THERE is so much you might think you know about Seattle, but the city’s deep-rooted Native American heritage may be new to you. Seattle is the only major city named after a Native American chief, who was a peacemaker and a stand-out speaker, who led the Duwamish and Suquamish people. And throughout the city and state, I experienced the many destinations that honour the preserving of indigenous culture and the telling of their stories. These people continue the important legacy of their people while ensuring their history isn’t lost or forgotten. For my first trip ever to the US, I flew from Dublin to Heathrow, from where I was to get a connecting flight. The Holiday Extras lounge in the London airport is worth the money, if you’ve time to relax and enjoy it. It was from there that I flew to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport via Delta Airlines along with the group I was travelling with. A ten-hour flight can often seem long but thankfully I got some sleep on the way. On arrival, I stayed at Hyatt at Olive 8. A modern and spacious hotel located in the city, it is close to all the amenities. Seattle is a very walkable city, something that I hear is rare for the US. But there’s also lots of transport options, too. Nearby the hotel is the Eighth Generation store, an art and lifestyle brand owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe. Founded in 2008 by Louie Gong, they provide a strong, ethical alternative to “Native-inspired” products, with wool blankets their main focus. When you see these pieces, they’re beautifully designed, but when you pick them up, you get the sense of the sheer quality - they’re thick, heavy and warm - perfect to wrap up in during an Irish winter. Its Coast Salish Pattern Wool Blanket is front and centre on the October 2023 issue of British Vogue, modelled by Lily Gladstone who stood alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. And its staff proudly have it framed in their headquarters on the edge of the city. Right across from its Downtown Seattle store is the famous Pike Place Market, the biggest tourist attraction here, with 10 million visitors annually. This bustling place is so full of life and well-worth a couple of hours of your time. In other, more laid-back surroundings, we then headed to the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center and listened to rich stories of the history and traditions of Seattle’s first people. TREASURE TROVE The longhouse, modelled after traditional cedar plank houses, offers exhibits and events to highlight the tribe’s vibrant culture. But it’s the Burke Museum, on the University of Washington Campus that really captures my imagination. This place is a treasure trove of artefacts and exhibits, and you could spend hours walking around viewing the art and objects. One thing that catches my eye is a gut-skinned jacket - from the indigenous Inupiat group living in Alaska - used to keep people dry long before the days of rain gear or GoreTex. It is just one of hundreds of examples of the craftsmanship and ingenuity of Native Americans. Hungry, and in search of some food, we stayed with the theme and visited Ivar’s Salmon House for a bite to eat. It’s a staple for seafood in the city and has a beautiful cedar replica of a Northwest Native American Longhouse, complete with an open-pit Native American-style barbecue for preparing succulent alder-smoked dishes. Inside, it’s a treasure trove of native art and historical photographs. What also catches the eye are the massive windows that capture some seriously spectacular views of the city’s skyline as well as the boats cruising Lake Union. I then pay a visit to the ASUW Shell House and Conibear Shell House on the University of Washington campus, where we were given an insight into the building’s history, its ties to Native American canoe culture. OLYMPICS LINK The ASUW Shell House was once home to the legendary ‘Boys in the Boat’ – the 1936 University of Washington rowing team who triumphed at the Berlin Olympics, winning gold. The next stop was the Centre of Wooden boats, which is dedicated to preserving and documenting the maritime history of the Pacific Northwest. It was there where our group got to see and learn about canoe carving and its importance to the indigenous people. It can take three years to complete a single canoe and the historic process involves incredible craftsmanship. WATER WONDER For an escape out of the city, just a 45-minute drive east of Seattle and the hustle and bustle of daily life is the Snoqualmie Falls, one of Washington’s top tourist destinations. At 268ft tall, there are various hiking trails that all afford a view of this spectacular site. Needless to say I took the easiest route to reach the viewing platform. This is a sacred spot for the Snoqualmie Tribe, which has worked for many years to preserve the area. Known for its appearance in the television series Twin Peaks, overlooking the falls is uber-luxe hotel, Salish Lodge & Spa. The highlight of the trip for me though was my overnight visit to the 370-room modern Tulalip Resort & Casino, about an hour away from Seattle. CASINO CRAIC It’s owned by the Tulalip Tribes, a federally recognised Indian group, its reservation is rich with natural resources. The resort and casino is undeniably bonkers, but I had great craic. I stayed on a Saturday so it was always going to be busy but I was stunned by the droves coming in and out. After a lovely meal at the Tula Bene Pastaria + Chophouse, a few of us decided we must have a flutter. Of course, you always have to gamble responsibly - in my case especially - as I didn’t quite grasp most of the games. Taking out a small amount of money, I hit the roulette table, and to my delight (and some of the other more experienced player’s disgust) I won some money and cashed in. Could my experience journeying to this part of the world get any better, I wondered?