Every November, Native American Heritage Month invites us to honor the histories, modern day cultures, and ongoing leadership of Indigenous peoples across the United States. Here in the San Juan Islands and the greater Salish Sea, this month carries a particularly deep meaning. The islands are the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary homelands of multiple Coast Salish Nations—lands and waters whose Indigenous caretakers have stewarded them since time immemorial and continue to do so today.
At Friends of the San Juans, this month resonates with our core value of Reverence for Interconnectedness:
Our actions are guided by a reverence for the stewardship of sovereign Tribal Nations and a shared responsibility for wildlife, plants, people, and the environment now and for generations to come.
This value is not just language; it is a practice. It shapes how we show up, who we learn from, and how we move forward as partners and listeners. Our work is strengthened by relationships with Tribal Nations of the San Juan Islands, and we remain committed to learning from Indigenous knowledge systems, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, and honoring Indigenous sovereignty.
Showing Up, Listening, and Learning This Month
Over the past month, our team had the privilege of attending and supporting several powerful Indigenous-led events and gatherings, each offering perspective, truth, and inspiration:
- Spirit of Water with Chenoa Egawa
We were honored to host Chenoa Egawa on San Juan Island for a week of school visits, community events, songs, and stories that highlighted cultural teachings about water, responsibility, and reciprocity.
- Netse Mot at the Paramount Theatre, hosted by Children of the Setting Sun
“One Mind, One Heart” brought together Indigenous leaders, artists, and community members for a stunning celebration of cultural resurgence, sovereignty, and unity.
- Gathering in HOPE: Learning and Healing Together Across Cultures in the Salish Sea & Beyond co-hosted by Western Washington University’s Center for Community Learning and Whiteswan Environmental
This gathering uplifted Indigenous-led restoration, healing, and environmental stewardship across the region—an essential reminder that environmental protection is inseparable from cultural survival and community well-being.
Each of these experiences deepened our understanding of how environmental work must be rooted in relationship, accountability, and listening. Be on the lookout for events near you.
Gratitude for This Work
We are deeply grateful to be part of an organization that prioritizes and invests in attending Indigenous-led conferences and gatherings—and that encourages our team to show up, learn, and support Tribal efforts whenever we are able. This commitment enriches our work, strengthens our partnerships, and honors the interconnectedness of all living beings in the Salish Sea.
As we reflect on Native American Heritage Month and continue this important work all year long, we invite our community to learn more about the Tribal Nations whose stewardship shapes this land and waterscape, and to continue supporting Indigenous-led efforts in conservation, cultural revitalization, youth programs, and environmental justice.
Thank you for being part of a community that recognizes that protecting the Salish Sea means honoring the people who have cared for it since time immemorial… and still do so today, and every day.