"Recently, a group of Native and non-Native community members submitted a proposal for a Northwest Native Cultural Center (NNCC) at Seattle Center. The revitalization of the Fun Forest site is part of the Century 21 Master Plan meant to serve our city for generations to come. Seattle Center administrators asked us to respond to many questions about our proposal, which we did. Now we have a few questions of our own.

Our initiative is one of several under consideration: You probably have read about high-profile plans for a Chihuly museum, and a new home for public radio station KEXP. Supporters of those and other proposals have made convincing arguments. On behalf of the people of Seattle, we ask: Will the decision for what belongs at the Seattle Center be based on merit or on money?

The NNCC initiative perfectly suits the mission of the Seattle Center and its master plan. It will be a permanent venue in the city center dedicated to the history and living culture of our region's first people — a place for all the Coast Salish tribes and groups, as well as urban Indians, to tell their own stories through dynamic displays, programs and performing arts. Admission to the exhibitions will be free.

In addition, the NNCC will expand the green space at Seattle Center with a cedar grove and interpretive garden, where Native experts can demonstrate the uses of indigenous plants for food, medicine, basketry, tools and shelter."

Get the Story:
Roger Fernandes: Where is the Native American presence at Seattle Center? (The Seattle Times 8/26)