Tacoma is on the Indigenous land of the Puyallup People. They--like many tribes around the Puget Sound--speak the Twulshootseed (or Lushootseed) language. Though once categorized as endangered, the language is thriving. It's beautiful to hear, and when spoken, it reflects the sounds in the region: waves washing on a shore, the call of a stellar jay, or walking on fresh snow.
In 2009, type designer Juliet Shen worked with the Tulalip tribes, north of Seattle, to create a Lushootseed font. The font was also cut in wood at the Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum in both 10 and 12-line to be used for summer language programs. At Juliet's suggestion, the Tulalip tribes generously lent the Lushootseed wood type for a visit to Tacoma this past month. While the primary focus of the Puyallup Tribal Language Program is revitalizing Twulshootseed and implementing day-to-day usage of the language, Program Director Amber Hayward was generous with her time and knowledge. (To learn more about Amber's amazing work with her team watch Virtual Heritage Cafe.) In our discussions, it became clear that setting and printing the basic virtues of Lushootseed culture would be just right. With Amber's help, you can learn how to pronounce these virtues.
Offered during Native American Heritage Month, and ready to display in your home, the limited edition print reads: ƛ̓ububƛ̓ub, kʷaxʷalikʷ, ʔabalikʷ BE KIND, BE HELPFUL, BE SHARING are basic virtues of Lushootseed culture, and the language spoken by tribes in the Puget Sound region. In Tacoma we acknowledge we live on the Indigenous lands of the Puyallup People, who cared for their ancestral lands before the Medicine Creek Treaty of 1854 removed native peoples to clear way for colonial settlement. We are grateful to the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, who continue to be leaders for justice in our community.
Printed in an edition of 115 copies, all proceeds support the Puyallup Tribal Language Program and their mission. They can be purchased for $30—apply code LOCAL for pickup in Tacoma and we'll make arrangements. And here's a free downloadable link to print your own grayscale version at home. To learn more about the lands, languages and treaties where you live, Native Land Digital is a good place to start.
