Culture

Photo: Cathy Morris/Burke Museum
Photo: Cathy Morris/Burke Museum
net weights in the archaeology collection

Archaeology

The Archaeology Collections reflect how people live through the objects they leave behind.

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close up of a cowlitz basket

Bill Holm Center

The Bill Holm Center is the premier center for the study of Native arts of the Pacific Northwest.

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baskets on a shelf

Contemporary Culture

The Contemporary Cultural Collections reflect living and dynamic cultures. 

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News & Stories

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Garter snakes of Washington state Blog

Q&A with a Biological Illustrator

Ecology and illustration have a long, shared history. Come learn how UW postdoc Simone Des Roches uses illustration to visualize her research.

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a group of Native dancers on stage in regalia Blog

A Racial Justice Guide to Thanksgiving for Educators and Families

A resource to help confront the impact of racism in children's daily lives as well as providing training for educators. 

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a young woman lays cedar branches in a cedar canoe in the water Blog

Launching the Coast Salish s.dəxʷìł canoe

On a hot day in early July, a replica Coast Salish s.dəxʷìł dugout hunting canoe launched in the Green River.

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Featured Projects

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top-down view of the gallery with visitors looking at objects on display Exhibit

Northwest Native Art

What is your artistic heritage? Six Pacific Northwest Native artists from across the region answered this question.

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people weave ribbon and yarn to a community interactive Exhibit

Culture is Living

Cultural objects at the Burke Museum aren’t tucked away on shelves. They are alive, embodying the knowledge, language, and stories of people and cultures.

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close up of wild onions and garlic in a basket Project

Salish Bounty

While there have been enormous changes in Coast Salish Native diet and culture over the centuries, a core value of food has survived.

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Land Acknowledgement

The Burke Museum stands on the lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, whose ancestors resided here since time immemorial. Many Indigenous peoples thrive in this place—alive and strong.