The city of Seattle is named after the chief of the Suquamish and Duwamish people, Chief Seattle. We are excited to offer this impactful excursion in partnership with the Suquamish Museum to learn about indigenous cultures of the Greater Seattle community.
The Suquamish people have lived in this area known as “place of clear water” in the Southern Lushootseed language since time immemorial. It is the ancient place on Agate Passage, the site of the Old Man House Village, and the winter home of Chief Seattle. Communal life and labor in the traditional Salish longhouse fostered a code of behavior and values that continue to guide the Tribe. These expert fishermen, canoe builders, and basket weavers have lived in harmony with the lands and waterways along Washington’s Central Puget Sound Region for more than 10,000 years. The Suquamish people continue to live in the place of their ancestors and practice their traditional lifeways.
This enriching program highlights learning about the natives of our Greater Seattle region and their culture, language, environment, human rights, leadership, responsibility, understanding, and cooperation.
Please click on the "express interest" button below to connect with us to discuss the specific needs and interests of your group! A sample itinerary is outlined below and can be customized to meet your group's needs.
This tour is one of our Compassionate Community Tours & Team Building Experiences click here to learn more!
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS are below, click on ITINERARY to see all the details.
With the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), the health and safety of Global Family Travels’ travelers, community partners, colleagues and guides are of paramount importance to us. Our COVID-19 Safety Protocols, which can be found under Tasks section, outlines our commitment to mitigate and manage the risks associated with COVID-19 when you travel with us. You can find more detailed information on our website COVID-19 and Travel, and please also refer to the tasks which has specific details for your activity and destination.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about these protocols or your tour. Thank you for helping to keep yourself and fellow travelers and guides safe!
Much more than a traditional tour operator, Global Family Travels’ mission is to “Learn, Serve and Immerse” through community-based travel programs. In partnership with non-profit organizations and schools, we offer family-friendly and sustainable travel experiences in support of education, gender equality, access to clean water, preservation of local cultures, conservation and economic growth, all of which foster cross-cultural understanding and global citizens.
Our trips include a unique mix of cultural and educational activities, homestays and participation in local service projects aimed at improving the lives of people in the communities we visit.
Expect to expand your family circle when you embark on a Global Family Travels trip! Visit our website for more information: Global Family Travels
Photo by Merrill Images
Included in this tour is round-trip transportation from Seattle to Bainbridge and to the various stop outlined below. Enjoy the ferry ride from the Port of Seattle to Bainbridge Island!
Our first stop in Suquamish is the Kiana Lodge, for a traditional fire-baked salmon lunch. The lodge is surrounded by fragrant cedars, majestic firs and a stunning variety of blooming plant life. In addition, the lodge is situated on 1,000 feet of no-bank waterfront and six acres of beautiful gardens.
Our next stop is along the shores of the Agate Passage at Old Man House Park. This was the home to Chief Seattle before it was destroyed by the US Government in 1870 and the location of the Suquamish tribe’s largest winter village.
Photo Courtesy Suquamish Tribe
Our last stop is a short car/bus ride to the House of Awakened Culture. Emulating the original longhouse of Chief Seattle, and located along the picturesque waterfront, the House of Awakened Culture and it’s adjoining outdoor area are used for community programs that teach and celebrate the living Suquamish Culture.
Programs at this area include Lushootseed language classes, traditional weaving and carving, Youth Canoe Journey training, regalia making, and traditional song and dance classes. In addition, it is used for traditional ceremonies and modern celebrations that mark life milestones.
Photo by Merrill Images
Chief Seattle is the legendary leader of the Suquamish Tribe and is internationally respected. His ideas remain significant today through their global influence on ethics, spirituality, and environmentalism. The Suquamish Tribe re-built the gravesite monument in 2011 to honor Chief Seattle and to promote Tribal and community knowledge of the great leader. There is an interpretative kiosk at the cemetery entrance where guest can learn more about Chief Seattle
Photo by Merrill Images
Next, enjoy a short walk to the Suquamish Museum, to engage with the Ancient Shores – Changing Tides Exhibit and learn about the history and traditional ways of the Suquamish People.
From the moment you walk between the welcoming House Posts, the path through the exhibit will engage your senses. Movement, textures, the forest environment and the symbolic movement of the tide will inspire your imagination. The objects owned by the Suquamish Museum, many never before exhibited, and those on loan from Suquamish families and other museums, will engage visitors to learn about the lives and culture of the Suquamish. One singularly beautiful feature spanning the length of the exhibit hall is a uniquely cedar designed timeline. Beginning at the end of the last Ice Age and progressing through to current time, visitors accustomed to an event sequence style of display can ground their learning experience.
Our Bus will depart Suquamish for the Bainbridge Ferry Terminal and board the ferry back to Coleman Dock in Seattle.
Suquamish, WA, USA 
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