Indigenous Sovereignty
September 30th, 2024
"There's people saying we're at peak Indigenous storytelling because we got all these native shows and native awareness going on but I don't think we're there yet...I think we're at a place where there's greater access to share our stories…people are willing to live here and listen, so it's a beautiful moment. Overall we can't ignore the generations of people who have been storytellers, who have been hustling, acting, and telling stories, writing, doing poetry, like whatever it may be for generations we are definitely standing on their backs."
-Dallas Goldtooth, Native Governance Center, Wings with Wayne
"Our Hearts Beat as One"
The "Our Hearts Beat as One" event at Sehome High School Theater celebrated Indigenous sovereignty and the Lummi community's efforts to return the orca Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut (Tokitae/Lolita) to the Pacific. For the Lummi people, orcas are family and integral to their cultural identity. The evening featured performances by Shirley Bob and Family, along with storytelling that emphasized unity amid disagreement. Additionally, the event introduced the Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut Legacy Scholarship and launched the bilingual children’s book Sa’le Q’ewet Netse-lh / Our Hearts Beat as One by Julie Trimingham, Tah-Mahs Ellie Kinley, with illustrations by Sienum Jason Laclair.
In the Spotlight
Raynell Morris is the Events & Gatherings Producer for Children of the Setting Sun Productions and a key advocate for the Rights of Nature, serving as one of three North American representatives for the Global Alliance Rights of Nature (GARN) Indigenous Council. As a Movement Rights organizer, she promotes legal rights for ecosystems and participates in events such as the GARN Indigenous Council meetings, Red Nation Film Festival, and Climate Week NYC. Raynell also contributes to environmental education in partnership with the Earth Law Center and the Educating for Climate Summit. Our hands go up to you!
This is Tidelands
In the heart of Seattle, stands a new sacred space known as Tidelands. This gallery, owned by Matika Wilbur, stands as a beacon for our voices—a space where our stories and arts weave together. CSSP attended the opening night, engaging deeply with the powerful narratives of Indigenous voices, all while massive portraits of Setting Sun Institute's Raven and Free Borsey loomed in the background.
Billy Frank Jr.
Billy Frank Jr. dedicated his life to fighting for indigenous sovereignty and our fish and water rights. His spirit guides the next generation as we continue his mission. The statue in Washington, D.C., reminds us to “tell your story” and inspires all to stand for justice and the earth. Billy’s work was always a vision for a better tomorrow.
Strengthening Sovereignty Through Voting
The partnership between Native Vote Washington and the Setting Sun Institute embodies our enduring sovereignty and strengthens our communities by amplifying our voices in the political arena. By organizing voter registration and providing resources, we reclaim our power to influence decisions affecting our treaty rights, healthcare, and ancestral lands. This grassroots effort honors our ancestors and reinforces our commitment to civic engagement and tribal self-determination.
Children of the Setting Sun Productions is a 501 (c)3 non-profit
that relies on the graciousness of others. If you feel inspired, make a tax deductible donation.
Hy'shqe \o/
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