Spirit of Indigenous People Highlights North American Native Customs, Cultures and Contemporary Influences

The lively and colorful Seattle Center Festál: Spirit of Indigenous People provides a unique opportunity to experience a diversity of American Indian and Alaska Native tribal customs and culture as it focuses on traditional and contemporary music, dance, arts and crafts, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, June 24, in Seattle Center Armory and Mural Amphitheatre.

Spirit of Indigenous People joined the Festál series in 2011 to build better understanding and regard for Natives as the indigenous people of North America. A festival highlight is the Pow Wow Exhibition at Mural Amphitheatre, where visitors may experience diverse American Indian and Alaska Native tribal dances and rituals.

In 2017, the festival expands to include games and other activities for children 12 years of age and under, 12 p.m.-1 p.m., at the Mural Amphitheatre, A Native Regalia Showcase, 4 p.m. on the Seattle Center Armory Mainstage and a Native Film Festival, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., in the Armory Lofts.

The one-day event also features a full line-up of live music and dance on the Armory Mainstage including: RAndy Kimball, Native guitar and songwriter, 11 a.m.; Alaska Native dance group Haan Dei Ijiin, 12 p.m.; hoop dancers Ryan Yellowjohn, 1 p.m.; Haida Laas, Alaska Native dancer, 2 p.m.; and Paul Che Okten Wagner in Salish tribal dances at 3 p.m. The Mural Amphitheatre stage opens with Peter Ali on Native flute at 9:30 a.m.

Those seeking sustenance will find Price's Native Fry Bread, Off The Rez Native Food Truck and Native owned Pac Island Grill Hawaiian Food on the grounds. Those in search of items for purchase may choose from a range of Native specialty crafts, clothing, jewelry and prints in the Native Art Mart in the Armory.

In 2017, Seattle Center Festál celebrates 20 years of global music, dance, art, crafts, history, food and insight presented through a unique partnership among community organizations and Seattle Center. Festál provides a stage and platform for them to share their traditions, accomplishments and artistic expression. Festál events captivate and enlighten festival-goers as they experience the distinct cultures that shape the character and course of our broader community.

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

This illuminating series of 24 ethnic cultural festivals on weekends throughout the year seeks to connect people in ways that build understanding, dispel stereotypes and generate pride among the generations who participate in these shared experiences. Seattle Center Festál is produced with the generous support of KUOW 94.9 Public Radio, Coca-Cola, Alaska Airlines, T-Mobile, Wells Fargo, The Boeing Company, NW Folklife, 4Culture and ArtsWA. Additional support is provided by the City of Seattle and Seattle Center Foundation.

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