2026 Living Breath of wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ Indigenous Foods Symposium

Join us for the 14th annual event of the "Living Breath of wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ" Indigenous Foods Symposium! Our annual event draws over 300 people from the UW campus community, regional tribal and urban Indigenous communities, and throughout the U.S, Canada, Mexico, and Aotearoa, New Zealand. Our symposium is a signature event for the UW Intellectual House and has become an important venue for bringing together people from diverse communities and organizations who share the same commitment to protecting Indigenous homelands and the environment. It serves to foster dialogue and build collaborative networks as Indigenous peoples strive to sustain cultural food practices and preserve healthy relationships to the land, water, and all living things.

This year's theme is "“Healing Hands – Healing Lands”.

The agenda and list of speakers, including presentation titles and abstracts, are forthcoming. They will be added here over the next month as we approach the symposium.

Your registration includes continental breakfast and lunch with traditional Northwest Coast foods prepared by Indigenous chefs on both days. The symposium will be on May 1 and 2, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST. Doors open at 8:30 am for check in and registration.

Ticket Information:

• Adults: $20 for one day or $35 for both days
• UW Students with valid ID (Seattle, Tacoma and Bothell): Free with registration (no exceptions)
• Youth (12-21): $10 for one day or $15 for both days
• Elders: (65 and over): $10 for one day or $15 for both days

NOTE: A one-day ticket allows you to attend on either day. One-day tickets aren't issued specific to date.

Tickets will be available for sale at the door unless the event sells out.

For registration information or concerns, please contact Tia Yazzie at [email protected].

For more information on past symposia or to learn more about the Living Breath, please visit our website: livingbreathfoodsymposium.org.

You can also contact Dr. Charlotte Coté at [email protected]

The 2026 Planning Committee Team: Dr. Charlotte Coté, Dr. Dian Million, Bridget Ray, Natalie Vaughan-Wynn, Chase Puentes, Sierra Hampton, Olivia Horwedel, & Tia Yazzie.

Note: We will have afternoon breakout sessions so that attendees will be able to collaborate and share knowledge.

Please see the University of Washington's COVID-19 protocol page here: https://www.ehs.washington.edu/covid-19-prevention-and-response/covid-19-health-and-safety

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully.
Accessible parking information:
Map of accessible entrances.
Printable campus mobility map.
For general accessibility accommodation requests: contact the Disability Services Office via email or at 206.543.6450, 206.543.6452 (TTY), preferably at least 10 days in advance of the event.
For interpreting, captioning, amplification services, and TTYs: contact the Coordinator of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services via email or at 206.543.1415, 206.543.6452 (TTY), preferably at least 10 days in advance of the event.
ADA Parking:
ADA compliant parking options for College of Arts & Sciences events:
N1: 6 stalls that serve The Burke Museum and Gates Hall
N22: 26 stalls that serve HUB, Hall Health, Thompson, Communications, and Padelford
Central Plaza Garage (C1-C6): 39 stalls that serve Kane, Suzzallo, Gerberding, Meany, Henry Art, Odegaard
C1: 12 stalls ‐ dispersed between exits/entrances to Meany Studio Theatre (2), Odegaard (2) and Kane Hall (8)
C2: 3 stalls ‐ located near 15th Avenue exit/entrance
C3: 12 stalls ‐ dispersed between exits/entrances to Meany Theatre (7), Odegaard (2) and Kane Hall (3)
C4: 4 stalls ‐ located near exit/entrance to Henry Art Gallery
C5: 4 stalls ‐ dispersed between exits/entrances to Odegaard (1) and Kane Hall (3)
C6: 4 stalls – located near exit/entrance to Henry Art Gallery
For additional questions/accommodations, contact the Transportation Services Events Office via email or at (206) 616-8710.

If you are traveling from out of town and would like to book a hotel room between 4/30 and 5/3 at a discounted rate, please see the Q&A section below For more information.

Info: Friday, May 1 check-in and registration begins; continental breakfast available

Info: Living Breath Collective opening welcome & event blessing song

Info: Check-in and registration opens

Info: Living Breath Collective closing remarks, closing song

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Host or Publisher University of Washington American Indian Studies and the Na’ah Illahee Fund