From Classrooms to Conferences: CSSP Advances Indigenous Education Across Communities
CSSP Education Co-Director daniseten Michael Vendiola (left) and Executive Director Darrell Hillaire (right) at the Washington State Indian Education Association Conference in Snoqualmie, WA.
At Children of the Setting Sun Productions, we cultivate understanding and inspire action for generations to come. This month, our team focused on laying the groundwork to share Indigenous perspectives and knowledge with youth — and the educators and advocates who support them.
Our Education Team traveled to Snoqualmie for the Washington State Indian Education Association (WSIEA) 2026 Conference, where we were honored to open the gathering with a keynote and presentation. We shared our films and classroom work, led youth workshops, hosted an evening screening and Q&A, attended sessions and participated in WSIEA Board governance.
CSSP Writer and Producer Noelani Auguston speaks to a class of MIT and Harvard students about our latest film, "The River Remembers."
Setting Sun Circle Update
Children of the Setting Sun makes Indigenous knowledge and values accessible to all people to learn and grow. Knowledge that has been passed through generations Since Time Immemorial – teaching care and respect for Mother Earth.
We are proud to share that our future home, Setting Sun Circle, will be a resilient space that reflects our respect for nature with clean energy. CSSP was awarded funds for solar panels in the Washington State Department of Commerce's latest round of 96 awards to expand access to affordable, reliable clean energy across Washington.
Where We'll Be
Northwest Indian College Pow Wow & Coastal Jam
April 17 & 18, 2026 | Bellingham, WA
All are welcome to Northwest Indian College's Honoring Traditions Coastal Jam and Pow Wow in the NWIC Health and Wellness Center. The Coastal Jam will be on Fri. April 17 at 6 pm followed by the Pow Wow on Sat. April 18, Grand Entry at 1 pm and 7 pm. CSSP's daniseten Michael Vendiola will be the emcee of the night with West Shore Canoe Family's Antone George as arena director!
Children of the Earth Pow Wow
Sat. April 25, 2026 | Bellingham, WA
Join us in supporting Squalicum High School (SHS) Native American Student Union (NASU) first student-led pow wow in the district. All are welcome to this event with a free community dinner in the SHS gymnasium. Support the students' fundraiser here.
First Fridays: Children's Art Walk
Fri. May 1, 2026 | Bellingham, WA
We are excited to participate in the Children’s Art Walk! We will be highlighting our Coast Salish Living Mural and inviting kids and families to learn about the mural, Setting Sun Circle, the relationship and connections between people and all living things, elements of Coast Salish art and more!
Seeds of Change
Opportunities to learn and grow together
Thank you to our friends at the Community Food Co-op for having us at the annual member meeting! Watch here as CSSP Executive Director Darrell Hillaire discusses our shared values and the power of community!
Throughout April, the Co-Op's Community Change Fund donations at the register will go toward supporting the work of the Lhaq’temish Foundation to build a more prosperous community through cultural education and food sovereignty programs. Contributions will fund the Lummi Commodity Foods Program's delivery of garden boxes, soil and plant starts as well as cooking and food preservation classes.
What is Darrell Reading?
CSSP Executive Director Darrell Hillaire is known as a prolific reader. We’re often asked, “What is Darrell reading right now?” We’re excited to answer that now in our monthly newsletter, offering a sneak peek into his library.
Darrell is currently reading "The Beginning Comes After the End" by Rebecca Solnit.
You can help amplify Native voices!
Children of the Setting Sun is a 501 (c)3 non-profit that relies on the graciousness of others. If you feel inspired, make a tax deductible donation today. Hy'shqe \o/