Tribal Relations

A group of Native American women in Jingle Dresses with hands raised

Project and Event Highlights

Lhaq’temish-ew’xw ets’e Xwlemi’ - House of Healing

The House of Healing rendering showing the front of the building clad in brown siding with an archway made of logs at the front door

Opening Celebration
Thursday, May 14, 2026 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Fraser Lecture Series

Knowledge from the Blackfoot Confederacy
Nitsipowahsin: Breath of Our Ancestors

May 19-22, 2026

Past Events

2025 Spring Powwow

Past Event

Hosted by the Blackhawk Singers and the WWU Native American Student Union on May 10, 2025 in Carver Gym.

2024 Spring Powwow

Powwow poster, with bold text and mixed media illustrations of two native Americans

Past Event

Hosted by the WWU Native American Student Union and Office of Tribal Relations, the Coastal Jam and Powwow was held on Saturday, May 4, 2024 in Carver Gym.

2023 Spring Powwow

Striking Native American graphic artwork of four eagles in alternating red and black forming intricate circular design on a white background.

Past Event

Hosted by the Lhaq'temish and the WWU Native American Student Union, the Coastal Jam and Powwow was held on Western's Campus on May 5-6, 2023.

The Boldt Decision at 50: Looking Back and Planning Forward Speakers Panel

A wood block print of a salmon and the text 50th Anniversary Boldt Decision Panel

Past Event

To commemorate the anniversary of the Boldt Decision, Western Washington University hosted a Speakers Panel featuring several regional Coast Salish leaders to discuss the history of the Boldt Decision and its current application. The speakers will also consider the potential future impacts of this decision in its next impactful 50 years.

Hidden Silence

Past Event

In this roundtable held on April 6, 2023, speakers Bev Sellars (Xat’sull First Nation), Hollie Mackey (Northern Cheyenne), and Anna Lees (Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa) addressed the long-term impacts of residential and boarding schools for Native people in the U.S. and Canada.