Carving Culture, Restoring Connection
Free and Raven Borsey lead a paddle carving workshop with teacher Michael Baker in his woodshop class at Lummi Nation School.
Students from Lummi Nation School recently gathered in Michael Baker’s woodshop class for a paddle carving workshop centered on culture, craftsmanship and connection. Throughout the day, students learned carving techniques while shaping their own paddles, sharing stories and spending time together in a creative, hands-on environment rooted in Indigenous knowledge and tradition.
Setting Sun Circle documented the workshop as part of an upcoming project focused on the restoration and return of the Lummi Youth Canoe. The gathering reflected the importance of passing cultural teachings to the next generation and highlighted how carving, canoe traditions and mentorship continue to strengthen community ties.
In collaboration with Baker, the workshop was led by Setting Sun Circle’s Free and Raven Borsey – Lummi Nation School alumni and former pullers of the Lummi Youth Canoe team. The workshop is a reflection of the work Setting Sun Circle will continue in our future home, currently under construction in downtown Bellingham. The space will host an artist workshop and artist-in-residence program dedicated to supporting Native artists and raising the profile of Indigenous art in the community.
A Bold New Chapter
In a powerful essay for the premiere issue of Cascadia Daily Life Magazine, Executive Director Darrell Hillaire shares the vision behind Setting Sun Circle — our future home for Coast Salish storytelling, art, gatherings and Indigenous innovation in downtown Bellingham.
“A cultural resurgence is underway here and rippling outward,” he writes.
Opening in 2027, the space will uplift Native voices through immersive media, public art, food, film and community connection — creating a place where culture, story and healing come together.
We hope you and your family will join us for an evening of culture and community as we introduce Setting Sun Circle during Bellingham’s Indigenous Art Walk on June 5th at 6 pm, beginning at Maritime Heritage Park with an option to travel up the street to visit Setting Sun Circle.
Through powerful voices, Indigenous art, music and dance, we will share the vision for this transformative gathering place — and the journey we are beginning together. All are welcome to attend this free community event. RSVP not required, but appreciated for planning purposes.
Future Home Update
Executive Director Darrell Hillaire (center) leads a tour of our future home, Setting Sun Circle.
We’re excited to share that construction on Setting Sun Circle is well underway! Throughout May, crews will continue major structural work to transform the three historic buildings that make up our future home on Holly Street in Bellingham. By opening walls, reinforcing steel beams and completing extensive structural improvements, the project is creating a unified, accessible space that will seamlessly connect all three buildings across two floors.
“The River Remembers” Sells Out in Ashland, Screens at Sehome
In a recent article, Ashland News highlights how our film “The River Remembers” drew sold-out audiences at the Ashland Film Festival. The film chronicles Indigenous-led efforts to restore the Klamath and Elwha rivers through historic dam removal projects. The story explores the deep cultural and environmental significance of restoring free-flowing rivers, while uplifting the voices of Tribal leaders, youth and community members working to protect salmon, waterways and future generations.
Our education work continued locally with a recent screening for Sehome High School students. Followed by a presentation from Setting Sun Circle Writer and Producer Noelani Auguston and Director Jordan Riber, pictured above, students had thoughtful questions about the future of salmon in the Pacific Northwest and the behind-the-scenes work of filmmaking.
The film continues on the festival trail with a screening at Portland Eco Film Festival on May 26.
Where We’ll Be
First Salmon Ceremony: Thurs. May 14 | Bellingham, WA
The First Salmon Ceremony is just around the corner! Join us as we honor tradition and celebrate the incredible work of Lummi Nation School seniors. This year’s theme: Care for Mind, Body and Spirit reflects a holistic approach to wellness and community.
WWU Longhouse Opening and Powwow: May 14-16 | Bellingham, WA
Setting Sun Circle is proud to attend the opening of Lhaq’temish-ew'xw ets'e XwLemi' – House of Healing at Western Washington University. This event will honor the past, present, and future of the House of Healing. The program will be on May 14 from 3-5pm with a reception to follow. This is an intergenerational event and all are welcome.
The festivities will continue with the annual spring powwow hosted by WWU’s Native American Student Union May 15 and 16. Entry is free and all are welcome.
Native Action Network’s Silver & Sequins Gala: Sat. May 30 | Seattle, WA
We are excited to share that Setting Sun Circle’s Santana Rabang will be the emcee for Native Action Network’s Silver & Sequins Gala!
Santana was honored as Native Action Network's 2025 Rising Star this past October. We're excited to see her grab the mic at the gala later this month!
Seeds of Change
Opportunities to Learn and Grow Together
May 5 was National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Relatives. Our prayers go out to all missing and murdered Indigenous people, their families and friends. We invite you to join in remembrance of our missing and murdered relatives with this song composed by Antone George of West Shore Canoe Family.
What is Darrell Reading?
Executive Director Darrell Hillaire is known as a prolific reader. We’re often asked, “What is Darrell reading right now?” We’re excited to start offering a sneak peek into his library in our monthly newsletter.
Darrell is currently reading “American Indigenous Democracy: A Call for Interdependence” by Indigenous leaders Oren Lyons, John Mohawk, Katsi Cook and other contributing authors. The book, which debuts in June, focuses on Indigenous models of governance. He is also listening to Julian Brave Noisecat’s appearance on the Let’s Give a Damn Podcast in an episode titled, "Surviving the Night, Becoming a Father, and Faith."