Header - Guemes Canoe Trip

Samish Libraries

Take our quick survey!


Samish Indian Nation has three libraries!

Summit Park (Physical) Library

We have a physical library located at the Summit Park campus. It is a resource for Samish citizens and the local Fidalgo community who wish to learn more about native culture, language, history, and other aspects of native life. While our collection here focuses on Northwest Coast (including First Nations), we also have books on Plains, Southwest, and Woodlands tribes. We have books on native plants and their uses, famous native artists, native crafts (including how-to books), and local history. We even have large children's and young adult sections and a wide selection of DVDs!

Libby (Digital) Library

In 2023, we started a digital library through the Libby app! We have a rapidly growing selection of e-books and audiobooks, and you can find our book club selections through Libby.

Sní7new7 (Living) Library

Debuted in 2024, we call our third library Sní7new7. It's a living library only accessible to Samish citizens, a place to ask questions to elders about Samish culture and traditional lifeways. Answers will be documented for the next seven generations.

Our hands go up to Samish citizen Jan Flagg who started the physical library and nurtured it for 20 years. Jan had an amazing talent for recognizing and purchasing books that enhance our collection.

We now have free e-books and audiobooks available! Click here to learn about the Libby app.

readers window
  • Spring 2024

    Feb 28, 2024, 14:48 PM

    Hello, everyone!

    With spring hopefully on its way, this edition of Reader’s Window is spotlighting another breath of fresh air, the late indigenous author, Richard Wagamese.

    I discovered Richard’s writings in a used bookstore. The cover of the book Embers: One Ojibway’s Meditation caught my eye. Beautifully illustrated with color photographs, the accompanying message on each page feels like a gift. It is a treasure that sits on the table where I have my morning coffee. I can pick it up, open any random page, and receive my inspiration for the day.

    Richard Wagamese was a truly gifted writer and storyteller, often drawing on his own life to illustrate and share insights gained from his experiences. While his life was one of early abandonment, substance abuse, and other struggles, there is a joy in his writing that resonates and continues to inspire.

    Author Wagamese was a prolific writer who authored fifteen books, one of which was published posthumously. At various times in his life, he was also a journalist and worked in broadcasting. His books have won numerous awards and honors.

    From the inside cover of Embers, Richard was “recognized as one of Canada’s foremost First Nations authors and storytellers.”  Embers was honored as a BC Book Prize winner and was nominated for a booksellers’ choice award just one week before Wagamese’s death in March 2017.

    February’s book club discussion focused on Wagamese’s book One Story, One Song. It was agreed by all book club attendees that they absolutely loved the book and felt like they really knew Mr. Wagamese by the end of it. Most attendees said they considered him a friend after finishing it. One Story, One Song is a collection of short stories or essays that the author draws from his own life, and while they are deeply personal, they resonate with the reader. From the inside cover: “The short stories in One Story, One Song remind us of human beings’ place in the world. We are a part of it, not masters of it. And by sharing our stories we share ourselves. By listening to others’ stories, we share their lives and perhaps gain connections. One Story, One Song is about connections, something we all need.”  —Globe and Mail

    That last line really resonates with me.

    To join our monthly book club discussions virtually, check out the calendar on the Samish website to see the books that have been selected from March 2024 going forward.

    Welcome, spring, bring on the daffodils!

     

Samish Elders Chat & Learn - Preventing Winter Illness


Samish Elders are invited to learn how to prevent winter illness.

Dates: 10 – 10 Oct, 2024

More Details

Drumming Group (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn Coast Salish singing and drumming in a group 7-week class series.

Dates: 10 – 10 Oct, 2024

More Details

Book Club: 1491 (virtual)


Join us for a discussion of “1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus” by Charles C. Mann.

Dates: 15 – 15 Oct, 2024

More Details

Samish Elders Virtual & In-Person Bingo Fun!


Samish Elders are invited to Bingo Fun!

Dates: 18 – 18 Oct, 2024

More Details

Samish Health & Wellness Fair 2024

Anacortes, WA

Gather for a fun day learning about health and wellness and getting connected to local resources.

Dates: 19 – 19 Oct, 2024

More Details

Netse Mot: One People Gathering (Seattle)


Join Samish households attending Netse Mot: One People Gathering (Seattle)

Dates: 22 – 22 Oct, 2024

More Details

Community Dinner (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Come to gather over a shared community dinner.

Dates: 24 – 24 Oct, 2024

More Details

Drumming Group (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn Coast Salish singing and drumming in a group 7-week class series.

Dates: 24 – 24 Oct, 2024

More Details

Harvest Fest (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Come celebrate the season of Píxwel (fall) with a shared meal at Fidalgo Bay Resort.

Dates: 02 – 02 Nov, 2024

More Details

Beaded Ornament Class (online)


Learn to make a beaded ornament for the holidays.

Dates: 05 – 05 Nov, 2024

More Details

Drumming Group (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn Coast Salish singing and drumming in a group 7-week class series.

Dates: 07 – 07 Nov, 2024

More Details

Book Club: Jesintel (online)


Join us for a discussion of “Jesintel: Living Wisdom from Coast Salish Elders” by Children of the Setting Sun Productions.

Dates: 12 – 12 Nov, 2024

More Details

Samish Elders Chat & Learn - Caring for Yourself When You Have Arthritis


Samish Elders will learn about arthritis and self-care.

Dates: 14 – 14 Nov, 2024

More Details

Community Dinner (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Come to gather over a shared community dinner.

Dates: 21 – 21 Nov, 2024

More Details

Drumming Group (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn Coast Salish singing and drumming in a group 7-week class series.

Dates: 21 – 21 Nov, 2024

More Details

Drumming Group (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn Coast Salish singing and drumming in a group 7-week class series.

Dates: 05 – 05 Dec, 2024

More Details

Christmas Party (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Join us at Fidalgo Bay Resort for the Annual Samish Christmas Party!

Dates: 07 – 07 Dec, 2024

More Details

Book Club: Haboo (online)


Join us for a discussion of “Haboo: Native American Stories from Puget Sound” by Vi Hilbert.

Dates: 10 – 10 Dec, 2024

More Details

Virtual Christmas Party (online)


Join us virtually for a multi-generational gathering with holiday bingo, giveaways, and more!

Dates: 13 – 13 Dec, 2024

More Details