Black History Month – Solidarity and Continued Commitment
CSSP Writer and Producer Noelani Auguston (far right) joins the Solidarity House panel of Black and Indigenous creatives at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.
Not only in the month of February, but especially now, we celebrate Black history and changemakers – creatives, visionaries, inventors, entrepreneurs and community heroes. In honor of the shared lived experience of oppression of Black and Indigenous people in these lands, we grieve together, stand together in solidarity and uplift one another.
CSSP Writer and Producer Noelani Auguston joined Solidarity House at Sundance Film Festival for a discussion on the transformative work of building collective power moderated by BLIS (Black Liberation-Indigenous Sovereignty) Collective Co-Founders Trevor Smith and Savannah Romero. Noelani joined Content Creator Kahlil Greene, Kinfolk Tech Executive Director Idris Brewster and Filmmaker Tracy Rector to share thoughts on diversity in film, dismantling harmful narratives and steps needed for change in the industry.
“The root of Sundance is as an independent film festival highlighting the marginalized communities within the marginalized communities. This event brought people together to have difficult conversations – to stand with one another and remind ourselves it’s OK when one group’s voice is centered at different times of the year, season or moments in history,” Noelani said.
One of the highlights of Noelani’s time at Sundance was a screening of “Kikuyu Land.” The film, produced by Rector, follows Nairobi Journalist and Co-Director Bea Wangondu as she probes a land battle entangling the local government and a powerful multinational corporation.
“It’s a beautiful film about stolen land, broken promises and family secrets set against the backdrop of the tea industry,” Noelani said. “It’s something we as Indigenous people of Turtle Island can relate to.”
WMS Visits Setting Sun Circle
The CSSP Team recently visited Whatcom Middle School (WMS) to share Coast Salish culture and Lifeways. The students watched "Our Sacred Obligation" and engaged in a Q&A session about the struggle to save salmon and the filmmaking process with CSSP Producers Santana Rabang and Adonia Cairns.
Following the film, students watched a timelapse video of the Coast Salish Living Mural's creation before walking to our future home, the Setting Sun Circle, to see the mural in-person. Students heard from artist Roy Nichol about the process and meaning behind the mural and learned about a canoe restoration project from Adonia.
The film and field trip were part of an incentive program for WMS 8th graders, who voted to spend their afternoon engaging with CSSP and learning more about Indigenous culture. With an afternoon full of film, art, carving and cultural knowledge sharing, students got a sneak peek of the educational opportunities that will be available in our immersive space in Downtown Bellingham in Spring 2027!
Where We'll Be
Children of the Earth Pow Wow | Sat. April 25, 2026
Join us in supporting Squalicum High School Native American Student Union (NASU) first student-led pow wow! All are welcome to this event with a free community dinner in the SHS gymnasium. Support the students' fundraiser here.
A pow wow is a gathering where Native American dancing, singing and celebration take place. It is a special time for people to gather and celebrate.
Squalicum High School's NASU club visits the CSSP office to share about their preparations for the pow wow and learn more about CSSP's work.
Seeds of Change
Opportunities to learn and grow together
Our Dear Friends and Relatives, we want to share that we are here for you. At Children of the Setting Sun, we know that our community is where our strength comes from. Thank you for being a part of ours.
Start 2026 with a gift to amplifying Native voices
Children of the Setting Sun is a 501 (c)3 non-profit that relies on the graciousness of others. If you feel inspired, make a tax deductible donation today. Hy'shqe \o/