New Indigenous-led PacSci exhibit connects humans and pollinators

Chinuk Wawa (also known as Chinook Jargon) is composed primarily of four languages, including Old Chinook, Nuu-chaa-nulth, English, and French.

“English is foreign to these lands, but there are other words that create that connection,” Oliver said.

Oliver described the multisensory element as an “act of welcoming” as well as a step toward the language’s revitalization in Seattle. He believes that, as a highly anglicized language, Chinuk Wawa is comfortable for visitors to hear and feel comfortable speaking.

Adopting Native language and names is one step PacSci has taken to create a more inclusive educational program.

“It’s been a challenge and a great learning opportunity for me as someone who was really trained in Western science to learn about other ways of knowing and then be able to share it with our guests and give everyone a more holistic view of how our world works,” said exhibit developer Cailee Smith.

The next stop on this path is a plan to revitalize the area originally designed by Minoru Yamasaki for the 1962 World’s Fair, in what PacSci is calling its Courtyard Project. The courtyard was designed as a temporary exhibit not meant for long-term use. As a result, the pools are drained and the space lacks the grandeur of its original design.

“It’s old but there’s still a lot of heart in there,” Oliver said. “But how can we improve [the courtyard] further by bringing Indigenous people into that conversation?”