United Indians of All Tribes Foundation
About United Indians of All Tribes Foundation
Founded in 1970 by Bernie Whitebear and a group of Northwest Native Americans and their supporters, United Indians of All Tribes Foundation emerged from a powerful act of reclamation when community members occupied Fort Lawton to secure a land base for urban Native peoples in Seattle. What began as a bold vision for justice has transformed into a thriving nonprofit institution deeply rooted in the Seattle and King County community. The organization's headquarters, the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, has become a beacon of Native culture and community strength since its completion in 1977, drawing Native peoples and allies from around the world. The center serves not only as a cultural repository with its permanent Native art collection and rotating Sacred Circle Gallery exhibitions but also as a vital gathering place where Native identity, heritage, and contemporary expression flourish. United Indians of All Tribes Foundation embodies a commitment to serving the whole urban Native community in Seattle through multiple interconnected programs and services. The foundation's work extends beyond cultural programming to include youth services, early childhood education, community celebrations, and retail operations that support Native artists and entrepreneurs. By maintaining spaces like Daybreak Star and operating programs such as the Labateyah Youth Home and Daybreak Star Preschool, the organization honors its founding principle of unity among all tribes while addressing the practical, cultural, and spiritual needs of Native families. The foundation's continued presence in Seattle represents a testament to the resilience and vision of its founders and the ongoing commitment to Native self-determination and community wellbeing.