Good morning,

This message is in response to the comments made Tuesday morning during opening week about the Highline College mascot, the Thunderbird. This issue was brought forth back in 2017 by Dr. Tanya Powers. In response, Highline College engaged Louie Gong, a noted Native American and Coast Salish Artist to design an authentic Thunderbird that would represent and honor the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and Coast Salish People whose land Highline College occupies. Read the historical press release here. Louie Gong began this work in 2018 and per his request, Highline College unveiled the redesigned logo of the Thunderbird in 2020. In addition, Indigenous students were heavily involved with the redesign. Highline College has partnered with leaders of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe who have given their blessing and appreciation to Highline College for partnering with Louie Gong who is considered a close relative.

Currently, Highline College is engaged in honoring our commitment to realizing the words of the Land and Labor Acknowledgements through a multitude of efforts, including our on-campus observance of Indigenous Peoples Day in October and hosting of the Native Student Success Summit in the Spring. At both events we invite members of local Native American Indian Tribes to campus to connect with our faculty, staff and students. We are also currently investigating the removal of plaques on buildings and what the process was to rename them so we can share this information to our campus community. In addition, through the SBCTC, we have been participating in Government to Government summits with tribal leaders. We recognize that our governmental and educational institutions have much work to do to repair harm and build trust and we are committed to always learning so we can be responsible and responsive in our teachings.

As a community, we invite everyone to consider the harm that is caused when we try to speak for other communities outside of our own, especially those who are communities of color. When we do this, we further marginalize those communities by taking away their own voice.

Approaching situations from a place of learning, including learning and honoring the historical context is critical as we all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.

The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Transformation office is available to partner with your teams to continue the conversation and provide appropriate training.

Sincerely,

Executive Cabinet

Danielle, Emily, Jamilyn, Josh, Maribel, Melanie, Michael & Tim