A Legacy of Service to our people

established in 1972

The Seattle Indian Services Commission (SISC) is Seattle’s oldest Public Development Authority. SISC and other urban Native community service providers are directly connected to the legacy of the American Indian Women’s Service League founded in partnership with Pearl Warren.

Pearl Warren was a Makah Tribal member and woman leader who was moved to action and community organizing over the concerns she had about urban Indian living conditions and the lack of access to Indigenous culture in the 1950s and 1960s in Seattle.

Standing shoulder to shoulder alongside our region’s most dedicated Native-led service providers, we continue Pearl’s vision of service and commitment to meeting the unique housing and cultural needs of Native people.

Black and white phot of American Indian Women's Service League President Pearl Warren displaying Native American art in Seattle, January 1962

continuing to Serve Our People

Seattle Indian Services Commission continues to build on the legacy of our local Indigenous leaders through our Native Village projects.

Our mission is to provide effective, comprehensive, and coordinated housing and planning services, activities, and programs that will meet the unique needs of the many American Indian and Alaska Native residents of Seattle and King County.

Our vision is a healthy vibrant urban Native community connected through culture and equitable housing and economic opportunities.

Ribbon cutting of the Lake City Seattle Indian Health Board clinic. Photo by Mel Ponder.