A Need for Sacred Space with Chief Seattle Club

Join the Indigenous Society of Architecture, Planning, and Design (ISAPD) and Chief Seattle Club to earn why providing culturally appropriate housing is vital in urban cities.

Native people in urban areas face unique challenges and experience a disproportionately high rate of homelessness compared to the general population, according to the 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report by the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Tribal sovereignty plays a critical role in creating culturally specific and effective programs that are reflected in the architecture.

The Chief Seattle Club in Washington state is a Native-led housing and human services agency that embraces the Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions of its members as the primary method for healing and transformation.

"We believe that a world without homelessness is possible by leading with Native values. We provide sacred space to nurture, affirm, and strengthen the spirit of urban Native people." - Chief Seattle Club

Join Executive Director Derrick Belgarde and Chief Community Development Officer James Lovell as they share the origin story and community programming of the Chief Seattle Club.

Speakers:
Derrick Belgarde, Executive Director, Chief Seattle Club
James Lovell, Chief Community Development Officer, Chief Seattle Club

About the Speakers:
Derrick Belgarde is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon, and also Chippewa-Cree from Rocky Boy Montana. He serves on the board of Community Roots Housing, Downtown Emergency Service Center, Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness, and the Housing Development Consortium. He completed his undergraduate in Public Affairs Magna Cum Laude, and went on to complete his Master’s in Public Administration, both at Seattle University. He is a proud father of three and is married to the wonderful Lua Belgarde.

James Lovell is Chief Seattle Club’s Chief Community Development Officer and has been at the Club since 2021. In this role, James oversees the development of resources for the Club including fundraising, grant writing, and policy & advocacy work. James also leads the Club’s public-facing work including communications and the ʔálʔal? Café. James has previously served as Development Director for Neighborhood House, a partner of Chief Seattle Club. James’ background is in youth development and system-building for statewide education systems, including work at School’s Out Washington, ReWA, and VFA (now Kandelia). James is enrolled in the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians from Belcourt, ND and was born and raised in Seattle. James currently lives in SeaTac, WA with his wife, kids, and extended family.

If you register for a virtual ticket, you will receive an email with a Zoom link to access the program.