Seattle Center Festál: Spirit of Indigenous People promotes the value of all Native Americans, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, May 30, in Seattle Center Armory and Mural Amphitheatre. Traditional and contemporary music and dance speak to the world’s rich indigenous cultures, while native storytellers share the history and lore of their people.
Spirit of Indigenous People returns to Seattle Center for a sixth year celebrating American Indian and Alaska Native cultures. The 21st annual SpiritWalk accompanies the festival, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Mural Amphitheatre. Olympic gold medalist Billy Mills joins walkers as they travel from Seattle Center to Myrtle Edwards Park and back.
A traditional pow wow at the Mural Amphitheatre runs throughout the day, showcasing Native performers in both coastal and plains dances. Indoor activities include a variety of traditional and contemporary performances on the Armory Stage, an exhibition of work by Native artists and workshops on dream catchers and beadwork. Native artisans will offer artwork, carvings and other unique arts and crafts pieces.
A meet and greet with Native filmmakers and actors in the Armory Lofts complements screenings of Native films at SIFF Film Center and Cinema Uptown. Films include Heather Rae’s “Trudell,” a portrait of Native American activist and spoken-word artist John Trudell, the U.S. premiere of Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers’ “Bihttoš,” and James Napier Robertson’s “The Dark Horse,” about bipolar speed chess champion Genesis Potini and his positive impact on the lives of 15,000 Maori children.
Seattle Center Festál is a program of Seattle Center Productions. Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on Spirit of Indigenous People and other Seattle Center public programming, click on Seattle Center or call 206 684-7200.
