What Is a Chief? How Native Values Can Teach Resilience

The Clark County Historical Museum continues its 2025 Speaker Series with “What Is a Chief? How Native Values Can Teach Resilience,” featuring Native artist and former tribal leader John Halliday.

At the age of 55, Halliday became legally blind. A Muckleshoot Tribal member of Duwamish ancestry, he credits his Native American worldview, cultural traditions, and values—practices that have sustained Indigenous peoples for generations—with helping him navigate the challenges of vision loss.

Too often, our understanding of American history begins with the arrival of European powers, overlooking the thriving Native communities that existed long before colonization. Through his personal story and historical insight, Halliday offers audiences a richer understanding of Washington State history from a Native perspective, and how these enduring values can inspire resilience and leadership today.

This event is free to attend, but registration is required to reserve your seat.
Doors open at 6:00 PM, and the program begins at 7:00 PM at the Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660.

John Halliday (he/him) is a legally blind Native American artist of Muckleshoot, Duwamish, Yakama, and Warm Springs descent. He recently retired from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, where he served as Deputy Regional Director for the Navajo Region, and previously served as CEO for both the Muckleshoot and Snoqualmie Tribes.

As an artist known by the name Coyote, Halliday’s work has been featured at Lakewold Gardens, ANT Gallery, and the Sacred Circle Galleries of American Indian Art. He currently lives in Steilacoom, Washington.

This program is presented in partnership with Humanities Washington and the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission.

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