txʷəl ʔiɫlaq ɫuʔaciɫtalbixʷ For the future generations to come
BY: Cassy George, Suquamish Language Program Coordinator
The Suquamish Language Program’s mission statement is to revitalize the Suquamish dialect of the txʷəlšucid language within the Suquamish tribal community. txʷəl ʔiɫlaq ɫuʔaciɫtalbixʷ. For the future generations to come, or literally: the people coming from behind.” This is an important concept to illustrate with the program logo, because it differs so much from the English world. In Lushootseed, the future generations are coming from behind us. In English, the future is in front of us. The Lushootseed perspective puts more responsibility on the people in the present to consider what they are leaving behind for the next people to access. It shifts the focus from individual goals to collective responsibility to maintain the connection between Suquamish people and Suquamish language.
Our previous logo carried us far, but it was time for a change in our methodology and focus on development. We must remember that everything we do is for future generations, and this is represented in the new logo.
The logo design was developed in consultation between the Language Program and Suquamish Tribal Member and artist, Diana Riggins. Along with clearly capturing the urgency of language revitalization, it was important to create a logo that could easily be recognized and applied to a wide range of uses – from business cards, to posters, to digital platforms, and more.
Encircling the new design is a fishnet pattern, representing the cultural and practical traditions tied to the water and the various ways the Suquamish people are reconnecting to their language. Lushootseed Revitalizationist Shayna Bagley has strategically provided Lushootseed lessons on the beach, on the water, and during clam bakes on The Slab to strengthen this connection.
Inside the logo’s border is the traditional shape of an ʔəʔutx̌s ( sea going canoe), reinforcing a recognizable Suquamish presence. The paddlers are shown with their paddles raised, a symbol of respect and unity, and communicates the collective commitment required to carry the language forward.
Serving as the anchor of the design is an Elder speaking the language. The language itself is depicted as flowing swirls moving from the Elder to the generations of youth behind her. This design element represents the important role of language teachers such as Brandy Boure, Calina Lawrence, and Joey Holmes. Brandy is a Lushootseed teacher at Chief Kitsap Academy and breathes life into the language with tribal youth. Calina brings Lushootseed into all aspects of her life with her family, friends, and community. Joey speaks Lushootseed with his wife Denita Holmes and their children. They are one of very few tribal households where Lushootseed is used by both parents in varying capacities.
I am proud of how intentional we were with the design of the new logo. Our Language Program has a lot more work to do, and this logo will help carry us there and help remind us that language revitalization is not a single moment, but an ongoing passage from one generation to the next.
Summer Lushootseed Protocol Classes
DATES: Tuesdays from June 23 – July 21 (five weeks)
TIMES: TBD
WHERE: Classes will be offered in person at ʔiišədalʔtxʷ Family and Friends Center and online via Zoom.
WHAT: Each class will teach the same protocols. Come to as many as you need to feel confident speaking on Canoe Journey and other tribal gatherings this summer! Classes will include protocol language for:
- Personal Introductions
- Asking Permission to Come Ashore
- Asking Permission to Leave
- Giving Permission to Come Ashore
- Giving Permission to Leave
- Simple Prayer
- Introducing a Song
Additional class details will be shared in the Weekly Update.
KEXP Seeks Native Co-Host
KEXP is Hiring a New Co-Host for its Global Indigenous Program, Sounds of SurvivancePosition Summary: Sounds of Survivance is a weekly 2-hour program focused on promoting Native solidarity by amplifying the voices of Indigenous people connected through their shared struggle. Sounds of Survivance emphasizes new sounds being created by Native people around the world and airs every Saturday from 7AM-9AM.
This position will share hosting duties, rotating every other week and is open to residents of the Seattle area as well as The Bay area.
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To apply, visit kexp.org/jobs
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To listen to Sounds of Survivance, visit kexp.org/indigenous
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For questions, feel free to contact kevinsur@kexp.org
DJ Kevin Sur (he/him) – @kevinsur
Sounds of Survivance | Saturdays 7-9am PST | Listen Here
Call For Poets: Bring Original Poetry Into A Shared Community Space
The City of Bainbridge Island is seeking poets to be part of an exciting public art project that will bring original poetry into a shared community space. This opportunity invites poets to submit a portfolio of their work for review, with the goal of selecting voices that reflect creativity, diversity, and a strong sense of place. In the second phase of the project, up to ten poets will be chosen to create a new, original poem based on specific project criteria (outlined here), each receiving a $50 honorarium for their contribution. From these submissions, three poems by adult poets and one poem by a high school student will be selected for final inclusion in the public art installation, with each of those poets receiving $500. This is a unique opportunity to have your work experienced by a broad public audience while being recognized and supported as a contributing artist.
In 1998, an art installation was commissioned for Bainbridge Island City Hall’s Council Chambers. The piece consists of alternating shiny aluminum and rusty steel floor-to-ceiling panels. A description of the work reads, “Inlaid within [the] rusty panels are shiny aluminum shapes of vegetation typical of Bainbridge Island: rhododendron, salal, sword fern, bracken fern, and cattails. Alder and maple leaves seem to float down the panels. All were here long before the settlers and are still here now.” A timeline of Bainbridge Island history is affixed in gold vinyl letters on the four aluminum panels. The events on this timeline describe some significant moments in Bainbridge Island’s history, but there are also many missing narratives.
In 2016, the City’s Indigenous People’s Day resolution called for modifying the existing timeline art in Council Chambers to be more inclusive and representative of Indipino and Suquamish histories.
In the spirit of that directive, and at the recommendation of a diverse group of community members consisting of the original artist; arts professionals; and the Indipino, Suquamish, Asian American, African American, Latine, Disability, Interfaith, and LGBTQ community; the City Council in 2025 authorized the replacement of the timeline with commissioned poetry reflecting an inclusive representation of history, identities, experiences, and the natural environment of Bainbridge Island.
Deadline to apply: June 10, 2026
Application Details
2026 BRAVA Awards – $15K Prize for Native Artist
Applications now open for 2026 BRAVA Awards!
$15K for Native American / First Nations Artist
“BIMA Recognizes Achievement in the Visual Arts” (BRAVA) Awards honor exceptional contemporary artists, craftspeople, or makers whose work demonstrates artistic excellence, technical mastery, and meaningful contributions to the arts community. This year, the awards will be presented in four categories – Native, Emerging Artist, Artists’ Books, and Ceramics – recognizing individual achievement and the broader impact these artists have had on the arts landscape.
The BRAVA Award for Native American & First Nations Artist supports the work of contemporary visual artists and craftspeople who self-identify as Native American and/or First Nations. The award is open to Salish-area artists working in a variety of disciplines, including but not limited to painting, sculpture, weaving, textile, carving, printmaking, photography, video, performance art, beading, installation, pottery, and mixed media or collaborative projects. Artists may work in both contemporary and traditional styles and content.
Click here for more details and info on how to apply.
Deadline: Applications are open now through May 18, 2026
