University of Washington professors and students speaking at the Auditorium Opening event, honoring Chief Leschi Schools on all the hard work in creating the digital stories shown later that evening.
As part of the Indigenous Rights and Environmental Sustainability project, UWCHR student researchers and faculty participated in Chief Leschi Schools‘ evening of celebration for the opening of their new auditorium on campus on February 24th, 2023. The energy that had gone into the construction of this beautiful space showed and the community gathered in numbers to experience the space for the first time. Director of Student Success and Culture at Chief Leschi Schools Binah McCloud had organized a guest list for the evening that included many talented and prominent Indigenous artists including Gary Farmer (Reservation Dogs actor), Keith Secola, Quiltman, Sten Joddi, Casper Lomayevsa, and the Bad Dog Band.
Along with the musical artists sharing their talent, this event was put together to showcase the digital stories that had been co-created by University of Washington and Chief Leschi School students. Between artist sets, the stories were shown and the students who collaborated were honored. In total, four stories were showcased, including a short video highlighting the collaboration. Four Chief Leschi School and five University of Washington students worked to put these stories together. The night was full of laughter and joy in the audience and accomplishment for the students involved in putting together the stories.
Chief Leschi School students and faculty working with Keith Secola on the creation of a soundtrack for the Digital Stories co-created by Chief Leschi School and University of Washington students.
These stories will be showcased again on University of Washington campus later this spring, 2023. Keep a look out for an event invitation.
Photo credits: Jessica Rose