Part of The Salish Sea Series

Please join us for the forthcoming book launch event of In the Spirit of Right and Respectful Relations as told to Kurt Russo, with a Foreword by Jay Julius, Xw’tot lhem. Published by Braided River.

This evening's event will be a conversation between indigenous and local members of the San Juans that captures the essence and call-to-action of the book, In the Spirit of Right and Respectful Relations. The conversation will be moderated by Kurt Russo of Se’Si’Le, non-profit organization. 

August 23rd, 2025  7pm - 9pm
Spring Street Landing at the Friday Harbor Clocktower, Friday Harbor WA

SPEAKERS:
Jay Julius, Xw’tot lhem (Lummi) - Book Contributor and President of Se’Si’Le
Fiorella de La O (Quechua) - Book Illustrator and Artist
Sarah Hart (SJI Resident) - Film Maker and Activist
Kurt Russo (Se’Si’Le Director) - Moderator
John Vechey (Orcas Island Resident) - Book contributor, Technologist, and Activist

This book was written to promote dialogue with Indigenous Peoples, increase understandings, build relationships and momentum, and inspire action to support, protect, and restore our region’s imperiled lands, waters, and lifeways. The book was inspirited by an Indigenous gathering, where those present spoke from the heart and the mind to the idea of what it means to be in right and respectful relations.

Published by Braided River

Given the relentless and urgent environmental crisis, it is increasingly important to envision a way forward for all our relations and future generations. To ensure establishing equal, respectful, and productive conversations and solutions between Tribes and other partners, an Indigenous-led approach has emerged. This is a book about identity and voices and visions; romancing paradigms and an ancient love affair with nature; decolonializing the imagination; deep history and deep relationalities; and what it means to be human - and other than human. - Chapter 1

-- Illustrations by Fiorella De La O