Our Mission

The mission of the Salish Sea Research Center is to prepare the next generation of environmental scientists and leaders through fostering respect for indigenous knowledge of nature, providing opportunities for students to gain a solid background in scientific methods, and fostering critical thinking skills and self-motivation. At the Salish Sea Research Center, students, and faculty conduct environmental research that supports healthy, clean, and vibrant environments that sustain tribal communities.

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Cultural Values

The Salish Sea Research Center (SSRC) honors individual Native cultures, languages, and traditions while operating within the arena of Western education, Western science, and indigenous knowledge. The education philosophy of the SSRC is based on the belief that the opportunity for post-secondary education must be provided from within the American Indian Community. The SSRC’s role is to nurture the concepts that education is attainable, that there is a path to a better quality of life, that Native knowledge is crucial, and that there is hope for a brighter future.

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Four Core Themes

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Selalexw: Our strength comes from the old people. From them we receive our teachings and knowledge and the advice we need for our daily lives. 

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Schtengexwen: We are responsible for protecting our territory. We take care of our land and the water and everything that is on it and in it. 

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Xwlemichosen: Our culture is our language. We should strengthen and maintain our language.​

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Lengesot: We take care of ourselves, watch out for ourselves, and love and take care of each other.