Mary Ellen Hillaire Symposium
April 5 & 6, 2025
We’re thrilled to announce the Mary Ellen Hillaire Symposium happening on April 5th and 6th, 2025! Join us as we honor the remarkable legacy of Mary Ellen Hillaire, a member of the Lummi Nation and the visionary behind Native studies and the s’gʷi gʷi ʔ altxʷ House of Welcome-Evergreen Longhouse at The Evergreen State College.
We invite you to join us in celebrating her remarkable achievements and enduring impact at the symposium.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE MARY ELLEN HILLAIRE FLYER
Schedule of Events
- Lunch Talk With Honored Guest
- Guest(s): Colleen Jollie
- Time & Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
- Audience: Open to the Campus Community
- Cultural Dance Celebration
- Guest(s): Maria Littlesun and Family
- Time & Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
- Audience: Open to the Campus Community
- DJ Dance Exstravaganza
- Guest(s):
- Time & Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025, Doors Open at 6PM
- Audience: Open to the Campus Community
- Poetry Reading
- Guest(s) Rena Priest
- Time & Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 6:30 PM – 7 PM
- Audience: Open to the Campus Community
- Glass Blowing Demonstration
- Guest(s): Drew Hobson
- Time & Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025 from 2 PM – 4 PM
- Audience: Open to the Campus Community
About Mary Ellen Hillaire:
Mary Ellen Hillaire was a trailblazer in Native American education and culture. In 1971, she became the first woman and Native American faculty member at The Evergreen State College, where she developed the Native American Studies program. Her innovative approach focused on core components of Native culture: music, talk, dance, and art. She actively recruited Native students by visiting communities and presenting the idea of the Longhouse, advocating for a space where Native people could learn and thrive.
Mary Ellen Hillaire, A Lasting Vision Video to Learn More:
Thank you to our Sponsors
Evergreen Logo