At Setting Sun Circle, we believe gathering is essential to building strong communities and creating a healthier future for generations to come. This month, we put into practice circling up together in community. In this work, we find commonalities and cross-cultural understanding to share solutions for the betterment of Mother Earth.

After more than a year of hard work, I’yes (meaning "Beauty") — a 40-foot cedar strip traveling canoe — returned to the water with the Xwlolemes Canoe Family during this year's Paddle to Nisqually.

Over the course of two weeks, more than 30 young people paddled, learned songs and dances, made regalia and grew together as a canoe family on the journey.

A historic weekend of culture, community and Indigenous storytelling unfolded in Bellingham as the ancestral name Xw’otqwem was returned to its village site along Whatcom Creek. More than 400 community members gathered to celebrate the introduction of Setting Sun Circle, featuring Indigenous artists, cultural performances, community leaders and tours of the future home for Indigenous storytelling and innovation opening in downtown Bellingham in 2027.

A historic weekend of culture, community and Indigenous storytelling unfolded in Bellingham as the ancestral name Xw’otqwem was returned to its village site along Whatcom Creek. More than 400 community members gathered to celebrate the introduction of Setting Sun Circle, featuring Indigenous artists, cultural performances, community leaders and tours of the future home for Indigenous storytelling and innovation opening in downtown Bellingham in 2027.

Setting Sun Circle shares how paddle carving becomes a pathway to cultural restoration, healing and community connection.