BJ Cummings will discuss her book, The River that Made Seattle, detailing the importance of the Duwamish River in the story of Seattle, past, present and future, using previously unpublished accounts from Indigenous people and settlers.
Writing from the perspective of environmental justice—and herself a key figure in river restoration efforts—Cummings vividly portrays the people and conflicts that shaped the region’s culture and natural environment. She conducted research with members of the Duwamish Tribe, with whom she has long worked as an advocate. Cummings shares the river’s story as a call for action in aligning decisions about the river and its future with values of collaboration, respect, and justice.
Event Details
Date: Saturday November 22, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
This event is FREE for Museum Members and is included with Museum admission.
About the Author
BJ Cummings is founder of the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition and previously served as executive director of Sustainable Seattle. She currently serves as Manager of Community Engagement for the Superfund Research Program at the University of Washington.
