Hibulb Cultural Center
The Hibulb Cultural Center inhabits the space where the past informs the present.
![](https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Jake-Campbell-180801_Hibulb_Cultural_Center_6167-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=606036b2b2d8cc7e7cf535a8cec4a718 320w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Jake-Campbell-180801_Hibulb_Cultural_Center_6167-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=a1c788005d27b80cc203ac46316458c1 540w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Jake-Campbell-180801_Hibulb_Cultural_Center_6167-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=e26da9a2ea1a26b0def9435b1aae540d 768w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Jake-Campbell-180801_Hibulb_Cultural_Center_6167-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=c56d14a39fdebdb453cbdc0bf6829219 1024w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Jake-Campbell-180801_Hibulb_Cultural_Center_6167-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=7277a1a4cb7f92dc290b14ba5f11c439 1200w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Jake-Campbell-180801_Hibulb_Cultural_Center_6167-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=4f357847ecb611d26d39b66828f901f1 1440w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Jake-Campbell-180801_Hibulb_Cultural_Center_6167-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=85de3132226f9757990eeed287780c12 1920w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Jake-Campbell-180801_Hibulb_Cultural_Center_6167-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=9b14dac5aba35e7ecb911784efe107df 2560w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Jake-Campbell-180801_Hibulb_Cultural_Center_6167-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=7dd741b7e8b5bd4e86aea08dacd2fa3b 3840w)
It’s where an ancient and sustainable way of life is celebrated and preserved. The center is on the Tulalip Reservation north of Seattle, and offers a window in the region’s history.
The Tulalip tribes inhabited the coast of Seattle NorthCountry for thousands of years before European-Americans came to the Salish Sea region, thriving thanks to wise stewardship of abundant natural resources.
The narrative of the museum is one familiar to many indigenous populations in North America, one full of one-sided treaties, destruction of natural resources, and tragedy. At times the museum’s stories and artifacts feel emotionally heavy, but to freshly countenance the past is understand the present cultural context of the Tulalip peoples.
Much of the old way of life has passed into history, but a lot has been preserved for posterity. Visitors to the center can see basketry, tools, clothes, hats, totem poles, and full-sized canoes on display. I was impressed at how many practical items can can be made from the bark of Western Red Cedar— a material that the Tulalip peoples knew to be weavable, breathable, naturally waterproof and lightweight.
![](https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/Blog/Hibulb_Totem-pole_200px.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=ca07d732de8fddbe2f4e97557971fe1b 200w)
You can read the history of the native peoples or buy textiles and jewelry directly from native artisans at the center’s Art Mart.
The center’s gift shop sells authentic Pendleton blankets and cups, prints, and jewelry with Northwest Native American pattern language.
Visit the Hibulb Cultural Center to see, taste, and touch remnants of a culture that still lives on and draws inspiration from the past. The Hibulb reminds us that the past is never far from us.
Hibulb Cultural Center
6410 23rd Ave NE, Tulalip, WA 98271
(360) 716-2600