Nakani Native Program

Last Friday was the last in-persons activity for our Fall 2025 internship! At this half-day event, interns participated in a variety of activities and presentations. We started by dyeing wool using natural materials, then using that wool to make necklaces. After that, we made salves using devils club. Then we mixed some traditional seasoning blends and cooked a mushroom soup together. While eating, our Roots to Renewal Interns presented their program-long projects to first-year interns.

Thank you to all of our interns who participated! We had a great time meeting with you all 😄💚🌱🍄‍🟫

We hope all who attended our recent “Weaving in Community” event had a great time! During this event, we learned how to weave a small plateau style trinket basket while discussing the cultural significance and history of weaving. Thank you everyone! 💚

Last Friday, our interns visited an endangered native sphagnum bog ecosystem and learned how protecting and preserving rare landscapes connect to honoring treaty rights. We also learned how safeguarding these places supports the revitalization of traditional foods and medicines for future generations. While there, we tested the water acidity and harvested mushrooms.

At one of our recent intern activities, TMP interns visited Chinook Bend Natural Area and learned about water, salmon, and people, and how they are all connected. We also learned about riparian forests and harvested cottonwood buds. 🌊🌿

Honoring our roots. Celebrating resilience. ✊🏽

Join us this Saturday for an exciting experience!! We want to invite you to attend our upcoming event, Weaving in Community ⭐️ At this free in-person Community Event, participants will learn introductory wool weaving skills while creating a small plateau style trinket basket to take home. A light lunch and beverages will be available. EACH PARTICIPANT MUST REGISTER SEPARATELY. Space limited to 15 participants.

Please see flyer and sign up for more details, and don’t hesitate to email us at [email protected] with any questions!

Register using the following link:

https://forms.gle/u11P1JEEH3LUanmW9

Last Friday, we had such a fun time working with willow and listening to traditional stories for lessons and knowledge. We stripped willow leaves and branches, and crafted willow roses 🌹

We had such a great first internship activity! While exploring Hooven Forest, we learned about Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Indigenous Medicine Systems, and an overview of gathering ethics and values. We harvested salal leaves and added them to hot water with elderberry jam mixed in to create a tea for the walk back.

We had such a great time at our Fall Forest Walk and Tea Harvesting event, thank you to everyone who attended! As we walked through Saint Edward State Park, we discussed local land history, cultural keystone species, and environmental impacts to local ecosystems.

🧡 Every Child Matters 🧡

Today, on Orange Shirt Day, we honor Survivors of residential and boarding schools, remember those who never came home, and reaffirm our commitment to truth, healing, and reconciliation.

We are so excited to be starting up our UW Indian Health Pathway clerkship for Fall 2025! Last Friday, we walked through the Hooven Forest while learning about Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Traditional Indigenous Medicine Systems, and an overview of tribal gathering ethics & values. 🎉🌿🍄‍🟫