In Relationship with the Salish Sea

Santana and Free Borsey grew up on the waters of the Salish Sea, from playing at ferry docks to competing in war canoe races and paddling hundreds of miles in Tribal Canoe Journeys. As Lummi tribal members, they carry the responsibility of upholding their Nation’s sovereignty and protecting the Salish Sea and all of its inhabitants.

As young activists, they stood against the proposed coal terminal at Cherry Point, a fight deeply tied to their people’s survival. Today, they continue to resist environmental destruction through storytelling, educating others on the ongoing threats to the Salish Sea and the vital connection between Indigenous communities and healthy ecosystems. Having traveled thousands of miles across these waters—from North Vancouver Island to Washington’s outer coast—they honor the enduring relationship between their people and this life-giving sea, ensuring it thrives for generations to come. 

About the Speaker

Santana Rabang on the left, Free Borsey on the right, sitting on red carpeted stairs of a theater. Wearing woven hats, stage current and a decorative column in the background.
Free Borsey & Santana Rabang
Free Borsey: Stewardship Specialist, Setting Sun Institute | Santana Rabang: Storyteller, Podcast Producer, Setting Sun Institute

Santana Rabang is an enrolled member of the Lummi Nation and alumni of Northwest Indian College. Prior to joining CSSP, she worked at Lummi Indian Business Council to learn more about tribal politics and how to make a difference.

“Speak from the heart” is her life motto. Santana has spoken and emceed at many events including the 2024 Indigenous Peoples’ Day with nearly 5,000 attendees in person and virtually. As a digital activist, she uses TikTok to teach others about Coast Salish culture, while simultaneously dismantling ideologies and narratives that cause harm to Indigenous peoples.  

Future plans include continuously creating a space where all Indigenous Peoples feel safe and heard, and overall finding ways to be an asset to her workspace, community, and her people. 

Free Borsey (Tsx’vilum) is a Native Environmental Science major at Northwest Indian College and serves as the Environmental Subject Matter Expert at the Setting Sun Institute, a facet of Children of the Setting Sun Productions. As a Cultural Survival Youth Fellow, he led the PLANTS podcast series on Young and Indigenous. Other titles include being a traditional Salish artist, canoe skipper, and community organizer.

Free has led classroom lectures at Western Washington University and other public speaking engagements, focusing on Indigenous advocacy, environmental stewardship and contextual education on American Indians. They currently serve on the board of Paper Whale and are a former board member of the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association. In 2024, they were co-selected for the Bullitt Prize, awarded by Washington Conservation Action. 

Environmental Speaker Series

The Environmental Speaker Series is hosted by the College of the Environment at Western Washington University.

The Series is free and open to the public. Talks are held each Thursday at 4:30 pm in Academic Instructional Center West room 204 - AW-204. Talks will also be streamed via Zoom. Register with The Foundation for WWU & Alumni for the zoom link. Parking is available in lot C.

Learn more about the Environmental Speaker Series

Email Alumni@wwu.edu to be added to a mailing list to hear about upcoming events.