All the way from Bdé Óta Othúŋwe, Mní Sóta (Minneapolis, Minnesota), musician and educator Justis BrokenRope (Sičháŋǧu Lakȟóta), is coming to the Circle of Indigenous People!
Justis is the founder of Wathéča Records, a North American Indigenous music archival project which seeks to ensure the preservation and accessibility of overlooked American Indian and First Nations artists in the histories of rock, folk, and country music.
Have a question? Please contact [email protected]
Join Cooper “the Hooper” Nez, Irish and Diné (Kinłichii’nii, born for the Redhouse clan), this year at the Circle of Indigenous People! This will be Cooper’s first time performing in Seattle, WA. Originally from Kayenta, AZ, Cooper has begun traveling to community events in the Southwest and Beyond. He is 12 years old and in the 6th grade. Cooper has been hoop dancing for over 3 years and has danced at various local Phoenix community events, as well as traveling to events in Portland, Oregon and Santa Fe, New Mexico. In 2024 and 2025, he placed in the top 10 at the Santa Fe Youth Hoop Dance competition. In February 2026, Cooper placed second in the Heard World Championship Hoop Dance Competition Youth Division in Phoenix, AZ. Cooper enjoys being able to learn and share his culture through the storytelling of hoop dance.
Questions? Please contact [email protected]
We are less than two weeks away from the Circle of Indigenous People! Join us at this annual celebration of the vibrancy and diversity of Indigenous talent. Enjoy 4 days packed full of Indigenous vendors, artists, musicians, performers, and more –Please scan the QR code on the flyer to see our weekend schedule.
Have a question? Please contact [email protected]
Dear Unkitawa community, we cannot accept day-of vendors at this year’s Folklife Festival. Due to Festival requirements, all vendors must be preregistered. Our open call for vendors is closed at this time but be on the lookout for future opportunities to vend with us!
Han mitakuyapi,
please join us in June for our Swing into Summer event! Make your own tea blend, wrap medicine bundles, and have lunch! We will also have plant starts!
Thank you @heronsnestoutdoor@seattleindianhealthboard for joining us for the event!
Han mitakuyapi,
We are excited about our upcoming Summer Meals Program in partnership with Tocabe. Please email [email protected] to start your registration form.
Spots are limited and Indigenous youth families involved in Unkitawa programming have priority. Families will be notified of their youth(s) enrollment by the end of May.
Completing the registration form does not guarantee program enrollment. Thank you for your understanding and interest!
Join the Northwest Folklife Volunteer Community!
/support/volunteer.html
Seeking volunteers year-round and for the Northwest Folklife Festival from May 22–25, 2026
Experience a vibrant world of music, dance, craft, storytelling, and community spirit while helping make the arts accessible to all. Northwest Folklife is a free festival, sustained by donations, with volunteers playing a vital role in bridging gaps, ensuring that everyone can participate without financial barriers.
Jacquie Daniels, Cree-Métis Outlaw country musician, will be joining us at the Circle of Indigenous People at Northwest Folklife Festival this year! Jacquie Daniels is a force to be reckoned with in modern country music. A proud Cree-Métis outlaw country artist rooted in the heritage of the historic Red River Settlement, she merges tradition with a rebellious, cinematic edge that captivates audiences and defies expectations. Known for her commanding voice, dynamic stage presence, and fearless storytelling, Daniels embodies the spirit of true outlaw country—gritty, resilient, and unapologetically independent.
Questions? Please contact [email protected]
Come see Joe Rainey this year at The Circle of Indigenous People! Joe Rainey is a Pow Wow singer and a member of the Red Lake Ojibwe Nation. His debut album Niineta showcases a deep respect for his craft, blending his powerful vocals with the experimental electronic production of Andrew Broder. His latest musical group, Bizhiki, released the album Unbound in 2024. Joe Rainey will be performing throughout the weekend on Unkitawa’s stage and at Daybreak Star Radio’s Folklife Showcase.
Questions? Please contact [email protected]
We are less than two weeks away from the Circle of Indigenous People! Join us at this annual celebration of the vibrancy and diversity of Indigenous talent. Enjoy 4 days packed full of Indigenous vendors, artists, musicians, performers, and more –Please scan the QR code on the flyer to see our weekend schedule.
Have a question? Please contact [email protected]
Calling all Indigenous Creatives! Have a poem, song, or story to share? Join us after our Indigenous Welcoming at the Unkitawa stage on Friday, May 22nd. Registration opens at 5:30PM, and the Open Mic, hosted by local Native musician JP Falcon, starts at 6PM. Bring your talent and bring a friend!
