Anyone who has attended an Everett City Council meeting, or watched online, will be familiar with the land acknowledgement statement read off at every meeting to recognize the original inhabitants of the area. It started in August 2021 when the council approved the statement and added Indigenous Peoples’ Day to the second Monday in October.
James Madison Standing in front of his Acknowledgement Art at Everett Municipal Building (credit: City of Everett)
Now the City of Everett has gone beyond the spoken word: on February 22nd, 2024 the city held an official unveiling and dedication of a new Land Acknowledgement art installation. The new artwork adorns the Everett Municipal Building and was created by renowned Tulalip Tribes artist James Madison.
Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin initiated the effort, believing actions often speak more loudly than words. Franklin adds, “Our community, every time they walk by our city buildings, will remember the land they stand upon.”
Madison titled the project “Save Our Salish Sea.” Vibrant red and yellow metal sculptures can be found on the Municipal Building at 2930 Wetmore Ave in Everett. Madison adds, “With this project, I wanted to pay respect to our culture as this region’s first people. I tried to showcase our culture and who are people are, while paying respect to the Salish Sea through blackfish, salmon, and our stories that have been passed on for generations.”
More dedication photos taken by the City of Everett during the event:
City of Everett Land Acknowledgement Art Installation at Everett Municipal Building. Photo credit: City of Everett
February 23, 2024
Everett