Our work specifically, but not exclusively, intends to be effective for the most vulnerable stakeholder. In doing so, we hope to produce outcomes that ultimately serve everyone.
examples of the work we do
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This project in particular was a swift renovation that didn’t push the history under the rug but aimed to educate those who see the building and want to know more about the history and Coast Salish people’s relationship to the surrounding area of Šilšul.
Customers of Pagliacci, as well as community bystanders, have benefited from this project because of the heightened awareness of Coast Salish presence.
the impact
Image Credit: Pagliacci Pizza
When Pagliacci Pizza acquired a new location in Ballard Locks, Headwater People worked alongside Pagliacci and Floisand Studio Architects to appropriately move forward with renovating the space by explaining the history of the site and the land.
The location was unique because of its past use as a curio shop selling Northwest Coast Native art. The building itself was made to replicate a longhouse structure and was adorned by totem poles.
the story
PLACE-BASED DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN CONSULTING
Project: Pagliacci Pizza - Šilšul Location
learn more about our strategic planning
Headwater People was contracted to advise and produce a strategic plan that fit the board’s wishes and the employees’ capabilities to execute. The purpose of the strategic plan was to uplift Western Native Voice to become a foundational organization in Montana.
the impact
Image Credit: Western Native Voice
Western Native Voice (WNV) is a Native Voting Advocacy Group in Montana. At the time, WNV was engaged on all seven Montana Indian reservations and in major Montana urban centers and looking to expand their efforts into Idaho.
the story
strategic planning
Project: Western Native Voice
learn more about our meeting facilitation
These monthly writing circles helped people develop unique writing practices that aided them in work and personal writing projects. Members benefited by having a consistent monthly space that encouraged people to share their writing and thought processes. This project aligns with Headwater People’s mission of creating more equitable spaces to see all community members feel welcome and thrive.
the impact
Image Credit: Communities of Opportunity
Headwater People facilitated a monthly writing circle group for members within The Community of Opportunities organization.
the story
MEETING FACILITATION
Project: Communities of Opportunity
learn more about our program evaluations
- Headwater People was consulted to evaluate the partner’s community member's outcomes of using traditional medicine. Community members who engage in events that use traditional medicines have reported outcomes such as reduced stress, anxiety, blood pressure, and pain relief. In addition, traditional medicines also bring community members closer to their culture.
- This project is especially important due to the lack of funding for traditional medicines programs in Seattle. The community benefits from these evaluations because of the positive health data that showcases the need for and importance of engaging in traditional medicines.
- Headwater People wants to see the activation of change that places more traditional medicine into Indigenous people’s hands. It’s important to see a future where culture is held at every point, including traditional medicines.
the impact
- HealthierHere
- Cowlitz Indian Tribe
- Seattle Indian Health Board
- United Indians of All Tribes Foundation
- Unkitawa
- Nakani Native Program.
partners include
program evaluations
Project: Traditional Indigenous Medicine Evaluation
learn more about our meeting facilitation
Image Credit: Washington State History Society
Headwater People contracted with the Washington State Historical Society (WSHS) to provide a lecture and various workshops to educate over 45 WSHS museum grantees on identifying harmful rhetoric about Indigenous people. Within the workshops, participants learned the importance of working with tribes and the first steps in building relationships. The museum grantees benefited by taking an introspective view of their institutions and how they are either aiding or harming Indigenous people.
the need
MEETING FACILITATION
Project: Washington State Historical Society Virtual Workshops
learn more about our program evaluations
Image Credit: Tlingit & Haida Washington Chapter Facebook
This Needs Assessment focused on gathering the needs of Seattle Tlingit and Haida Voting Members to recommend the next steps in using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds. Headwater People implemented an accessible online survey along with insight circles and interviews to best gauge community member's needs relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
the need
Community needs assessment
Project: Seattle Tlingit and Haida Community Council
learn more about our design consulting
Image Credit: Seattle Art Museum
Headwater People worked with the Seattle Art Museum Education Department to evaluate their existing K-12 Coast Salish educational materials for cultural sensitivity. Headwater People made recommendations to develop a plan to update signage within the museum as well as begin to bridge tribal relationships. This project moves to heighten the awareness of Coast Salish art and artists in Seattle.
the need
PLACE-BASED DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN CONSULTING
Project: Seattle Art Museum Coast Salish Education and Exhibit Evaluation
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