Northwest Native Canoe Center

Updated: April 12, 2024

Spring 2024

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) and the United Indians of All Tribes (UIATF) are happy to announce the design of the Canoe Carving House, Phase 1 of the Northwest Native Canoe Center, is moving forward.

In February 2021, the design team from Jones & Jones presented the project to the Seattle Design Commission and in April SPR provided an update to the South Lake Union Community Council. Both groups were excited to see the project moving forward, visit past presentations at the links below to learn more.

This is a package of the project's historic highlights from the last 25 years and comprises two phases.

Phase 1: Canoe Carving house – currently completing design
Phase 2: Welcome House – currently in funding

"This first phase of the Northwest Native Canoe Center (the Canoe Carving House) has been a dream of ours for many years," said Mike Tulee, Executive Director of UIATF. "The facility fits directly into our mission and will provide educational and cultural opportunities that reconnect Indigenous people to their heritage and will strengthen their sense of belonging."

The entire center will comprise the Canoe Carving House and the Welcome House. The Phase 2 Welcome House will provide educational interactive displays, a gift shop, a catering kitchen and a multi-use space for cultural events. UIATF is launching fundraising efforts for the Welcome House portion of the project. Please visit the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation's website to contribute. Once funding is secured SPR and UIATF will move forward with the second phase of the Center.

Location

Lake Union Park, 860 Terry Ave N, 98109

Budget

Seattle Parks and Recreation $750,000
King County: two grants totaling $1,260,000
State of Washington Department of Commerce: Three grants totaling $1,984,780
Federal Community Project Funding (HUD) $700,000

Schedule

Planning and Design: 2019 - Early 2024
Construction: Fall 2024
Completion: Fall 2025

Project Description

The Carving House will provide insight into distinctive varieties of Native American culture and be a place where Native carvers are safe, and the public is welcome. The Carving House will include a living roof and the beach will have a carved Welcome Figure. The facility will provide space for an ongoing Native American canoe carving program, and storage for canoes that will be hand-launched into the lake during operating hours. Docents will also explain the Northwest Native American skills and beliefs used over generations in building canoes.

This project was selected for the second round of Parks and Green Spaces Levy Opportunity Funding. The application received in this community-initiated process is a preliminary concept and the final design may be constrained by the project budget. All projects will go through Park's public involvement procedure which includes public meetings and community input. They will also go through an internal Parks process to ensure the most effective implementation.