Cascadia is real…

…and we think its time we created a space to celebrate its rich heritage.

Cascadia is not simply an idea that lives in the hearts and minds of its supporters and its citizens but rather a real place, a real region - with its own distinct and real heritage and culture. We aim to give Cascadian Heritage and culture a real home and a welcoming environment for all those interested in PNW culture and heritage - A physical locale where the heritage of the region can be preserved, celebrated, shared and promoted.

A place where the people of Cascadia can come together to discover their common roots and culture, to discuss the future and to embrace and be opened to all the subtleties of our diverse and unique region. The Cascadia Heritage & Cultural Center (or 'Centre' if you are of the Canadian contingent of Cascadia supporters ;)....will be a place of discovery, of learning, of gathering, of celebration and of understanding the unique shared history of the region and all it means to it inhabitants - past, present and future.

Central to the stories to be told will be that of the Natural Heritage and Natural History of Cascadia, Its First Peoples and indigenous inhabitants, the newcomers to the area, its current residents and the events and people that have helped to shape what it is now and what it will be in the future.

Ideally located in the foothills of the North Cascades on a stunning and historic 25 acre organic farm (started in 1890) that backs onto prime Cascadia wilderness, the CH&CC will be an immersive environment offering a very broad range of exhibits, events, experiences and a destination for those seeking to learn about Cascadia. We are 1.5 hrs from Vancouver, 1.5 hours from Seattle, 4 hrs from Portland and very easy to get to.

We are in the early stages of this project. The land was purchased 3 years ago with significant funds and resources already invested in infrastructure and building capacity to host large groups of people. While the land itself is stunningly beautiful and offers a myriad of activity options, some accommodations and amenities, we're seeking to raise funds to complete some spaces that include a large common kitchen and meeting area, an outdoor amphitheater and event space and additional accommodations in the form of tiny homes, cabins and a camping area. All building methods are driven by sustainable construction practices and organic solutions. We are in the process of setting up non-profit status for the operations of the Center, and are also exploring co-operative ownership models as a means of enabling an inclusive, accessible organization and land ownership.

Programming, for exhibits, event spaces and messaging may take many forms. While we view this as a Cultural initiative rather than a Political initiative, we recognize that the idea (and ideology) behind the Cascadia movement can be quite political, varied and often does not come without controversy of some kind. We aim to elevate the programming up above political leanings and are looking to create new dialogue and commentary that is meaningful and able to create positive change. We want to focus on the characteristics that unite us, not divide us.

For example, central to the theme of the spaces and programs will be the understanding and recognition of indigenous rights and sovereignty in the region, coupled with great respect and a deeper connection to the land of the region. We see these critical themes as inseparable and we are currently working with some indigenous groups to include their leadership and involvement in both of these areas.

Yes, we will look at the past and recognize the “history” of the region, but we aim to create new dialogue and discourse that may serve to better understand how this land ‘came to be’ and most importantly, how it can best be protected and honored going forward. (This particular piece really inspires much of our thinking and hopes for transformation that we want to see happen in this cultural space : http://upliftconnect.com/decolonizing-humanity/)

We envision events and programming that range from art installations, archival images that showcase the past while highlighting better ways forward, cultural expression events, education and training initiatives around conservation, indigenous land relationships, traditional skills workshops, music and celebration events, artifact displays (not typical but unique), demonstration gardens, crafting programs, outdoor interactive experiences, guided natural experiences, and much more. Programming will be varied and aimed at all ages and backgrounds. Our goal is to make the spaces avilable for community and grass roots groups to make use of for their own events and programming as well.

(A bit more about us....The property and the concept for the CH&CC is stewarded by Cascadia Cultural Services Inc  - a Pacific Northwest based culture and heritage consultancy with deep Cascadia roots and extensive experience in creating extraordinary heritage and cultural experiences for communities and groups across North America. Cascadia Cultural Services Inc. has been working with cultural groups and non-profits organizations for almost 20 years to tell stories and lead, develop and create themed and immersive environments that compel, educate, entertain and create awareness and positive change. Projects include work with Oregon Historical Society, Squamish First Nations, Kwantlen First Nations, Parks Canada, US National Park Service, Nooksack Valley Heritage Center, Science World Vancouver, Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Cambridge Bay Cultural Centre, Western Red Cedar Association and many more.)