Birthday of Bernie Whitebear

Sept. 27, 1937

Birthday of Bernie Whitebear Bernie Whitebear speaking to Senator Henry M. Jackson (not shown in this crop) during the dedication ceremony for the lease agreement held at Fort Lawton, November 14, 1971, which led to the foundation of Daybreak Star Cultural Center. Courtesy of the Seattle Municipal Archives
Sin-aixt (Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation) leader of the successful Fort Lawton takeover. Head of United Indians of All Tribes Foundation (UIATF) and Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center until his death. Champion for urban Indigenous peoples in Washington State and beyond. Bernie was involved in an early free clinic for Indian People at Seattle's Public Health Hospital, as well as promoting pow wow dancing for Indigenous youth, and other cultural activities for urban Native peoples.