Coast Salish Speaker Series

Saturday, May 18, 6 p.m., Orcas Library

— from Mary Pugh for Orcas Island Library —

The Coast Salish Speaker Series brings a unique opportunity for engagement with Coast Salish peoples to promote understanding of the culture, art, and history of First Nation’s communities.

The Coast Salish peoples inhabit the Northwest Coast of North America, from the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon, north to Bute Inlet in British Columbia. Coast Salish territories include much of the ecologically diverse Georgia Basin and Puget Sound known as the Salish Sea. 

Swil Kanim is a member of the Lummi nation and is a storyteller, classically trained violinist, and US Army veteran. He travels extensively throughout the United States, performing his original composition music and native storytelling. Kanim considers himself and his music to be the product of a well-supported public school music program. Music and the performance of music helped him to process the traumas associated with his early placement into the foster care system. Swil Kanim’s compositions incorporate classical influences as well as musical interpretations of his journey from depression and despair to spiritual and emotional freedom. The music and stories that emerge from his experiences have been transformative for many audiences.

The Series was underwritten by a grant from San Juan County and supported by San Juan Islands National Monument, Lopez Island Library, San Juan Island Library, and Friends of the Orcas Island Library. The series will include two more Coast Salish speakers throughout the summer months of 2019.