Kay Knott is an elder in the Upper Skagit Tribe and a key volunteer with Paths to Understanding (PTU).
I first met Kay when she reached out to learn more about PTU’s work. We had lunch and there was an immediate connection. At first, she came just to listen to how we bring people together across cultures and traditions.
Soon, though, she began speaking with me at events and became a vital thought partner as we developed our “Let’s Go Together” program. In the spring of 2023, Kay spoke at the Lutheran Clergy Gathering, alongside three other Indigenous leaders, during our “Truth and Relationship with Indigenous Peoples” retreat. She speaks from her heart, sharing wisdom that meets people where they are, while also encouraging them to move forward together.
We are deeply grateful for Kay’s leadership.
Recently, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the SWAN organization in Skagit County. Here’s a quote from the program:
Kay Knott, whose name skʷalx̌ax̌alic̓əʔ means ‘Holy Weaver,’ embodies her identity through her work as a community bridge builder. With over three decades of experience in various roles, Kay has dedicated her life to fostering healing and creating connections between diverse communities.”
Kay holds a BS from Western Washington University and has held numerous professional roles, including Executive Director of Cascade Intertribal Housing Authority, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Program Director for Pregnant and Parenting Teen. She also ran her own business, Diamond Designs Jewelry.
Most recently, Kay served as Executive Director of YouthNet, where she provided social and educational services to support children, youth, and families in growing, healing, and achieving success. Since then, she has become a vital volunteer with PTU’s “Let’s Go Together” program, which fosters connections between tribal and non-tribal communities in Skagit County. Through public gatherings and outreach efforts, Kay’s leadership has built profound bridges between historically separated groups. Her work inviting tribal community members to participate in non-tribal events has been transformative, enabling meaningful cultural exchange and healing.
We encourage you to listen to her speech, included below, introduced by Pastor Charis Weathers from Burlington Lutheran, who nominated her.
In a time of division and isolation, Kay’s wisdom helps us envision a different future. As we come together, there is deep work to be done to acknowledge and heal the traumas of the past. But as Kay often reminds us, we are better together.