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Spirit of Indigenous People, June 25

Colorful regalia, rhythmic dance and storytelling preserve the sacred and promote the value of indigenous ancestries throughout the world at Seattle Center Festál:  Spirit of Indigenous People, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, June 25, at Seattle Center Armory and Mural Amphitheatre.

Spirit of Indigenous People returns to Seattle Center for a seventh year celebrating American Indian, Alaska Native and First Nations cultures. The 22nd annual SpiritWalk – Walk for Native Health precedes the festival, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Mural Amphitheatre. Walkers travel to Myrtle Edwards Park and back to Seattle Center to raise funds for Native community, social, educational, artistic and health programs.

The one-day festival presents Alaska Kuteeya, Haida Laas and Sngagim Axasniikangin dance groups in full ceremonial dress accompanied by live drumming, along with musical performances by Native flautist, teacher and carver Peter Ali and Native singer Rona Yellow Robe. Native storytelling with Roger Fernandes immerses guests in this powerful art form. A traditional Pow Wow begins at 1 p.m. with a grand entry at Mural Amphitheatre and includes exhibition dances, drum contests and an invitation for festival-goers of all ages to join the fun.

A Native Art Mart offers a diverse display of paintings, carvings, sculptures and designs highlighting artistic achievement. An exhibition of stories, documentaries and canoes shares the beauty and richness of Native canoe journeys. A dynamic marketplace offers delicious fry bread, tacos and other specialties, along with handcrafted silver jewelry, beaded items and dreamcatchers created by Native artisans.

Seattle Center Festál is a program of Seattle Center Productions. Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206 684-7200. Learn more about Seattle Center Festál:  Spirit of Indigenous People at:  www.sihb.org.