Who We Are

We are the Lhaq’temish. The People of Sea.

We are the original people of Washington’s northern and British Columbia southern coast. For thousands of years, we lived, worked, struggled, and celebrated life on the shores and waters of the Salish Sea.  We are fishers, hunters, gatherers, and we live in gratitude of nature’s many gifts.  We envision our homeland as a place where we enjoy an abundant, safe, and healthy life; where future generations have the same opportunities to embrace their culture; where all are encouraged to succeed, and none are left behind.  We commit ourselves to this vision.

For more information about the Lummi Nation, visit the Lummi Nation Website.

Lhaq’temish Foundation

Lhaq’temish Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization chartered to protect and improve the health and quality of life for the Lummi Nation and to fulfill social, educational and cultural purposes.  We strive to develop projects that serve our mission and meet critical gaps in existing community services.  We pride ourselves on empowering natural community leaders, through our fiscally sponsored projects, to achieve their visions for a healthier and more prosperous community.

Our Service

By focusing on strengths-based projects, that are rooted in culture and seek to empower and build resilience, the Lhaq’temish Foundation helps to build a healthier, stronger, more successful and prosperous community, rich with culture, hope and stewardship for future generations.

The Lhaq’temish Foundation also extends its 501(c)3 nonprofit status, through fiscally sponsored projects, to various community projects aligned with our mission. This maximizes the impact of the Foundation and helps support the natural community leaders who give so selflessly to support the healing and well-being of our community.

Our Legacy

Since 1997, we have developed and facilitated numerous projects focused on improving the health and vitality of our community. We have helped raise and administer funds for the (countywide) COVID Pandemic Response, the Lummi Blackhawk Singers, Lummi Ventures Partnership, Paddle to Lummi 2007 & 2019, the Lummi Boys and Girls Club, the House of Tears Carvers, Lummi Youth Canoe Family, Lummi Youth Wellness Center, Lummi Youth Basketball Tournaments, Natural Resource Enhancement projects, Language Revitalization efforts, community emergency response efforts, various youth canoe clubs and sports teams, and more.

We are proud to have supported the early work of many now-independent 501(c)3 entities, who represent our tribal goals and interests, throughout the Salish Sea: the Lummi CDFI, Children of the Setting Sun Productions, the Sacred Sea, the Whiteswan Environmental, and others. We continue to support these important efforts – you can find links to their websites, along with other partner organizations, here.

Our Vision

Honoring our heritage while pulling towards an abundant future.

Our Mission

To support the overall strength and wellness of our people and community.

Nilh Xwenang Tse Schelangen Etse Nexw Xwlemi – This is Our Lummi Way of Life: Building a healthy, giving and prosperous community to strengthen our people through cultural, social, and economic abundance.

Our Values

Respect: Esteemed, honor, reverence.
Endurance: Fortitude, resilience, overcoming hardships.
Honor: Dignity, nobility, admiration.
Integrity: Veracity, honesty, earnest.
Reciprocity: Requite, reciprocate, give in return.

Our Guiding Principles

  • Gathering, listening, and weaving the voice of the people into our work.
  • Building a healthy and prosperous community.
  • Holistic empowerment.
  • Connecting people to social, economic and cultural opportunities.
  • Honoring our past, our present and our future.
  • Reciprocity and sharing of oneself toward the greater good of the community.
  • Strength-based perspective to build individual, family and community assets.
  • Respecting and understanding all voices.