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Katie HoganENVIR 22106, December 2011Place Paper Final Draft
Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center (1977-Present): Establishment and Influence
on Urban Seattle Native Americans
Adventurous visitors to Discovery Park often find themselves following signs to the
North cliffs, where the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center nests peacefully among the
coniferous trees. Twenty-two acres of Discovery Park in Magnolia are a dedicated habitat for
the Indian Cultural Center. The silence of this cliffside is freeing from the busy park center, and
a reminder of Northwest history. Resting safely in the sanctuary of Puget Sound, the cultural
center roots Native Americans back into their Seattle home after extreme eradication during
military control and the occupation of Fort Lawton. The Daybreak Star Center brought
recognition to Native American’s for the dedication and influence of culture that allows Seattle
to thrive economically and culturally. Understanding the powerful impacts resulting from the
community center requires close consideration of the goals and values intended for the
community. Through renewed citizen faith and determination, the creation of the diverse
educational and social center successfully revived the Pacific Northwest’s native culture.
Drastic changes to the landscape and ecosystems where the Daybreak Star Indian
Cultural Center now rests brought an end to subsistence lifesyles in this region, and instead
paved the path for innovative community-based opportunities. Once, the area was dense with
old-growth forests and fewer than a dozen Duwamish Tribe settlements disguised within the
surrounding trees.1 The soft, silty banks, connecting the forests with the bay, served as focal
points for Native American settlements.2 Healthy eel grass beds provided thick, lush habitats 1 Fiset, Louis, “Seattle Neighborhoods: Magnolia,” Cyberpedia Library, 2001, accessed November 12, 2011, http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&File_Id=3415. 2 Fiset, Louis, “Seattle Neighborhoods: Magnolia.”
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Katie HoganENVIR 22106, December 2011Place Paper Final Draft
supporting salmon populations and allowed natives to maintain a livelihood from regular fishing.
Hiding under the daily influx of tides, abundant resources of food included; clams, oysters, crabs,
shrimp, and mussels.3 Native American’s thrived on a section of wild land that proudly jetted
into the Puget Sound. However, Fort Lawton’s agrarian lifestyle and industrial practices left the
lush lands devoid of old growth forests and cleared the way for the succession of smaller, faster
growing trees and shrubs.4 The soft cliffsides eroded into the salty water and the surrounding
waterways suffered contamination of marine organisms as well as ecosystem degradation from
serving as large-scale passages for military vessiles. Pressures from colonists and the
uninhabitable conditions forced Native American’s to vacate the Seattle area.5 These changes
irreversibly disrupted the finely-tuned subsistence communities of Indians and resulted in the
destruction of age-old traditions.6 While the region is not healthy for subsistence purposes, the
landscape remains an influential part of Native American cultures and provides an ideal location
for a community base.
Due to severe degradation to the Puget Sound environment, the integrity and purpose of
the land differs greatly from that experienced by original native inhabitants. No longer can
Native Americans practice the way of life promised under original treaties with the United
States. Thus, Native American groups switched the focus to regaining land rights in order to
3 Thrush Coll, “City of the Changers," Pacific Historical Review 75.1 (2006): 89-117, accessed December 12, 2011, Jstor, doi: 10.1525/phr.2006.75.1.89.s.
4 Fiset, “Seattle Neighborhoods: Magnolia.”
5 Crowley, Walt and Quintard Taylor, “Seattle Neighborhoods- Past, Present, Future,” History Library, 2005, accessed November 12, 2011, http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=7196.
6 Thrush, “City of the Changers," 89-117.
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Katie HoganENVIR 22106, December 2011Place Paper Final Draft
establish a community institution. Enthusiastic supporters advocated for the creation of the
Daybreak Star Center with the common goal of reuniting and reviving Native American
communities and traditions. Not only were native’s facing unemployment rates close to forty
percent, Seattle failed to provide a community center for Native Indian’s to freely share and
practice creative, educated, and supportive lifestyles.7 The United Indians of All Tribes
Foundation (UIATF) lead the demonstration at Fort Lawton stemming from the inspiration to
construct a substantial home base for the large, Native American population in the Northwest.8
The building now stands as an Indian Cultural-Educational Center, and assists with establishing
cultural and financial sovereignty for Tribal members. The center fashioned an environment
dedicated to enhancing the well-being of all Seattle citizens through the revival and practice of
Native American traditions and beliefs.9
The reclaimation of land for the location of the Daybreak Star Center catalyzed
widespread support and awareness of Native American peoples. Native Americans began firmly
lobbying for control of this region during the 1970s, after being occupied by the military as Fort
Lawton since the turn of the 20th Century.10 Through persistent requesting, Native Americans
regained rights to twenty-two acreas of land in 1977 and established the long-awaited, Daybreak
7 "Daybreak Star Center," United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, accessed November 12, 2011, http://www.unitedindians.org/daybreak.html.
8 "About Us," United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, accessed November 12, 2011, http://www.unitedindians.org/about.html. 9 “About Us.”
10 Smith, Karen, "United Indians of All Tribes Meets the Press:News Coverage of the 1970 Occupation of Fort Lawton," Seattle Civil Rights & Labor History Project, 2006, http://depts.washington.edu/civilr/FtLawton_press.htm.
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Katie HoganENVIR 22106, December 2011Place Paper Final Draft
Star Indian Cultural Center. While many contenders argued that the United Indians should settle
for land outside of the city center in Indian Reservations, the Fort Lawton location provides a
tighter community setting with greater opportunity and diversity. In addition, the Puget Sound
coastal lands are embedded in Tribal history and many urban natives feel they should maintain
residency and ownership. The unwavering and dedicated attitude of local natives encouraged
community involvement. Native Indian’s began to feel support and recognition from nearly
every direction in the media. Immediate attention was given to the UIATF by the American
Indian Press, including Seattle’s local American Indian’s Women Service League (AIWSL).11
The AIWSL showed confidence in the United Indians of all Tribes by proclaiming their
accomplishment of “bringing the plight of urban Indians to the attention of officials and the
public”.12 Other local publications including the University of Washington Daily and The City
Collegian expressed gratitude to the Tribe’s for bringing awareness to the social inequalities of
Native Americans. 13 The UIATF also received attention nationally through several publications
in the New York Times and the appearance of supporter and actress Jane Fonda, at the Fort
Lawton demonstration.14 For the first time in Washington, the social and economic inequalities
of Native Americans received recognition.
Still, with lofty and widespread agreement in favor for the demands of the United
Indians, many organizations showed skepticism and avoided openly empathizing with the Tribes.
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer’s response to the actions of the UIATF states that “the city of
Seattle must bring all its citizens up to the same level if it is to progress as a community”.15 The
11 Smith, “United Indians of All Tribes Meets the Press.”12 Smith, “United Indians of All Tribes Meets the Press.”13 Smith, “United Indians of All Tribes Meets the Press.”14 Smith, “United Indians of All Tribes Meets the Press.”15 Smith, “United Indians of All Tribes Meets the Press.”
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Katie HoganENVIR 22106, December 2011Place Paper Final Draft
publication successfully refrains from clearly advocating for the Daybreak Star Center, and
instead shifts the subject to the broader, less controversial topic. Surprisingly, the UIATF
experienced minimal support and involvement from local Indian groups such as, the Small
Tribes Organization of Western Washington in Federal Way.16 This may be due to the fact that
many Indian organizations in Washington follow highly traditional ways and are less motivated
by activism.17 Any hesitancy to embrace the beliefs voiced by the UIATF spurred further critique
from other sources. Thus assumptions quickly formed, evident in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer’s
statement that Indians on local reservations lack sympathy toward the goals of their “urban
brothers”.18 A pattern of tactics formed, and press from around the world chose stances and
opinions that devalued the motives of the Fort Lawton Native American occupation.
Even yet, the frenzy of differing opinions about the Daybreak Star Center were
unsuccessful in discouraging the spirit of the United Indians. The unchanging and lasting postive
energy throughout the community resulted from the dedication of UIATF founder, Bernie
Whitebear. From the teachings and legends of Chief Seeathl, known as Chief Seattle, Whitebear
practiced patience and respect.19 The United Indians never lost hope, prospering from the belief
that Native American ancestors remain within the landscape for an eternity and provide
confidence and character to current Tribes. Whitebear continued to elevate the community to
soaring heights, demonstrating true leadership that equates him to a modern day Tribal Chief.20
16 Smith, “United Indians of All Tribes Meets the Press.”17 Smith, “United Indians of All Tribes Meets the Press.”18 Smith, “United Indians of All Tribes Meets the Press.”
19 Sheffield, Carrie, “Bernie Whitebear: An Urban Indian's Quest for Justice," Studies in American Indian literatures (2008): 106, accessed November 12, 2011, Muse, doi: 10.1353/ail.0.0030.
20 Sheffield, “Bernie Whitebear: An Urban Indian's Quest for Justice,” 106.
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Katie HoganENVIR 22106, December 2011Place Paper Final Draft
Whitebear stirred the crowd by pioneering community involvement and well-being. Along with
the permission to create the Daybreak Star Center, Whitebear is partly responsible for the
admired Discovery Park, standing as the largest recreational area in Seattle. 21 Thousands of
people continue to commemorate Whitebear’s accomplishments throughout Seattle’s Native
American community, most notably present in art work and the creation of the Bernie Whitebear
Ethno-botanical Garden.
Bernie Whitebear and the United Indians’ achievements are instantly apparent upon
entering the grounds of the Daybreak Star Center. The property is devoid of drastic signs
indicating an exhausted and infertile landscape. Peaceful passages carve the rich soil and
winding trails wrap around the forest growths. The presence of Barred and Great Horn Owls
towering overhead is evident from regular traces of droppings throughout the woods. Possibly,
the most curious and adventurous visitors may stumble upon the gem of the land and the heart of
restoration. Enclosed between a flourishing system of ponds, the Bernie Whitebear Ethno-
botanical Garden thrives in remembrance of a true Tribal Leader that brought significant social
awareness and change to Native American communites.22 To the unaware eye, the garden looks
natural and wild. However, when looked at closely, every aspect is designed to maximize the
garden’s funtion. This is a pure sign of immense love, knowledge, and dedication being practiced
on the land. The design is brilliant, utilizing hydrologic systems to promote growth of native
plants. Among these healthy native species is the Evergreen shrub, Salal. This highly adaptable
21 McRoberts, Patrick, “Whitebear, Bernie (1937-2000),” Cyberpedia Library, 2003, accessed November 12, 2011, http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&File_Id=5170.
22 “Daybreak Star Center.”
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Katie HoganENVIR 22106, December 2011Place Paper Final Draft
and traditional plant promotes nutrient cycling and acts a ground cover.23 Yet, Salal’s useful
functions were abandoned with the development of Seattle and is now almost exclusively
commodified for its place in decorative flower arrangements.24 Full acknowledgment for the
beautiful imprints left by Native American’s on the landscape and the creation of Seattle’s
culture has fallen short, just as Salal no longers serves a valuable function. Thus, the Daybreak
Star Center symbolizes and reminds visitors of the influence and economic stability provided by
Native Americans to the developed City of Seattle.
The Daybreak Star Center successfully reunites the urban Native American
community, and revives the values and cultures that facilitated Seattle’s rapid growth. Although
the life of the center roots from native practices, the opportunities provided are foreward-
thinking. Innovative and hybrid styles are shown in the building’s architecture, which
incorporates elements from both traditional art and modern structures. The key focus for the
Daybreak Star Center is equal opportunity education, providing children with the resources to
excel in school. The center is at the forefront for community education, offering the Head Start
educational program. Available at no cost to low-income families, this program aids in
developing youths from ages 3-5.25 This charitable program not only educates the youth, but
relieves economic and social stresses allowing single mothers or low-income families to create a
stable environment for their children. The center serves more than 25,000 Seattle community
members over the course of the year through family counseling, senior activites, and cultural
23 Thomson, Alan and Cocksedge, Wendy, “Salal (Gaultheria shallon) harvest: A plant architecture model," Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 54.2 (2006): 84-92, accessed November 12, 2011, Web of Science, doi: 10.1016/j.compag.2006.08.003.
24 Thomson and Cocksedge, “Salal (Gaultheria shallon) harvest: A plant architecture model," 84-92. 25 “Daybreak Star Center.”
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Katie HoganENVIR 22106, December 2011Place Paper Final Draft
celebrations.26 The celebration most well-known is the Seafair Indian Days Powwow. The
festival is vibrant, and features dancing, arts and crafts, and drum circles.27 The beautiful and
culturally accurate festivals and programs provided by the Daybreak Star Center strengthens the
connection between native and nonnative citizens.
While the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center does not equate to historical subsistence
practices and traditions of Native American Tribes, its implementation and values reunite the
community with indigenous customs. The current economic structures and environmental
conditions of Seattle do not support subsistence lifestyles for present day tribes. As a result,
many urban Native American’s experience low quality of life and are caught in a limbo between
success and poverty. However, the center stands as a emblem of the marvelous craftmanship of
Native American ancestors and a location to spread the energetic stories and practices of
vanished traditions. The Daybreak Star Center emits a bright future, staging Native communities
for long-term success and stability. It is this spirit, that embedded Native American cultures into
Seattle’s background. All throughout the city, Native American art and customs attract visitors. It
is clear that the legacy of Chief Seeathl upholds a loud presence, and the Daybreak Star Center
shows acknowledgment to natives for the vital work of their ancestors.
26 “Daybreak Star Center.” 27 “Daybreak Star Center.”
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Katie HoganENVIR 22106, December 2011Place Paper Final Draft
Daybreak Star Center Images
Image 1: Exterior of Daybreak Star Center showing modern architecture and Native American art.Source: Photograph by Katie Hogan
Image 2: Fort Lawton occupation of present day Discovery Park, 1925Source: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/map_item.p
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Image 4: Traditional Native American Wedding at Cultural CenterSource: http://www.unitedindians.org/events.html
Image 5: Bernie Whitebear Ethno-botanical Garden on the grounds of the Daybreak Star CenterSource: Friends of the Bernie Whitebear Daybreak Star Garden, Facebook
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Bibliography
Crowley, Walt, and Quintard Taylor. "Seattle Neighborhoods- Past, Present, Future." People's
History Library 1, 2005. Accessed November 12, 2011.
http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=7196
Elkind, Sarah. "Environmental Inequality and the Urbanization of West Coast Watersheds."
Pacific Historical Review 75 (2006): 53-61. Accessed December 4, 2011. Jstor. doi:
10.1525/phr.2006.75.1.53.
Fiset, Louis. "Seattle Neighborhoods: Magnolia." Cyberpedia Library, 2001. Accessed
November 12, 2011.
http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&File_Id=3415.
McRoberts, Patrick. “Whitebear, Bernie (1937-2000).” Cyberpedia Library, 2003. Accessed
November 12, 2011. http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?
DisplayPage=output.cfm&File_Id=5170.
Sheffield, Carrie. "Bernie Whitebear: An Urban Indian's Quest for Justice." Studies in American
Indian literatures (2008): 105-108. Accessed November 12, 2011. Muse. doi:
10.1353/ail.0.0030.
Smith, Karen. "United Indians of All Tribes Meets the Press:
News Coverage of the 1970 Occupation of Fort Lawton." Seattle Civil Rights & Labor
History Project, 2006. Accessed December 10, 2011.
http://depts.washington.edu/civilr/FtLawton_press.htm.
11
Katie HoganENVIR 22106, December 2011Place Paper Final Draft
Thomson, Alan, and Wendy Cocksedge. "Salal (Gaultheria shallon) harvest: A plant architecture
model." Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 54.2 (2006): 84-92. Accessed
November 12, 2011. Web of Science. DOI: 10.1016/j.compag.2006.08.003.
Thrush, Coll. "City of the Changers." Pacific Historical Review 75.1 (2006): 89-117. Accessed
December 10, 2011. Jstor. DOI: 10.1525/phr.2006.75.1.89.
United Indians of All Tribes Foundation. "About Us." Accessed November 12, 2011.
http://www.unitedindians.org/about.html.
United Indians of All Tribes Foundation. "Daybreak Star Center." Accessed November 12, 2011.
http://www.unitedindians.org/daybreak.html.
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