Saltwater Soundwalk

Saltwater Soundwalk is about our relationships and responsibilities towards the Salish Sea and connecting waters, centering Indigenous Coast Salish voices and language. In this rhythmic, watery audio experience, streams of stories ebb and flow, intermixing English with Coast Salish languages.

Listen to learn where the traditional fishing ground “Hit the Water” is located in Seattle, to hear traditional Tulalip names of local places and to learn about the colonial history of Seattle and the construction of the Ship Canal. Indigenous rights, responsibilities and cultural preservation are essential to healing these waters, our relationship to them and to each other. As well, hear from a public artist and a Seattle Public Utilities manager about how we all impact these living waters.

This is an experience for all of us to connect to the Salish Sea area, and a step towards creating healthier human relationships with this changing ecosystem.

Voices featured are: Ken Workman (Duwamish), Warren King George (Muckleshoot), Michelle Myles (Tulalip), Archie Cantrell (Puyallup), LaDean Johnson (Skokomish), Owen Oliver (Quinault / Isleta Pueblo), Lydia Sigo (Suquamish), Randi Purser (Suquamish), RYAN! Feddersen (FLOW artist, Confederated Tribes of the Colville - Okanogan / Arrow Lakes), and Eric Autry (Seattle Public Utilities), Joseph Sisneros (UW) and Jeanne Hyde (The Whale Museum).

Created by audio artists Jenny Asarnow and Rachel Lam (Anigiduwagi enrolled Cherokee Nation), this audio experience is intended to be listened to on site or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

To listen on site, start at Gasworks Park. Follow the route along N Northlake Way and the Burke Gilman trail to the entrance of the Ship Canal at the Fremont Bridge; and then return the way you came.

Commissioned with SPU 1% for Art Funds. Administered by the Seattle Office of Arts and Culture. City of Seattle, Bruce Harrell, Mayor.