Seattle is the only major city in the United States named after a native chief. It has grown from a tribal center and logging town into an international engine of economic and cultural innovation. And since 2017, a City of Literature. Native storytelling traditions set our region on a narrative path that has coalesced into our identity as a center of creativity. It is time to celebrate the ingenious work of award winning and acclaimed Indigenous writers and storytellers in one spectacular night. Their creativity, ingenuity and talent has played an integral part into why UNESCO has designated Seattle as a City of Literature.
This event is a collaboration between We the Indigenous founder D.A. Navoti (Hopi, Zuni, Akimel O’otham, Yavapai-Apache) and Seattle City of Literature. It will be hosted by Brandi Douglas (Puyallup Tribe), with a welcoming and land acknowledgement from Ken Workman (Duwamish Tribe). Doors open at 5:30 PM and small snacks will be provided by Native Soul Cuisine until supplies run out. The House bar will be open to serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for purchase. Admission is offered on a sliding scale, from $0-$25. Revenue from ticket sales directly supports Hugo House’s mission to provide space for all to read words, hear words, and make their own words better. We encourage you to pick a ticket price that is right for you. More info: AWP | We the Indigenous: A Storytelling Celebration | Hugo House
Featured indigenous writers and storytellers
- Washington State Poet Laureate Rena Priest (Lhaq’temish Nation)
- Queer poet and folk artist Arianne True (Choctaw, Chickasaw)
- American Book Award winner Laura Da’ (Eastern Shawnee)
- Memorious co-founder and poet Rob Arnold (Chamoru)
- Pacific Review editor and poet Scott Bentley
- Truman Capote Literary fellow Sara Marie Ortiz (Acoma Pueblo)
- Pacific Northwest Book Award winner Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe (Upper Skagit, Nooksack Indian Tribe)
