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Samish Libraries

Samish Indian Nation has three libraries!

Summit Park (Physical) Library

We have a physical library located at the Summit Park campus with over 4,600 titles! 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.

Samish Book Club

Did you know we have a book club at Samish? We meet virtually once a month to discuss books available in our library! Previous books include Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley, One Story, One Song by Richard Wagamese, Two Old Women by Velma Wallis, and The Language Warrior's Manifesto by Anton Teuer.

Our upcoming books are Jestinel: Living Wisdom from Coast Salish Elders by Children of the Setting Sun Productions on November 12 and Haboo: Native American Stories from Puget Sound by Vi taqʷšəblu Hilbert on December 10. To join us, please email RSVP@samishtribe.nsn.us for the link!

readers window

Summer 2022

Aug 31, 2022, 16:32 by Cheryl Chatt, Samish Library Assistant

Hello, again, everyone, welcome to our fall edition of Reader’s Window!

I cannot believe how fast this summer is flying (has flown?) by!  I hope that your summer has been as fun and as busy as ours has.

Speaking of busy…good things continue to come our way in Samish Library. In addition to the grants that were mentioned in the last newsletter, we have also received a $500.00 grant from the National Science Foundation to purchase books pertaining to climate change and other environmental topics. These titles have arrived, and they are a great selection for all ages of readers. They will be hitting the shelves very soon.

In other exciting news, the month of July saw two large donations of books to enrich our library collection. One was from Jack Curtright, a retired tribal art dealer from Olympia, Washington. Mr. Curtright’s book collection contained several Bureau of American Ethnology volumes (published by the Smithsonian) dating from around the 1870s to the early 1900s. These will be an invaluable addition to our reference collection. In addition, Mr. Curtright donated some truly exceptional books on Native art and culture, including a very nice selection of books on Native basketry. Our hands go up to Jack Curtright, hóy7sxwq’e!

The second donation of books we received from the Orcas Island Friends of the Library. We were contacted by Robert Demarest, a Friends of the Library member. He offered a collection of books that they had received as a bequest. The topics of these books are all northwest coast Native art and culture. We now have these books in our library as well. Our library is very fortunate to have received some truly exceptional works to add to our collection. Many, many thanks (hóy7sxwq’e) to the Orcas Island Friends of the Library for these amazing additions to our collection.

Dinner & Drumming (Fidalgo Bay Resort)

Anacortes, WA

Gather for a potluck dinner followed by Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 12 – 12 Mar, 2026

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Weaving Retreat (Samish Island)


Get away to Samish Island for a weekend of 2-day wool and cedar weaving projects, along with language classes and games.

Dates: 20 – 22 Mar, 2026

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Dinner & Drumming (Fidalgo Bay Resort)

Anacortes, WA

Gather for dinner (meal provided) followed by Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 26 – 26 Mar, 2026

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Samish Elders Virtual & In-Person Spring Gathering


Join us for an afternoon of good conversation, culture talk and bingo.

Dates: 27 – 27 Mar, 2026

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Carving Class (Summit Park)

Anacortes, WA

Learn to finish dorsal fin or rattle carving.

Dates: 04 – 04 Apr, 2026

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2026 Samish Youthfest

Anacortes, WA

Join us on April 4, 2026 for a fun-filled day of activities, raffle prizes, and an Easter Egg Hunt at 11:00 AM. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Indoor activities and egg hunts are available for youth of all ages.

Dates: 04 – 04 Apr, 2026

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Dinner & Drumming (Fidalgo Bay Resort)

Anacortes, WA

Gather for a potluck dinner followed by Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 09 – 09 Apr, 2026

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Baby Moccasins Class (online)


Sew a pair of buckskin baby moccasins.

Dates: 14 – 14 Apr, 2026

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Dinner & Drumming (Fidalgo Bay Resort)

Anacortes, WA

Gather for dinner (meal provided) followed by Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 23 – 23 Apr, 2026

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Tides of Strength

Anacortes, WA

Take a day to prioritize you. This event will be all about wellness - featuring resources, practical tools, and supportive strategies to help you strengthen your mind and nurture your well-being.

Dates: 02 – 02 May, 2026

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Dinner & Drumming (Fidalgo Bay Resort)

Anacortes, WA

Gather for dinner (meal provided) followed by Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 07 – 07 May, 2026

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Potlach Culture Talk (online)


Learn about the history of traditional potlaches

Dates: 12 – 12 May, 2026

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Dinner & Drumming (Fidalgo Bay Resort)

Anacortes, WA

Gather for dinner (meal provided) followed by Coast Salish singing and drumming, taught by Chairman Tom Wooten.

Dates: 21 – 21 May, 2026

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Community + Family Teachings Talk (online)


Learn about cultural, community, and family teachings.

Dates: 03 – 03 Jun, 2026

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Thrive & Connect & Samish Play Day

Anacortes, WA

Join us for our Annual Health Fair & Samish Play Day - a celebration of wellness and community! Discover helpful tools and resources to support your health and enjoy a fun-filled day outdoors where kids can laugh, play, and explore.

Dates: 08 – 08 Aug, 2026

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Samish Halloween Party

Anacortes, WA

Join us for our Annual Halloween Party - a spook-tacular day of fun, treats, and community!

Dates: 24 – 24 Oct, 2026

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