Sa'le Q'ewet Netse-lh/Our Hearts Beat as One: Book Event and Artist Presentation

Name: Sa'le Q'ewet Netse-lh/Our Hearts Beat as One: Book Event and Artist Presentation
Start: 2025-09-10T18:30:00-07:00
Location: 2125 Main St, Ferndale, WA 98248-9208, United States

Schedule

Wed, 10 Sep, 2025 at 06:30 pm

UTC-07:00

Location

2125 Main St, Ferndale, WA 98248-9208, United States | Ferndale, WA

Join us and WCLS at the library for a special presentation of Sa'le Q'ewet Netse-lh/Our Hearts Beat as One, a children's book that celebrates the story of a young orca named Sk'aliCh'elht-enaut that was stolen from her family and sold to a theme park. Learn how she became a beloved performer, inspired people across the world to fight for her freedom, and how Lummi Nation worked to bring her home.
REGISTER FOR THIS FREE EVENT HERE: https://wcls.libcal.com/event/14865000
This book tells her story in a way that honors the legacy of Sk'aliCh'elh-tenaut, encourages readers of all ages to stand up to protect all our relations, and demonstrates the power of inclusivity and collaboration.
We will have a special reading of the book by Na-tak-ul-tan Tino Kurtz, who translated the book, followed by a presentation by Sienum Jason LaClair who illustrated the book. During this interactive program, we invite attendees to color and draw with materials provided by the library. Artwork by Sienum Jason LaClair will be available for purchase.
About the presenters:
"Now' Si'am, Na-tak-ul-tan se ne na. Hello friends, my cultural name is Na-tak-ultan. My white name is Tino Kurtz. I am a Lummi Tribal member and work in the culture department for the tribe. Working on this project was such a joy and I am very happy to have a children's book made in our language. Hey'sxw'qe Si'am."
Sienum Jason LaClair is a Lummi/Nooksack artist who has worked in both Northern Formline and Coast Salish traditions, and in many different media, including carving, jewelry, and painting. His murals can be seen throughout Whatcom County and in many area public schools. Jason lives in Lummi Nation with his family and sometimes likes to go clam digging late at night, when he can feel the presence of his ancestors.
Copies of Sa'le Q'ewet Netse-lh/Our Hearts Beat as One will be available for purchase at this event from Village Books.