[cid:image004.jpg@01DC347E.807EA7A0]NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 7, 2025 MEDIA CONTACT: Derek Nguyen, Marketing and Communications Director, Washington State Historical Society, 253-317-1273 derek.nguyen@wshs.wa.gov<mailto:derek.nguyen@wshs.wa.gov> Native Voices Highlighted in New Permanent Exhibition at the Washington State History Museum [A display of a wooden structure AI-generated content may be incorrect.] This Is Native Land exhibition at the Washington State History Museum. Tacoma, WA – The Washington State History Museum<https://www.washingtonhistory.org/> (WSHM) announces This Is Native Land, a permanent exhibition in the Great Hall of Washington History, opening on October 19, 2025. The exhibition shares the state’s history and culture through the voices of over 100 Native contributors representing more than 60 Tribes. The exhibition has been curated by Todd Clark (Wailaki-Round Valley Indian Tribes) and Dr. Danica Sterud Miller (Puyallup Tribe of Indians) with guidance from a Native advisory council. This major project has been in development for four years and has been under construction since January 2025. This Is Native Land tells the story of Washington’s Native history since time immemorial, guided by the teachings of “we are the land and waters,” “with knowledge comes responsibility,” and “our sovereignty protects the people, the lands, and the waters.” This exhibition explains the sovereign status of Tribes, confronts historic and current challenges faced by Native communities, and explores themes of resilience, joy, and cultural revitalization. “This exhibition creates spaces for Natives, Tribes, and citizens to tell their own stories and centers their experiences,” said curator Dr. Sterud Miller. “There is a wonderful array of diverse voices and perspectives.” This is Native Land features multimedia pieces, contemporary art, and objects that invite visitors to interact with them. Presented alongside historical artifacts, the exhibition conveys the importance of Tribal traditions and their continuation today. “As a Diné filmmaker, I wanted every frame to feel honest. These stories are gifts, and my role was to help carry them with respect,” said director Fritz Bitsoie (Diné). His videos, created with North Shore Productions, are projected in teaching theaters throughout the exhibition. “I kept thinking about my young kids walking through this exhibit one day and seeing Native life as alive and strong. My hope is that these films remain a gift that continues to speak long after the cameras are gone.” The new exhibition is part of WSHM’s ongoing updates to galleries originally installed in 1996. The gallery space, initially created as sets for living history performances, previously featured a longhouse, general store, train, and lumber mill, utilizing a blend of artifacts and props. While the space has been redesigned, the history has been integrated into recently updated galleries and interactive experiences such as 360, Encyclopedia Washingtonia, and Washington My Home. Annual WSHM visitor surveys have consistently ranked Native history as the top area of interest. This feedback, along with consultation with community representatives and the board of directors, helps inform exhibition planning and programming at the museum. WSHM partnered with AldrichPears Associates to design the exhibition, with fabrication by CREO Industrial Arts, lighting by EOS Lightmedia, interactive elements by Trivium Interactive, and videos by North Shore Productions and War Pony Productions. Funding for this project was provided by the State of Washington, with additional support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through grant number MA-253423-OMS-23. This is Native Land is included with general museum admission. For more information about exhibitions, programs, or to plan your visit, please visit www.WashingtonHistory.org<http://www.WashingtonHistory.org> ### About The Washington State Historical Society and History Museum The Washington State Historical Society works with our communities to explore how history connects us all. Its most prominent activity is the Washington State History Museum, located in Tacoma's Museum District on Pacific Avenue. The museum features interactive core exhibitions about Washington in the Great Hall, rotating special exhibitions, and various public events and programs that cover a wide range of historical topics. The WSHS provides curriculum resources, downloadable exhibitions, and educational support across the state, as well as consultation and resources for museums and heritage organizations. Address: 1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402 Hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday. Admission: <http://www.washingtonhistory.org/support/membership/> FREE for members<http://www.washingtonhistory.org/support/membership/>;<http://www.washingtonhistory.org/support/membership/> $17 adults; $14 seniors (age 65+) and military (with ID); $11 students (age 6-17). Through the Museums for All<https://museums4all.org/> <https://museums4all.org/> program and licensed Washington Foster Parents can attend for $1 per person or $2 per family. About IMLS The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov<https://www.imls.gov/> and follow us on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/USIMLS> and X.<https://twitter.com/us_imls>