Seattle's Namesake Tribe, Unrecognized: A MOHAI Film Night

November is Native American Heritage Month, giving timely urgency to a question Seattle rarely confronts: the Duwamish Tribe still lacks federal recognition. The half-hour documentary traces this long campaign through archival records, lived experience, and public art battles. Ken Workman, a tribal council member and a 5th generation grandson of Chief Seattle, appears in person alongside filmmaker BJ Bullert, followed by a talk moderated by The Seattle Times's Jean Sherrard.

The screening starts at 7 pm in the Faye G. Allen Grand Atrium, followed immediately by the talk. ASL interpretation and CART captioning run throughout, the film features closed captions, and assistive listening devices are available. Tickets sit on a sliding scale from free to fifty dollars, with advance registration strongly advised. If seats sell out, visit MOHAI's permanent exhibits or take a reflective evening stroll along Lake Union Park's waterfront.

MOHAI stands at 860 Terry Ave N, at the south end of Lake Union, and Lake Union Park spreads along the water beside it. November evenings on the water go dark early and cold, and a coat belongs in the plan. Take the short path down to the shoreline after the talk and watch the lights come on along the lake's north shore and at Gas Works across the water. It fits anyone who lives here and has never asked where the name came from.