As we reflect on a transformative year at yəhaw̓ Indigenous Creatives Collective, we are filled with gratitude for the supporters, artists, and community members who have journeyed with us. In 2024, our commitment to rematriating 1.5 acres of land in South Seattle, on Coast Salish territories, flourished through art, relationships, and shared experiences. Our mission remains steadfast: to enhance Indigenous well-being through creative expression and community building.
We recognize the challenges that many in our community are facing and understand that feelings of fatigue and uncertainty are prevalent, especially during the winter season. Together, we will continue to build a foundation of hope and resilience as we move forward into the new year.
A Year in Review:
Community Engagement: Welcomed over 1150 visitors to the land and hosted over 50 events, including art exhibitions, performances, and workshops that spotlight local talent.
Creative Growth: Launched our on-site arts programming, including our inaugural creative residency, providing essential resources and support for artists at varying stages of their careers.
Infrastructure Improvements: Built an ADA-accessible outdoor bathroom, ADA house ramp, bead library and garden beds, enhancing our space for community gatherings and artistic endeavors.
Land Stewardship: Planted over 400 native plants, contributing to the ecological restoration of our land.
Expansion of Resources: Acquired a neighboring house, allowing us to offer free space for BIPOC organizations, fostering collaboration and community-led initiatives.
2024 TEAM
Asia Tail: Executive Director
Mikaela Shafer: Storytelling Lead
Mel Carter: Development Lead
Shameka Gagnier: Land Programming Lead
Board of Directors: Paige Pettibon, Lindsay Goes Behind
Vision & Impact
At yəhaw̓, we center the voices of women, LQBTQ2S individuals, and youth in all our initiatives. Through mentorship and artistic practice, we aim to build sustainable connections within our communities. As a Native and women-led organization, we are proud to be one of the few in the Pacific Northwest focusing on land rematriation, art, and culture.
ART
Our art initiatives are designed to uplift Indigenous voices, celebrate diverse artistic practices, and foster connections among artists and community members. We strive to create spaces where artists can share their stories, engage in meaningful collaboration, and explore innovative ways to connect. This section showcases our recent art accomplishments, including exhibitions, creative residencies, and community projects
ʔálʔal Café Shows
Despite the recent closure of the ʔálʔal Café, our partnership with Chief Seattle Club continues to live on through our record of the exhibitions we showcased in their now-closed space over the past 2 years.
2024 Artists:
Kimberly Saladin (Muckleshoot): Kimberly created a series of artworks depicting canoers on their journeys across the Salish Sea. Water, a symbol of our origins and our futures, guides us onward.
Ty Juvinel (Tulalip): Ty crafted a series of carved paddles and a painted drum that honor our animal relatives, celebrating their presence as they usher in the season across Coast Salish lands and waters.
Native Vote Posters
In collaboration with the Native Action Network and Native Vote Washington, we launched a project aimed at increasing awareness and participation in Native voting. 3 impactful posters were developed to promote Native voting by artists Jack George (Yakima), Steph Littlebird (Grand Ronde), and Kitana Connelly (Grand Ronde). The posters were distributed during various Native Vote events, reinforcing our commitment to supporting Native voices. Additionally, the posters were distributed to numerous libraries and community organizations with the help of librarian Sara Peté including:
Magnolia Branch Library (SPL)
Little Boston Library
Manson Community Library, NCW Libraries
Moses Lake Public Library
Mount Baker Jr/Sr High Library
Mountlake Terrace Library
North Seattle College Library
Northwest Indian College Lummi Library
Norwood Cole Library, Skagit Valley College
Pateros Public Library, NCW Libraries
Pierce County Library System
Quincy Public Library
Shoreline Community College Library
South Puget Sound Community College Library
Spokane Community College Library
Squaxin Island Tribal Museum and Library (received multiple sets for community distribution)
Tacoma Public Library (all 8 branches)
Timberland Regional Library (multiple sets)
West End branches of the North Olympic Library System
Yakama Nation Library
Creative Residencies
At yəhaw̓ Indigenous Creatives Collective, our creative residencies provide artists with dedicated studio space within our home, fostering an environment that encourages inspiration and growth. Throughout their residency, artists receive social media promotion and support to help elevate their visibility as they create a body of work.
https://yehawshow.com/landresidency.
Owen Oliver (Quinault / Isleta Pueblo) Residency: 2024
Project Focus: Owen composed a hybrid essay that amplifies the yəhaw̓ land by incorporating Salish and Chinook knowledge systems, exploring themes of wellness, language, and historical context. The essay reflects on the early history of the land and envisions kinship's future in urban Seattle.
Event Attendance: The event gathered a community of 60 people.
Promotional Reach: Our promotional posts and reels reached over 2,500 views and garnered 333 likes, showcasing strong community engagement.
Elise Bill-Gerrish (Muckleshoot ) Residency: 2024-2025
Project Goals: Elise is crafting a series of wool skirts to gift to several significant Native women in her life. Alongside this, she will write a scholarly article to narrate the importance of this project, connecting it to cultural reclamation and the impact of intergenerational trauma.
Stay tuned for her residency presentation in early 2025.
Community
By prioritizing Indigenous-led initiatives and promoting sustainable practices, we aim to create a space where individuals can learn, grow, and celebrate culture together. We are grateful for the continued support from our community and partners, which enables us to make a meaningful impact as we nurture and build community.
Workshops
"yəhaw̓ helped me make my first baby steps on a weaving journey with two workshops taught by the incredible fiber artist Celeste Whitewolf. I created my humble basket offering woven from ivy under Celeste's generous guidance. The ivy was gathered from the land where yəhaw̓ sits, and we learned to process the ivy for weaving from Celeste's husband, Ron. It was a gorgeous two days filled with tons of stories and laughter. I can't wait to keep practicing what I've learned. I have so much gratitude to Celeste and yəhaw̓ for making space for everyone to learn and create together." — Michelle McCrary
Celeste Whitewolf’s (Confederated Tribes of Umatilla) Ivy Weaving Workshop:
Participants had the opportunity to learn the art of basket weaving using invasive English Ivy, a practice that not only helps our native plants flourish but also transforms reclaimed materials into something beautiful and purposeful.
Britt Rynearson's (Confederated Tribes of the Colville) Kinship Circles Workshop:
On September 7th, from 10 AM to 2 PM, artist Britt Rynearson led a workshop creating small hanging sculptures using land-based materials such as cedar, juniper, abalone, and buffalo bone beads. Participants were invited to share stories about their kinship circles, with the resulting objects symbolizing our shared narratives and the dynamic evolution of our communities.
Cynthia Masterson's (Comanche) Beading Circles and Beaded Snowflake Workshop:
Cynthia, a self-taught beadworker specializing in off-loom bead weaving with Czech seed beads, hosted 2 beading circles and a beaded snowflake workshop. Her work has garnered recognition in multiple museum exhibitions, and she is an accomplished fellow with the First Peoples Fund.
Bead Library
The Bead Library initiative, conceptualized by Cynthia Masterson (Comanche), aims to foster community connections through the art of beading:
Installation Date: September 2024
Goals: Beading has been a cherished practice among Indigenous peoples for thousands of years, serving as a means of recording cultural knowledge, telling stories, and healing. Our bead circles are designed to provide spaces for sharing, connection, and learning about one another and the land. We hope this bead library opens the door for many to explore the art of beading and its cultural significance.
Through these initiatives, yəhaw̓ continues to celebrate and uplift Indigenous creativity while fostering meaningful community connections and cultural pride. We are incredibly thankful for the support that has made these accomplishments possible and look forward to expanding our impact in the future.
Kubota Gardens
Kubota Garden is a 20-acre Japanese garden located next to yəhaw̓ in Rainier Beach, originally started by Fujitaro Kubota, a Japanese emigrant who purchased the land adjacent to us in 1927. At that time, the land was described as “logged-off swampland,” and Fujitaro began transforming it into a nursery on behalf of a "white friend" due to restrictive land ownership laws that banned Japanese immigrants from purchasing property. The Alien Land Law of 1921 prohibited Asians from renting, leasing, or buying land, forcing Japanese entrepreneurs to collaborate with supportive Caucasians who technically acquired the land for them while employing them as ‘managers.’
In 1987, Kubota Garden became a public park, now stewarded by Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Kubota Garden Foundation. Through our volunteer work parties, we have built relationships with the dedicated volunteers and Master Gardeners who care for the gardens. This collaboration has helped clarify our shared goals for environmental protection, growth, and experimentation. We are excited to continue strengthening our connections with local communities and creating spaces where everyone can thrive.
Events in Our Space
We are excited to offer our space for community use, free of charge for BIPOC groups that align with our values.
Who Can Use the Space?
BIPOC groups that support our mission.
How Groups Have Used the Space:
Chilkat weaving class
QTBIPOC co-working
Craft circles
Youth gatherings
Food pantries
Team building
Artist residencies
Storytelling sessions
Reiki workshops
Kickbacks
We have hosted 32 events since June, collaborating with the following organizations:
Policy Link
Cherokee Community of Puget Sound
Super Familia
Golden Bricks Events
Seattle Fandango Project
RVC Seattle
Alphabet Alliance of Color
Surge Reproductive Justice
Raven's Tail Weavers
Green Seattle / Futures Rising
Cascadia Poetry Lab
Henry Art Museum
Gabriela
Powerful Voices
WA BLOC
Various individual artists and grassroots groups
These events have created valuable opportunities for collaboration and connection within our community.
Sawhorse Revolution
Our collaboration with Sawhorse Revolution focuses on designing an outdoor community space that promotes food sovereignty through planting, processing produce, making medicine, and cooking. Currently, nine youth participants meet weekly for ten sessions from October to December of 2024, where they engage in hands-on learning and share their insights.
The program features guidance from architects and design professionals, along with two Native artists, Jen Wood (Yupik) and Kim Deriana (Mandan and Hidatsa), who lead design exercises and share their experiences. The designs created by the youth this winter will be brought to life through construction in the spring, empowering them with valuable knowledge and skills in sustainable practices.
We’re excited to see the creativity and innovation of our youth in action! Stay tuned for updates and photos from the sessions.
Yəhaw̓ Team Community Engagement
Our team is deeply engaged in our communities, actively participating in various workshops, volunteer opportunities, and initiatives that strengthen our connections and support Indigenous arts and culture. As a team, we visited Rose Island Farm for a volunteer day, where we assisted in assembling medicinal tea bags. Here are some of the ways our team is involved in our communities individually.
Asia’s Engagement:
Asia does freelance art consulting, working with groups like Na’ah Illahee Fund on kid’s activities and vending at the 8th Generation Market. She serves on Seattle’s Indigenous Advisory Council and will be joining 4Culture’s board in 2025. This year, Asia also provided curatorial services for the WNBA team the Seattle Storm and participated on advisory panels for the Gates Foundation, Seattle Convention Center, and others.
Mel’s Engagement:
Mel is a visual artist, spending the past couple of years beginning glasswork at Pratt Fine Arts Center, recently completing a visiting artist residency at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma. They are also pursuing a Fundraising Certificate course at the University of Washington as they move into their development role, and are working towards their first solo show in 2025.
Mikalea’s Engagement:
Mikaela has contributed to the Shoalwater Bay community by teaching a workshop and has participated in the Native Action Network Advocacy Bootcamp. She served on the curatorial team for the Coast Salish Museum of Fine Arts and the 16th Annual Native Arts Exhibit at SPSCC, was recognized with the Native Arts and Culture LIFT award and serves as Co-Chair of the Olympia Cultural Access Advisory Board.
Land & Home
At yəhaw̓ Indigenous Creatives Collective, our commitment to rematriating the land goes beyond physical improvements; it embodies a dedication to nurturing relationships, cultural practices, and community well-being. We recognize the importance of caring for our home, fostering a safe, inclusive environment for BIPOC communities, particularly our Native neighbors. By creating spaces for connection, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, we aim to strengthen our community's resilience and safeguard our shared cultural heritage.
Through our land stewardship efforts and community initiatives, we are driven by our belief that caring for the land is intrinsically linked to caring for our people. By planting native species, hosting workshops, and facilitating land care days, we are actively cultivating a deep sense of responsibility towards the land and one another.
We have welcomed over 1000 visitors to our Rainier Beach site, guiding guests through our 1.5 acres of Indigenous land. During these tours, participants have the opportunity to learn about various native plants, their ecological significance, and their cultural uses. We also share the rich history of the land, fostering an understanding of its importance to Indigenous communities.
Land Care Days in Collaboration with The Common Acre
Hands on the Land Day Event Highlights:
Over 80 attendees
Pulled invasive plants and established a worm bin for soil health.
Participants learned about mushroom and sunflower planting techniques, as well as making oxymels.
Completed a soil remediation area and laid pathways for accessibility.
Food provided by Olivia Ford (Nisqually).
Roots and Resilience Land Care Day Event Highlights:
Participants cared for land serving our Indigenous community.
The Common Acre led a camas and chocolate lily bulb planting workshop.
Laila Suidan and Melchor Vendiola (Swinomish) collaborated to design a Native hedgerow.
Children enjoyed face painting from Superfamilia youth.
Pi Allen (Nez Perce) served as MC.
Plant and gardening initiatives
As our commitment to caring for the land, we planted over 400 new plants this year, including seedlings started at Rainier Beach Urban Farms and Wetlands Greenhouse. Our garden beds feature a variety of plants, generously gifted by our community, including:
Hopi red dye amaranth and Coos tobacco from Sara Siestreem
Marigolds, fragrant sweet peas, and borage from Mick Rose, the Native American Youth and Family Center, and volunteer Marissa
Job's tears, Buffalo Gourds, and rattlesnake master from the Cherokee Nation
Camas and comfrey from Catherine Cross Uehara
Heritage corn from La Paloma
Cherokee Trail of Tears beans from Emma
Various beans from Lorna
Strawberries and milkweed from Juan Pena
Rosemary from Mary
Sweetgrass, lemon balm, tobacco, and sage from Canoe Journey Herbalists
Additional camas, Japanese maples, western asters, and yarrow from Jueqian and Michael and Veronica Project Space
Cedar from Colleen
Numerous trees and native plants from Shameka Gagnier
In June, we established a soil remediation area during the Common Acre's "Hands on the Land" day, planting sunflowers known for their ability to absorb contaminants. Additionally, we will ensure that contaminated plants are disposed of properly to avoid recycling toxins back into the soil. This winter hundreds of plants were added by Shameka and the Common Acre team to form a Native hedgerow and prevent erosion by the creek.
Our Forest Stewardship Plan, written by Jose Narvaja, outlines our upcoming weed remediation work for the next year.
This comprehensive approach to land stewardship strengthens our ecological efforts and enhances the biodiversity of our community's environment.
Infrastructure Developments
“I would like to have a safe space to gather with other Indigenous people to continue to grow relationally. I am so grateful for yəhaw̓ and how connected I have been since my first time meeting with the other artists, especially as a youth.” —Survey Participant
In our ongoing efforts to create a safe, welcoming space for our BIPOC community, we’ve made several important infrastructure improvements:
Composting Toilet: An ADA-accessible toilet was constructed with the help of volunteers, ensuring a clean and safe environment for all who join us on the land.
Food Sovereignty Shed: In partnership with Sawhorse Revolution and local students, we are planning the construction of a food sovereignty flex space, outdoor kitchen, teaching area aimed for completion by Spring 2025. This kitchen will serve as a space for the community to gather, learn, and engage in food sovereignty practices.
House Repairs: Made significant repairs to ensure our facilities are welcoming and functional for community use, thanks in large part to Mel's building of the tables, design of the space, and selection of furnishings. Repairs and upgrades include:
Fresh painting to revitalize our spaces.
Completed asbestos abatement and removed soiled insulation.
Constructed an ADA accessibility ramp to enhance mobility and access for all visitors.
Added work tables and created an herb drying room.
Developed a multi-use conference room to facilitate community gatherings, workshops, and meetings.
Received a generous donation of housewares from our friends at Kubota Gardens, including handmade ceramics and items from their office space.
Removed the chainlink fence and planted a native hedgerow to create a more welcoming entrance to the land.
Added amenities such as an outdoor fireplace, heater, tables, and chairs to enhance the space.
History Project
The History Project, compiled by Vee Hua as part of their Master's in Tribal Resource and Environmental Stewardship, serves as an essential exploration of the historical context surrounding the land stewarded by yəhaw̓ Indigenous Creatives Collective. This initiative highlights the intersection of Indigenous values with environmental stewardship, shedding light on the site's rich history and the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities.
Throughout the project, Vee discovered significant insights regarding the land's historical ownership, which dates back to the mid-1800s, revealing how settler-colonial practices enabled certain individuals to exert control over land and natural resources for wealth accumulation. Notably, the project details how the site has preserved its integrity against at least two significant construction projects, largely due to grassroots organizing by concerned residents committed to protecting the land.
One of the most impactful moments for Vee came from investigating studies related to Mapes Creek—adjacent to the property—which raised questions about its potential to support fish habitats. This inquiry aligns with the Muckleshoot Tribe's public stance against development, emphasizing the enduring connection between Indigenous communities and their ancestral lands, along with the challenges posed by human alterations to the natural environment.
The Numbers
In this section, we provide a snapshot of our community impact through key metrics, social media engagement, and funding achievements. This overview highlights our collective efforts in supporting Indigenous and BIPOC artists while showcasing the community's active participation in our programs. Our social media performance reflects a growing interest in our initiatives, particularly in Indigenous language and cultural issues.
This data highlights the growth and engagement of yəhaw̓ Indigenous Creatives Collective within the community and the impact of our programs and initiatives. As we continue to expand our reach, we remain committed to uplifting Indigenous voices and fostering meaningful connections within our BIPOC community.
The Future
As we move into 2025, our commitment to enhancing arts and cultural programs will be a central focus, driven by community feedback and our newfound accessibility to the land. From our recent survey, we’ve heard a strong desire for a variety of initiatives, including arts and culture workshops, traditional plant and ecological knowledge sessions, culture nights featuring beading circles, artist residencies and talks, land-based public art installations, and First Foods Feasts. By prioritizing these offerings, we aim to foster deeper connections within our community, celebrate Indigenous traditions, and create dynamic spaces for creativity and learning on our land.
Goals and plans for 2025
Implement a comprehensive Bioremediation Plan with Olympia-based nonprofit Metamimicry.
Expand and enhance arts programming, including the rebuilding of our dilapidated on-site greenhouse.
Organize field trips to partner sites and collaborate with BIPOC farms.
Develop gardens and land art spaces to promote food sovereignty and community engagement.
Create a community-engaged design plan for the arts center, focusing on visioning and architectural plans.
Prioritize Mapes Creek restoration over the next two years, supported by a $175K grant from King County for land and water flood reduction.
Support more artists with the following programs:
Art + Ecology workshops.
Monthly culture nights.
Creative residencies.
A dance showcase.
Expanded Indigenous Creatives Roster.
Paid Workdays and open hours.
Free BIPOC space rentals.
“I'm filled with excitement as we embark on shaping the next phase of yəhaw̓. The recent land purchase signifies our commitment to listening deeply to the land and the Indigenous art community and understanding their needs and desires. This moment is about dreaming up a future steeped in Indigenous wisdom and laying a resilient foundation that honors Indigenous cultural values. We serve many different cultures and we strive to hold space for their considerations and perspectives. We want folks to feel seen, heard, and valued.” — Paige Pettibon, yəhaw̓ Board
