Bennett

Ramona Bennett Bill shared her new memoir, “Fighting for the Puyallup Tribe.” This event celebrated Native American Indian Heritage month by highlighting one of the most prominent activists for Native American Indigenous rights in Washington state history. Ramona was instrumental in organizing the Puyallup Tribe, the fishing rights, reclaiming Ft. Lawton, the federal Indian Child Welfare Act and more.

Ramona Bennett event flyer.

Lushootseed Speaker Series - Winter 2026

Among many Coast Salish communities, the winter season is a sacred time when history, culture, and spiritual practices are passed from one generation to the next. The Lushootseed Speaker Series is a three-part series that highlights the art of traditional storytelling.

Natosha Gobin speaking at LSS event.