SEATTLE – The Northwest Native Canoe Center is scheduled to open in summer 2011 in Seattle’s Lake Union Park. Jones & Jones, whose projects include the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., is the architect.

The center is a project of the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation and the Seattle Parks Foundation. A planning grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Native Americans.

The center will be a public venue for the display, launch and use of Northwest canoes. A Welcome Canoe House and a Carving House will be made of adzed cedar planks and log beams, and will feature multi-use space with interactive displays. According to Jones & Jones, “Sloped living roofs, covered in native camas flowers, will help blend the structure into the landscape. A sandy beach will link the land to the water.”

Activities will include Native carvers in residence; canoe experiences and interpretive programs; demonstrations and workshops on Native heritage, canoe culture and traditional foods; catering of local foods; job training for youth in maritime carpentry and food service; special events such as art markets, canoe blessings, dancing, drumming and special occasion feasts; and cultural and educational programs to promote the health and wellness of the greater Seattle Native population.

“The Northwest Native Canoe Center will be a place to celebrate local and Northwest Coast tribal traditions and values,” said Noel Franklin, Cherokee/Shawnee, project director for the center. “It will provide educational opportunities, interpretive programs, canoe creation, carving classes as well as much-needed economic opportunities.”

Richard Walker is a correspondent reporting from San Juan Island, Wash. Contact him at rmwalker@rockisland.com.