After two long years, Na’ah Illahee Fund’s cherished Blue Jay Festival returned as the “Blue Jay Brings Back the Moon” on Saturday, October 8th. Celebrating Indigenous community brilliance and resilience, the event was an opportunity for relatives and friends to connect and share a traditional meal once again.
We gathered in the familiar and welcoming atmosphere of Daybreak Star Center. The evening of celebration included a panel discussion by youth members of our Summer Land Restoration Cohort, a traditional dinner of roasted elk and wild mushrooms, screen printing with artist Talia Antone and a linocut art activity with artist Eileen Jimenez. The evening of reunion concluded with a presentation of Na’ah Illahee Fund’s 2022 Spirit of Indigenous Leadership Award to Shameka Gagnier. We honor them and are grateful for all they do for our community.
We would like to extend a generous THANK YOU to Shawn Peterson (Nuu-chah-nulth) Na’ah Illahee’s Community Partnerships Manager and Yireidi Valencia-Martinez (Hñähñu-Otomi Nation), our Youth Program Coordinator for their combined hard work planning and organizing this event. We also raise our hands to Na’ah Illahee’s tireless staff and Board of Directors for all of their support. Thank you to the Seattle Foundation, Gates Foundation, United Way of King County, United Indians of all Tribes Foundation, Black Star Farmers, Black Farmers Collective, and Charlie’s Produce for honoring and supporting our celebration.
Celebrating our Indigenous community’s brilliance and resilience has strengthened our dedication to the regeneration of strong Indigenous communities and to bring balance and a renewed connection to the land. Together we can ensure transformative change for our Indigenous people.